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STEVEN PEPPER Obituary

Steve was born in Lindsay, Ca. on July 31, 1947. He passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2011. Steven was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Lindsay, where he started performing, as a youth, for local functions with his family's quartet. He graduated from Lindsay High School in 1965, and received his Masters Degree in Photography from Fresno State University. Steve worked as a Display Specialist at Sears for 36 years. While in college, Steve developed a lifelong interest in dance and theater. Steven was an Associate Artistic Director, choreographer and principal dancer for the Fresno Ballet. His theater credits include The Fresno Community Theater, Theater Three and The Good Company Players. GCP audiences were entertained by Steve in over 85 musicals over a period of 34 years, never missing a performance. One of his favorite roles was as a California Dancing Raisin which took him from the White House Lawn at Easter to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and to parts all over the country. Steven collected and became a dealer of antiques, his favorite being all things Disney, starting in high school. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Reed Pepper. He is survived by his mother, Jean Pepper; his sister, Anna Vagnino and her husband Dan; nephew, Aaron Moe and his children Wolfgang and Gigi; niece, Sarah Moe and her daughter Mitra; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins Services will be held at Webb-Sanders Funeral Home in Lindsay on Friday, August 5, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Lindsay Strathmore Public Cemetery. Condolences may be made to Steve's family at www.webbsandersfuner alhome.com WEBB SANDERS FUNERAL HOME 163 S. Mirage Avenue Lindsay (559)562-3084

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Published by Fresno Bee on Aug. 3, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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Susan (Van Deusen) McFadden

August 9, 2011

I feel so lucky that I had so many years with Steven from Washington School through COS. The last time I saw Steven was at the Garden Court brunch in San Francisco on New Years Day about 20 years ago. Steven stuck with his passion for theater and entertainment. He was just a kind and fun person.

Roger Luallen

August 8, 2011

Heartfelt condolences to Steve's family. He and I were best of friends in High school, having most of our classes together, and both on the tennis team. Thanks Steve, for a happy and fun-filled friendship.

Rich Burt

August 5, 2011

Steve was my first choreographer in my first GCP show "Fiddler on the Roof". From there in several other path-crossings, I came to admire the talent and vision he brought to any show with his name on it. Even as his understudy for his favorite role Wilbur, it was a pleasure to watch him in his element. I am honored to be gathering with many of his friends at the services today!

Michele McNair

August 5, 2011

I met Steve in 1974 while working at Sears. The display shop was next to the office I worked out of. He always had a smile, a dance step, a witty line. Steve was so enormously talented in the store and on the stage. The Sears crowd was a family of sorts back then and he was one of the best. Steve will be missed by everyone he touched in all the levels of his life. I know he'll be a character I remember forever.

Steve Pepper entertaining...as always!

Dave Filipczak

August 4, 2011

A lot of people have talked about Steve as a great mentor and actor. That he was. But I was lucky enough to be able to call him Friend. Thankfully, he is now out of pain and discomfort. "And when he asks God ...can I still tap dance? God will say- Yes...I always wanted you to teach me a few steps..."

Tom Wollenman

August 4, 2011

Having gone to school with steven and being involved in a Theater Group in Northern California for several years allowed me to appreciate how talented Steven was. Necia and I attended many of his performances through the past 20 years.We will miss him greatly.Our prayers to the family.

Jeanne Antrim

August 3, 2011

Break a leg, my friend. You made every performance more fun.

August 3, 2011

To all of Steve's family, my deepest sympathy. And as a part of his Fresno theater family I mourn.
Steve was a friend and fellow performer since I was 13 years old. He was talented, classy, witty and fun. Always smiling. Always looking forward to the next thing, and always retelling of the past triumphs. My fellow performer, my dance partner, my dear friend. Words cannot express the loss. -Lyndsie

Dominic Grijalva

August 3, 2011

I had the pleasure of meeting Steve when he and I performed in Hairspray together at GCP, and two other shows thereafter. He was without a doubt one of the kindest, funniest, most interesting people I've ever met. He was always willing to help you with dance steps, always had a funny story to share for any occassion, and always had a tune in his heart. He and I bonded over our love for Disney and what a great bond it was. He was an incredibly talented man and I will miss him dearly. I love you Steve!

Bob & Patti Opp

August 3, 2011

Jean and Anna - our prayers go out to you and all the members of your family. We have fond memories of growing up with Steven in Lindsay. He was a good friend and will be missed by many.

Rhonda Flanagan

August 3, 2011

I remember Steve from when I danced at Kaye's for years. He was always a truly great man! Such smiles and laughter and great performances. He'll be missed!

Peter Allwine

August 3, 2011

I had the pleasure of meeting Steve during my first show at GCP (Hello Dolly in 1996). He actually was part of the reason I stuck with the show; I was a kid with no really dance experience and was insanely frustrated I wasn't getting the choreography. Steve helped me work through it and a great friendship was formed. We worked together on many shows over the years, and was absolutely one of my favorite people in the theater community. I will miss his humor, his passion for performing, and his ability to take the stage by storm.

Julie Andrews

August 3, 2011

I had the great pleasure and privilege of working with Steve in The Nutcracker, at GCP in shows with him, and as one of the dancers in the shows he choreographed. Steve was also a great friend during those days, and I will never forget the special performance he and some of the other guys did for my 19th birthday at the Music Hall. A fabulous rendition of "You've Gotta Have a Gimmick!" May your memories of Steve sustain you in this very difficult time.

Mary Webster-Walsh

August 3, 2011

I have so many good memories of Mr. Steve Pepper. He will be missed and missed by so many! He made my Mom laugh until she nearly passed out backstage during their performances of "Sam & Janet's Evening" at GCP. And he honestly scared the crud outta me when I was little Clara to his Uncle Drosselmyer at Fresno Ballet. God bless, Steve.

Janet Glaude

August 3, 2011

I performed with Steve at GCP for many years. He was always nice to me and willing to help with any dance step I had trouble with. I will miss seeing him on stage and that enthusiasm he had for performing.

Janice Noga

August 3, 2011

To Steve's family- I had the honor of working with Steve at GCP at Del Webb

Sarah Moe

August 2, 2011

Miss you already Uncle Steve!! Thanks for all the great stories!
<3 , Sarah

Gayane (Artenian) Korkmazian

August 2, 2011

To the Pepper Family:

Steve was a good friend to my father Michael Artenian who worked in the display department at Sears from its opening in 1956 until his retirement in 1982. My mother and my siblings continued the tradition Michael started of going to the productions at Roger Rocka's after he passed away. Steve will be missed by all of us not only for his wonderful performances but also for his friendship and loyalty to Sears and his respect for my father. Steve is at peace now - may the good memories sustain all of you.

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