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Steve Ley Obituary
His admiration for Albert Einstein ran deep. They were both men whose basic constitutions were based on a curiosity about life and all its abundant mysteries. Einstein, upon the death of one of his colleagues, was quoted as saying: "Now he has departed from this strange world a little ahead of me. That means nothing. People like us, who believe in physics, know that the distinction between past, present and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion." It was humbling for Steve to believe that there were forces at play that were much greater than he would ever be able to comprehend. He knew he was but a very small piece of a very large puzzle.
Steve leaves behind his wife, Annie, his two children Kevin and Sarah Ley, and his two stepchildren, Will and Elizabeth Brewster. He will also be dearly missed by his two cats, Tommy and Slippers. He is also survived by his sisters, Monica and Fjell Ley; and is predeceased by his parents, Frank and Doris Ley.
Please hold your loved ones closely. Find that place in your heart, where even in the middle of the deepest chaos, you can find peace. Let go of ego, and above all celebrate the present moment. Reflect upon the words of Harriet Beecher Stowe: "The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone."
The last 21 months of Steve's life were a gift to us all. Cherish those gifts, and when you unwrap them remember the amazing man that was Steve Ley.
A celebration of Steve's life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Family Network c/o G.O.L.F (gift of living fund), 313 W. Mendenhall St., Bozeman 59715. Any donated funds will be gifted in Steve's name to families or individuals in the Gallatin Valley who are facing a cancer diagnosis, and are in need of financial assistance.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service; www.dokkennelson.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steve Ley
Fjell Ley
July 16, 2008
I am Steve's older sister, and I never dreamed that my little brother would pass on before me. I was confident that Dr. Ley would be here for a long time to bestow upon us his wit and wisdom.
However, although his body is gone, Steve's spirit is here among us. Just the other morning, I was struggling to reach the top of a long, steep hill. I looked up at the summit - so far away - and I could see Steve standing there, smiling, saying, "You can do it; come on." That's all I needed - I kept plodding on. My brother's spirit will always live for me; he really hasn't "gone" anywhere.
Fjell Ley
The following is a Hopi Indian prayer:
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on the ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there,
I did not die.
Holly Butcher /King
July 10, 2008
Steve Ley (we always called him "SteveLey")was such a familiar face at our dinner table during the '70's.Our house often had more than a few hungry boys from St.Mary's over for food and conversation.My mother always had a lot of both.There were four of us girls in high school(Stacey,Holly,Marcy,Lindsey) and two younger brothers each of which seemed to especially need his attention.I am surprised we didn't scare him off! However Steve continued to visit Mom long after we were gone.(the food was excellent!) He taught me so much.. to ski better to swim better and to listen better. I still think of him often when swimming laps at The Claremont or skiing down "KT22 " at Squaw Valley.Growing up with Steve was such a treasure and I will miss him.I am so sad for the void that he leaves behind in all our lives.I can not imagine the grief you must feel. Most sincerely,Holly Butcher King
Alex Frasco
June 30, 2008
Steve and I met in 1973 where we worked at the same club. He was one of the few people I've ever met on whom you could truly count. His word was his bond. He was a man who believed in integrity and dignity and he lived his life so as to be a model of these characteristics. Those who knew him well learned much from him...how to live...how to behave. And we miss him dearly. God bless you Annie; you are in our prayers
Christie White
June 22, 2008
I feel blessed to have known Dr.Ley professionally, but most importantly as a friend. I will never forget his hilarious dry and unusual sense of humor. His wit and wisdom will always make me laugh. It was always a great day in the O.R. when we were working together, he was so loved by everyone. To Annie and family, my prayers are with you.
Tracy (Kaylah's Mom)
June 22, 2008
I only met Steve a handful of times, usually when we were picking up or dropping off our daughters at each other's houses. The girls would tell stories of how Steve would make them dinner and do silly dances around the kitchen. They would bend over in laughter while telling me these stories. Sarah ADORED her Daddy! Sarah, your Dad passed on his hilarious sense of humor to YOU,..... cherish that trait. My thoughts go out to all of you..... BIG HUGGGGS Sarah
Darci Ostrander
June 21, 2008
I only knew Steve through the love and devotion that his daughter Sarah had for him. Such a beautiful and talented young lady could only come from someone very caring and professional. My love and prayers go out to all the family. Remember, that his spirt will live on, in each of you!
Molly Bryant
June 20, 2008
Ann and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with your time of loss.
Molly and Bob
Kimberly Muljat
June 20, 2008
I wish we could have met, I always heard such wonderful stories about you and Sarah. Your memory will live on forever in your Children.
Paul and Teresa Brown
June 20, 2008
Dear Annie,
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
A Time for Everything
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heavenC
2 A time to give birth, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted.
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build up.
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
5 A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing.
6 A time to search, and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep, and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; A time to be silent, and a time to speak.
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; A time for war, and a time for peace.
9 What profit is there to the worker from that in which he toils? 10 I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.11 He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime; 13 moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor, it is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him. 15 That which is has been already, and that which will be has already been, for God seeks what has passed by.
It has been an honor to know Steve. I know the back nine on this last course for both of you has been rough, but I am sure he is already scouting out the next links for the rest of us following him. I wept that night at Swedish after Mike Hart called me but I'm so thankful for what Steve shared and demonstrated to us. His character and reputation will be cherished for eternity.
God Bless you and the children!
Cindi Cantril
June 19, 2008
Annie, even here in California, Steve is known and will be missed by all his golfing buddies ie; Dr Mark Bazalgette.
I and so many others have been so blessed by his spirit, strength, integrity, compassion and kindness. My heart knows your loss. With love and prayers for healing, Cindi Cantril
Al, Lauren, Therese & Myles Bagley
June 19, 2008
Annie - You are in our thoughts. Your children are wonderful and we so enjoy Will living here in Bend. He has kept us abreast of everything. We are all sending you our strength and compassion.
F. Ray Ruffatto
June 19, 2008
Dr. Ley played an instrumental role in what would become my career as a public safety professional. I always appreciated his direct, outcome-driven approach to teaching and precepting. Annie, you and Will Jr. and Elizabeth are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kaylah Jo Ellis
June 19, 2008
I remember growing up with Sarah, and every morning before school, Steve would make her a lunch. When lunch time came rolling around and she opened her lunch sack, Steve had written the sweetest, sometimes off-the-wall notes to her. It was special thing he use to do that would brighten her day. Thats just one of the great memories that we can share about how great Steve really was.
You will be greatly missed and remembered always!!
Pat Ellis
June 18, 2008
Steve's passion for how he lived his life is truley a gift that he left to us all. While he is in another place, his legacy remains ours to reflect upon while we are here. Annie, our hearts go out to you at this time--you are not alone.
Christine Quinn
June 18, 2008
It is heartwarming to remember the positive influence that Steve had on the world and encouraging to know that his family and friends will carry it with them.
christine
Joe DiMarco
June 18, 2008
Thank you for being in our lives, your wit,your knowlege, your caring,your sharing. You will be missed but always in our thoughts.
paula abrams
June 18, 2008
The last time I hung out with Steve we played the "old front 9" at RCC, Steve shot even par and I shot 2 over, breaking 40 for the first time. We had a lot of fun that beautiful Montana summer afternoon. I feel blessed that I have such a great memory of a time I spent with Steve. He was a great guy and had an awesome sense of humor.
My thoughts are with you Annie. Sarah and Kevin, your Dad was a wonderful person who will always be remembered by his many friends.
Cathy Whidden
June 18, 2008
Thank you Stephen for the years we spent together and the children that we brought into this world. I love you and will miss you.
You will be missed.
Sarah Ley
June 18, 2008
I love you Daddy. I promise to always make you proud.
Thank you to all who helped make my father's life what it was. He was a truely happy and wise person whose lessons will be with me my entire life. I will pass his knowledge and kindness onto my children.
Never forget the man he was.
Bruce and Nancy Gerlach
June 18, 2008
Bruce and I will always remember Steve's dry sense of humor that always brought a smile to our faces. We knew Steve both personally and professionally and will miss him. Steve is right on about what is important in life and his statements are something that we should all pay attention to. Thank you, Steve!
david herrenbruck
June 18, 2008
privileged and honored to have spent time w/steve and annie in new york city... will miss the wit and humor only and old friend can provide.. much love, david
Debi Naccarto
June 18, 2008
Annie, that was a beautiful message, and I would have expected nothing less. I can see that Steve loved life, and I will take his message to heart. Thank you for sharing your inner feelings, and keep the strength that I know he would want you to have. God Bless you both,
debi
Amy Tarnowski
June 18, 2008
Deepest sympathy. We love you, Annie.
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Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service113 South Willson Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715
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