Stephen Dishman

1951 - 2022

Stephen James Dishman
1951-2022
Stephen James Dishman passed from this world on March 29, 2022, at a time and place he could not have foreseen but would surely have approved of, during a vintage motorcycle rally circling the island of Tasmania. Steve was 70 years of age, but when you met him, his energy, humor, and sense of adventure convinced you he was considerably younger.
Steve was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and mentor to many. He was an entrepreneur and a leader. He was a pilot, motorcyclist, mechanic, runner, mountain climber, hunter, fisherman, and builder.
Steve was born in Kingsville, Texas on August 9, 1951. His father Elsby was a WW II Airman, and after college, a structural engineer. His mother Beth was a businessperson who rose from the position of bank teller to vice president. Steve acquired the independent qualities of his parents, and by age 14 was roaring through the streets of his hometown, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, on a restored Honda motorcycle—purchased with money he earned from his job as a paper route salesman—followed by a 1957 Bel Air sedan with a Corvette engine, drag slicks, and a long series of "mysteriously" blown clutches.
He attended Oklahoma State University, often managing to counter the thoughtful quiet of academic life by intentionally flinging himself from airplanes. Skydiving was Steve's first real taste of wide-eyed adventure, and he logged more than 400 jumps during and just after his college days.
After college, Steve and his friend Chip moved in with his parents and brother in their new hometown
of Houston, Texas. His mother told them to "Get a job fast and move out of the house!" and they did just that. Unsure of his next steps, Steve got a job as a timekeeper on a construction site with Vanco Construction. His only experience was a previous summer job building homes as a carpenter.
Steve fell in love with Marilyn Faulconer in 1973, and they married in 1977. Their son William was born in 1988. Steve was proud of Marilyn's successful IT career, which she continued until 2011. Both Marilyn and Will can be commended for their boundless patience over the years as Steve pursued his various ambitions and adventures.
Steve joined Brookstone Construction in August 1977 as a young Project Manager, assuming the President role in 1992, then transitioning to Chairman in 2021. Working alongside John Carson, his longtime business partner and friend, they grew the company to become one of the premier General Contractors serving the Greater Houston area leaving an indelible imprint in the community, especially within the religious, education, and aviation markets. Steve was passionate about building the right way, and his consummate curiosity to understand details and systems made all who collaborated with him better builders. He had the respect of the entire construction community including other general and specialty contractors, architects, engineers, and owners. Steve was proud of Brookstone's work. He loved building projects which upon completion he could stand back and realize an accomplishment that had a positive impact for the people who would occupy the space. The construction profession had meaning to Steve, as many benefited from a building's use and purpose. Most importantly he was a leader, mentor, and friend to every Brookstone employee and countless other industry professionals.
During his 45-year career with Brookstone, Steve was actively involved in promoting and improving the construction industry through his years of commitment and service in the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Houston Chapter, serving as Chapter President in 1999 and lifetime member of the board of directors; in the AGC Texas Building Branch where he served as President in 2007; and in National AGC on the board of governors. Steve was a founding member and chair of the AGC/AIA (American Institute of Architects) Joint Committee, as well as a board member of the Construction Career Collaborative.
Back to the adventure. Steve has always been athletic, and running was a passion. He and John Carson joined a group of adventurers whose mission was to climb the highest mountains in the western US states, while also whitewater rafting and flyfishing. Steve made it up several snow-capped tops including Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the continental US. He rode his vintage Vincent Black Shadow motorcycles in worldwide rallies and served as the treasurer of the Lone Star Chapter of the Vincent H.R.D. Owner's Club. He was an instrument-rated pilot, as well as having twin engine, commercial, seaplane and tailwheel ratings, and he became a formation flying pilot in 2021, flying as a member of Bonanzas to Oshkosh. He was active in the Southwest Bonanza Society and a lifetime member of Quiet Birdmen, a secretive club in the US for male aviators.
Steve passed on his love of adventure and his inquisitive mind to his son Will. Dinner table conversation between the two ranged from their latest outdoor adventures to rebuilding carburetors to construction details. Steve always offered excellent advice and meaningful insights. He was a polymath and the go-to-guy when you needed help and answers—he made time for everyone. He was a superhero not only to his immediate family but also to many other people.
Steve had a new sparkle in his eyes this past year because his first grandchild Avery Mae was born. He loved spending time with her, and his family was looking forward to the best chapter of their lives.
In addition to his wife, son, and granddaughter, Steve is survived by daughter-in-law Maelyn, sister
Kelly Mackintosh, brother Scott Dishman, and his extended family.
While Steve's family and large circle of friends are devastated by his loss, there is some comfort in knowing that he passed while doing something that he loved, riding a 1950's Vincent motorcycle in a far-off land.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, April 20th in the sanctuary of Chaplewood United Methodist Church, located at 11140 Greenbay Street, Houston, Texas, 77024. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of customary remembrance, contributions can be made to the AGC Houston Scholarship Fund benefiting the construction industry's future workforce. Checks can be made payable to Greater Houston Community Foundation and mailed to Greater Houston Community Foundation, 515 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77027 with a memo labeled Patrick J. Kiley/Houston AGC Scholarship Fund in Memory of Steve Dishman. Online contributions can be made at https://ghcf.org/donation-ghcf/ by completing the form. Using the drop-down under Fund Designation, click Patrick J. Kiley/Houston AGC Scholarship Fund and under Memorial/Honorarium, enter Steve Dishman.