Coach Steve Witcher, 66
Pocatello-died suddenly while riding his bike the morning of July 1. A celebration of his life for family and all who knew him will take place Wednesday July 6 at 5:30pm at Portneuf Wellness Complex, 2375 Olympus, Pocatello, Pavilion 2. Casual outdoor attire. If you are unable to attend, consider honoring Steve by doing something that makes you feel wildly alive, and grateful to be so.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Idaho State Journal on Jul. 5, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Coach Witcher

24 Entries

Faye (Liming) Kaufmann

July 10, 2016

Coach Steve welcomed me into the Cascade Senior Program at the tender age of 13. As a middle-schooler faced with social anxieties I found solace at the pool. Despite his cruel distance sets and booming voice, Steve proved each swimmer had something to offer the group - courage, laughs, power, discipline, speed, pace....he helped each of us find our strengths and push ourselves to the limit. Sure there were times when cracking a kickboard over his head seemed rational (10500 @ 7:00), fortunately he also coached us patience. We trained morning, evening, weekends and holidays, made best friends for life and sang along with Steve to true classic rock. I will never forget all that he taught me; I think of him often as I apply much of what I learned from him to my career as a trauma nurse when faced with similar personal challenges I battled in the pool.
Always in my thoughts, Coach Steve.

July 7, 2016

A good man is gone and a great friend and coach he a lot of people how to push there minds and bodys for that i am thank ful

Pieter deHart

July 7, 2016

Steve was an amazing man, and the most influential coach in my life. He was supportive in the most unique and positive way, and was a true gentlemen in all respects. As an athlete, I have thought about his influence literally daily since my time with him. He had a way of connecting with every individual to provide them with what they needed, to open their potential and allow them to truly thrive as a swimmer and citizen. His lighthearted spirit will be felt in the hearts of all those with whom he came in contact.
I miss you already, Steve. I wish all the best for his surviving family.

Scott & Nadia Armstrong

July 6, 2016

Steve was a true friend, always seeing the best in people and helping them strive to be the best they could be. I'm glad he became a part of my life. Truly will be missed but not forgotten.

Andy Vonasch

July 6, 2016

Steve was my swim coach. He thought it was important for his swimmers to work hard (they did), swim fast (they did), improve themselves (they did) and learn discipline (they did). I think many of us really appreciate the impact those lessons and skills have on us for the rest of our lives. I do. Steve led a life worth living. My condolences to Steve's family.

Ron and Dale Endo

July 6, 2016

Our thoughts are with you.

Deb Reiland

July 6, 2016

Very saddened to hear of Steve's passing. He was so helpful with teaching young and old to improve in their swimming technique. Will miss seeing him at Reed Gym.

Shanna Wolfley

July 6, 2016

We will all miss you Coach Steve.
Shanny Moody
Austin Moody
Jaydon Dursteler
Sydnee Christiansen
Destiny Dursteler

Dillon Cady

July 6, 2016

Steve was my swim coach for about ten years, and then he was my boss for a few more once I started my own coaching career.

Steve was able to connect with me when I was a goofball at 12-13 and I wasn't really aware of what a send off was, wasn't aware of what the set was, and when I wasn't aware of how to do the drill that the team was focused on he never would chew me out or make swimming not fun for me.

Steve brought out my competitive spirit, and figured out a way for me to motivate myself. He taught me to actually put in some work in practice and pay attention to the task at hand. At 14 I was hooked on swimming, and though I still was't very fast, I hung on Steve's words and started to understand the tasks and the goals required for higher level swimming. I use many of the goal setting and task identification skills that I learned from Steve in my jobs today.

Steve taught me about the delayed gratification of putting hours of training in for a few minutes of a race. He coached me to 2nd place finish at the state meet as a sophomore and took me to Junior Nationals that same year and for the next two years as well. He coached me to double state titles and numerous colleges recruiting me.

He taught me about not settling for mediocrity. If you want to get better, you have to do more than what you did to get to where you are now. I earned college scholarships in academics as well as swimming in a large part due to what Steve taught me about setting goals, working hard, and giving my best even/especially when the task at hand is difficult.

As a swim coach I still use his favorite sayings, or I give the same stroke advice that he gave to me as a swimmer. "If it's to be it's up to me". His advice for fixing a freestyle crossover stroke flaw, "Keep your elbow up and fingertips down in the front of your stroke and also keep your kick small."

I loved his quick wit and humor, but I also loved how interested he was in how you were doing as a person everyday. He knew when you were having a rough day, and could just about always bring a smile to my face with a joke or a well timed sarcastic comment. He connected with me and my friends and knew how to inspire and bring out my best and their best.

I think of Steve whenever I hear the Steve Miller Bands greatest hits and whenever I play or see Ultimate Frisbee. My favorite set of his was 4 x 800 IMs, 2:00 rest between each, the last one ALL OUT.

I am grateful to all you did for me Steve as a coach and friend. I miss you terribly.

Courtney, Every time I ran into your dad the past few years we would always talk about how you were doing and what you were up to. He was quite the proud papa. I am so sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,

Dillon Cady

Ken Lyon

July 6, 2016

Saddened to hear the news of Steve's passing. He was certainly an important part of my youth and a positive influence to my life. I would not be the person I am today without Steve and it seems I am not the only one. What an amazing legacy. He will be missed.

July 6, 2016

Steve was a huge part of our family's life in the late 70's. We are so thankful to have had Steve's encouragement and ability in our sons' swim team years. Our condolences to the family. He left far too early, but what he left behind will stay with so many.
The Sweigert Family (Braden,Jarek,Margie,Ray)

Roy Thompson

July 6, 2016

Steve, no one could inspire people the way you did. There will be one heck of a swim team up there. Always my friend and never forgotten.

Dan and Judy Woods

July 6, 2016

The world is a better place because of Steve Witcher's life. He made a difference in the lives of many, especially children. I think this makes God happy! Matthew 18:4-5 says "So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me."

Marnae Ferrin

July 6, 2016

Steve was a wonderful coach and friend to my daughter. He always amazed me with his ability to celebrate the success of every swimmer whether they were olympic quality or the 6 year old who finished their first race. He had a way of making a place for everyone and helped everyone set and reach their own goals. He has had an impact on me and will not be forgotten.

Matt Smith

July 5, 2016

Thanks for the great memories,coach.I'm thankful that we had the chance to reconnect,and that I got a chance to thank you for all your help and guidance. My deepest condolences to the family.

Gary Gutierrez

July 5, 2016

Keep on paddlin' Coach! We'll miss you.

July 5, 2016

Steve, I shall miss you. I shall miss your cynicism, your humor, your witty remarks. I shall miss your endless, never faltering support of my own endeavors and those of Nicholas and William, and my own sons Anthony and Matt. I shall miss your love of life, and your willingness to live it to the fullest, no matter the consequences. I shall miss your kindness, your courage. I shall truly miss our morning conversations, day in, day out. I thank you for all you have done for my family in and out of the pool. I thank you for introducing me to Beckler River,and the wonders of the Alpine Wilderness. I thank you for endless conversations, always there, always supportive. I thank you for Chattie and Melissa. I thank you above all for just being you. You will missed, so very much missed.

Courtney ~ Your dad was an incredible individual, one I was blessed to have considered a friend. Know he is at peace, and happy, and will be watchful over you even still, even from the heavens and the stars. He loved you to the moon and back.

RIP Steve. Gone too soon. Never to be forgotten.

Staci McDonald

July 5, 2016

Dear Courtney,
Im not sure if you remember me but Pat and Steve Rowlands were my parents.
I first wanted to say that I am so sorry for your loss. Losing your Daddy is a very hard thing, keep him alive in your heart by the tons of memories you have of him. He was so proud of you Courtney, he told me so one of the last times I saw him.
Reading all the love people have for him is such an amazing thing, he was a special guy. And I am proud to be able to call him my friend! He gave me my first job, at the good old YMCA!
Most importantly, however, he was a friend to my Mom. They always kept in contact through the years as you know, but after my Dad passed away, Steve really helped her. She was so lonely and he made sure he went and saw her, sometimes numerous times of the day. He helped us move her and clean out my Dads 50 year collection of junk that literally took us a week. Not just anyone does that, but he was always there, in which I am so thankful for!
I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers may you find peace in knowing that your Dad was a great great man.

Donna Forman

July 5, 2016

I've know Steve since I was a teenager. He and my brother Gregor were best buds in college. Steve became a part of the Roschitsch family and was welcomed into our fold long ago. I am so sorry for the loss of this one of a kind man. My condolences to his family, especially Courtney, to all those he coached and those who were fortunate enough to call him their friend. He truly will be missed.

Christina Fischetti Schmidt

July 5, 2016

Steve, I have thought a lot about you over the past few days since your passing in large part because I realized what an honor it was to be a part of the tribe of people who knew you, one of many who were touched by your loving kindness and honesty.

July 5, 2016

So sorry for your loss, may the family find comfort @ Issiah 25:8,AJ

Donna Cornell

July 5, 2016

RIP Steve. Gone too soon, forever memories! Our childhood would not have been the same without you!

Michelle, Anthony, Matt

July 5, 2016

Always in our hearts...

July 4, 2016

All our love and sympathy to Courtney and all the family. Many great memories of the swim team family in the 70s. The White family

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