Stephen Tennyson
August 13, 1943 - June 18, 2023
Boise, Idaho - Stephen Albert Tennyson, 79, of Boise, Idaho passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at home of natural causes. Steve was born to Albert and Esther (Tate) Tennyson on August 13, 1943, in Dayton, Ohio. In 1946 the family returned to their native Idaho after Steve's father completed service with the US Army Air Corps.
Steve was educated in Boise and attended Franklin Elementary School and West Junior High. He graduated in 1961 from Borah High School. Steve's education history is a testament to his lifelong love of learning. He graduated from Boise Junior College in 1963, received his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Idaho in 1966, and completed both a masters and doctoral degree by 1976 at Wayne State University in Michigan with a focus on human factors in engineering.
Steve's career took him around the country and included work for the U.S. Army-Tank Automotive Command (ATAC) in Warren, Michigan; Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan; JI Case Company in Racine, Wisconsin; and North Dakota State University, in Fargo, North Dakota. In 1995 Steve returned to Boise where he taught mechanical engineering at Boise State University (BSU). Steve retired in 2017; although, he continued to teach classes at BSU until 2020.
A theme throughout Steve's life was a deep appreciation of his many friends and colleagues around the country. He often talked about how much he valued these connections. Through the years he kept up with these cherished relationships.
An equally important theme was his love of learning and strong value for education. Steve relished teaching and mentoring students. He continued his own education, reading widely in his spare time.
Steve loved the Northwest and rode his motorcycles across the backcountry of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. He had a big space in his heart for wild places, wildlife, and all the natural world. He enjoyed other activities that took him outdoors such as walking, hiking, and bicycling.
Steve particularly enjoyed being a father to his daughter, Heidi, who cherished and adored him. In recent years they got to spend valued time together often engaged in outdoor activities that he loved so much.
Steve is survived by his daughter, Heidi Tennyson of Boise; his lifelong best friend, David Crawforth, and his wife Michelle Crawforth of Boise; close family friend Mary Borchers of Boise; as well as numerous other friends and relatives. Steve was preceded in death by his parents.
The family wishes to give special thanks to Heart 'n Home Hospice and Angels Among Us for the loving care they gave Steve in his last two months of life. A very special thanks to caregivers Evelyn Lopez Patience and Chasity Moore.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests honoring Steve in ways he valued most; nurturing relationships, assisting students, preserving wild spaces. Please donate to a local scholarship fund or conservation organization.
A Memorial Service will be held at Wright Congregational United Church of Christ, 4821 W. Franklin St. Boise, Idaho 83705 on Friday, June 30th at 2:00 P.M. Rev. Mike Black officiating.

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Published by Idaho Statesman on Jun. 25, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Tennyson

Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.

6 Entries

Richard E. Adams

November 8, 2023

I am a cousin of Steve´s, and we shared many good times while he was at Wayne State University working on his Ph.D, and I worked for Burroughs Corporation. As I grew up in Boise, Idaho, I would always be sure to get together with Steve whenever I visited Boise (my wife, Jan, and I live in Las Vegas, Nevada). Steve was so kind, intelligent, and generous. I will miss him always.

Richard E. Adams
(702) 809-0709 (cell)

Nabil Hakim

June 28, 2023

Dear Heidi,
I am thankful for many cherished memories of Steve & you through the years!
Steve was my closest associate & partner during our PhD years at WSU. I saw you often with "daddy" in the 1970´s.
I have had such endearing friendship with him. Magda and I were privileged to have you both with us few years ago.
We all miss him dearly. However, we live on the hope that we will be together again in eternity to come.
Love, prayers & wishes for your solace.
Nabil & Magda

Brooke Green

June 28, 2023

Dr. Tennyson was one of my favorite professors at Boise State. He expected the top from his students and set the bar. I remember the looks on his face when a student was less than respectful or the quizzical look he would give a student that would ask a question right after he already answered the question. If you could get a referral from Tennyson, you knew you were one of the top, hard working students. He did not condone sloppy work. I called it "The Tennyson Test". Go big or go home. He wanted me to continue my education and supported me to pursue a Master's. Thank you for being a great man and not bowing to the sub-par, for being an example to follow. We need people like him to keep us on top.

Justin Larson

June 26, 2023

Steve was one of the first people I met when I started working for the Mechanical Engineering program thirteen years ago. I was at first intimidated by him, but soon learned he might seem crusty on the outside but was all marshmallow inside. He was incredibly smart and very insightful, but also warm and caring and made students his priority. He is one of the department founders, and will be so very missed.

Patty Gribble Tennyson

June 25, 2023

Sorry to hear about Steve's passing! I knew him at Wright church! His parents were friends with our family. Don & Letha Gribble. Steve was a kind person. He will be missed! Patty Gribble Tennyson

Cyn and Joe Guarino

June 23, 2023

Oh Heidi, Joe and I are so very sorry. We offer our sincerest condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. We so loved your Dad and he was an inspiration to Joe.

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