Steven Charles Moreau

1951 - 2017

September 25, 1951 - July 7, 2017 Steven Charles Moreau died on July 7th, 2017 after spending 24,027 days living life to the fullest. Recently retired CEO of St. Joseph Hospital of Orange, husband, father, grandfather, decent golfer, hater of eggplant and lover of music, Steve's passing after a four-month battle with pancreatic cancer, leaves a huge void in the lives of his family and friends and the community he served. Steve was born in Inglewood, CA, on September 25, 1951 to Loren and MaryAnn (Wipfli) Moreau. As a young California boy (one part mischief, two parts sunshine) he grew up loving baseball, racing go-carts with his brothers and being a Boy Scout. The family moved to Hemet, CA, where days were spent helping out in the family fiberglass shop, attending Hemet Valley High School and growing his hair long to impress a pretty girl named Anne. His easygoing attitude and boyish face covered a deeply ambitious heart and desire to make his own way. In 1972, Anne and Steve married and moved to San Diego where, after completing his B.S., he was thrilled to get his first clinical lab job. Equally thrilling was living four doors from the beach. He was in love. He had a job and sand in his toes. In 1975, his father was diagnosed with cancer and with Anne's encouragement, they moved back to Hemet to be closer to family. Steve was hired as a clinical laboratory technician at Hemet Valley Hospital and after only three years he was promoted to Laboratory Director. At the ripe age of 27, Steve flourished in his new role; his path forward, as a leader, was clear. In the years that followed Steve became a father to three beautiful children. The family moved from Hemet to Riverside to Bakersfield, - "It might be two hours from everything, but when you live there its two hours from anything." Newport Beach followed and eventually Claremont. His fierce intellect, love for problem solving and profound natural ability to lead allowed Steve to rise quickly in the ranks of healthcare administration. He spent 14 years as Senior VP and COO of Hoag Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach before becoming CEO at San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland and finally as President of St. Joseph Hospital of Orange. Though there were many, recent board positions included the Hospital Association of Southern California, the Patient Safety Movement, the Anthem Blue Cross Hospital Advisory Committee and St. Joseph of Orange. Inspired by his team and the lessons he took from St. Joe's, Steve was looking forward to spending his retirement volunteering and traveling the world with Anne, helping communities rebuild after natural disasters and providing medical assistance where needed. He also looked forward to more time with his family aboard his boat "The Sweet Thing," enjoying afternoons in the marina, weekend fishing trips and sunset cruises. A true California Boy. Steve is survived by his wife of 44 years Anne (Viafora) Moreau, his children, Marguerite (Christopher Redman), Matthew (Morgan Moreau) and Dominique (Alex Rosales), his grandchildren, Gavin, Casper and Baby Girl Moreau (due in December) as well as his siblings, Mike, Larry, Kathy and Roger. Wherever you are PopPop, may the greens be smooth, the beer be cold and the garage be full enough to keep you busy until we can join. You taught us all that every mighty oak was once just an acorn that stood its ground. Family, friends and colleagues are invited to Steve's Celebration of Life at 52 Discovery, Irvine, CA, 92618 on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Steve's memory to Arpan Global Charities (www.arpanglobal.org).