Stephen Garvin Scales

Las Cruces - Stephen Garvin Scales of Las Cruces passed away peacefully on Friday, July 16, 2021, one month shy of his 80th birthday. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margy Gillett Scales, their son, Stephen Jr. (Kerry) of Cortez, CO, daughters Melissa Giacomelli (Darrell) and Gretchen Lindsay (Gary) both of Las Cruces, seven grandchildren, and seven (soon to be eight) great-grandchildren.

Steve spent 25 years as an experimental technician at the University of New Mexico's Civil Engineering Research Facility (now New Mexico Engineering Research Institute). He decided to change his career path in the late 1970s, returning to college and receiving his Bachelor's degree in secondary education with emphasis on sports medicine in 1986 and his Master's degree in sports administration in 1988. He was hired by the Los Alamos School District as their very first athletic trainer setting up a program in the high school for the prevention, care, and rehabilitation of injured athletes, as well as teaching classes in sports medicine and physical education.

In 1997 Steve received an opportunity to join the staff of athletic trainers at the United States Air Force Academy. Accepting, he became the trainer for men's and women's cross country teams and for men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, all together about 120 athletes. He found his real niche in the academy setting, never losing his amazement and respect for the cadet athletes and what they could accomplish.

Steve was a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Trainers Association (RMATA) and the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). For several years he served as coordinator for the vendors that supported the RMATA at its annual convention. This was a responsibility he truly enjoyed and he made many friends. He retired from active athletic training in December 2007.

Steve and Margy retired to southern New Mexico, building a home on Lake Valley Ranch near Hillsboro. Steve jumped into community life serving as president of the Lake Valley Homeowners Association, and volunteering one afternoon a week at the Hillsboro community library. He was able to utilize his experience as vendor coordinator with RMATA by taking on the job of coordinating vendors for the Hillsboro Community Center's annual "Christmas in the Foothills."

In 2017 the couple found living so remotely to be difficult and moved into Las Cruces.

Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, July 23 at Baca's Funeral Home in Las Cruces. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 24, at 10:00 AM, at St. Albert the Great Newman Center on the New Mexico State University campus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 Montana Ave, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 88005.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com

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

Published by Las Cruces Sun News from Jul. 20 to Jul. 22, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Scales

Sponsored by LCsun-news.com.

11 Entries

Lori Smith

August 11, 2021

Margy, it has been many years since we've been in touch, but I still remember our wonderful Grand Canyon trip and Steve, you and Karen going through Horn rapid backwards - and in style! We made some great memories. I'll always remember Steve for his gentle good humor and kindliness. My condolences to you and your family. I'm so sorry for your loss. Steve will be greatly missed, I am sure.

Maggie Chavarria

August 1, 2021

Mr. Scales, your last stay here at the Rehab, you told us you were ready to go home and you were so right, you wanted to go see your buddy, your dog. May You Rest In Peace.

Dan Carver

July 26, 2021

Molly and I are sad to hear of his passing, he and the Scales family had a big influence in my life early on from youth Football to when I moved back to New Mexico. You all have a special place in my heart. Love

Bob Smiggen

July 24, 2021

We are so sorry to learn of your father’s passing. We are with you in spirit in your sorrow. As we are out of town we will not be able to attend his funeral. You are in our thoughts. Bob and Monica Smiggen

Larry Willock

July 22, 2021

What a sad loss for us all. Margy you were the Love of his life and as I once told you, his greatest asset. I can tell you that whenever Steve spoke of his children, grandchildren or great grandchildren, that sparkle In his eyes shone bright.
Always a friend, willing to help with any project and asking nothing in return.
When Steve began his sports medicine education he was older than most student, but as was his way he worked along side them and by example showed them the valuable lesson that it is caring for others that is important.
When I had the privilege of making the decision to hire Steve at the Air Force Academy he was exactly the right fit for the young Cadets in his care. He came aboard and assumed a large group of Athletes in all aspects in the sport of track. He guided and cared for them with his usual firm and ever compassionate manner. He even had an on going trivia game he played with them by having them try to guess what his middle name was. I had to go look up his personell file to lean it, but never shared it with the Cadets who were trying often to come up with the answer . He gave them a sense of the ever caring "Dad" they needed so far from home at a very stressful time in their lives.
As a friend to many in the Athletic Training profession he was ever willing to serve and did so in an ever so gentle way.
I have lost a true friend and all I ask is for Steve to save me a seat next to him at God's table where someday soon I will join him. We must always remember that Steve may be gone from us now, but he lives forever in our hearts.
Rest now my friend and I am sure you will be called upon to serve in Heaven as you did in our mortal world.
Thanks for sharing so much of yourself and family and being such a role model to us all.

Gerald Wright

July 22, 2021

Margy, so sorry to see that Steve passed away,,he probably got tired of having to do fist pumps during COVID..to Steve a handshake was everything,,you never forgot a Scales Handshake..he was a wonderful person, athletic trainer, football official and a friend I will miss..our prayers will be with you and your family during this tough time.

Theresa Radosevich

July 22, 2021

I’m so sorry for the passing of Steve. He was such an inspiration to so many. What a wonderful man I had the privilege of working with in Los Alamos. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.

Kevin Morris

July 21, 2021

I always loved when BYU Track and Field competed at the Air Force Acadamy and I was able to spend a few days with Steve. He was an outstanding Athletic Trainer but even better person. Love and prayers for the family. We lost one of the good guys.

Lloyd Barker

July 21, 2021

I am saddened by the news. What a great man! Steve and I were students together at UNM. He always impressed me with his knowledge, skills, and strongest handshake I have ever experienced! Sending prayers for his family. The world has lost a great athletic trainer and a fine human being. Steve, you will be missed my friend.
Sincerely
Lloyd

Jodi Lindsay

July 20, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. I was truly blessed to be your granddaughter and I thank you so much for always being so kind and for being such a big support in my life I am going to miss sharing stories of what I see as a vet tech and what you had seen as an athletic trainer. I love you Grandpa!!!!

Victoria Duran

July 20, 2021

My deepest condolences of the loss of your father, Missy and Gretchen. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.

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