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Stephen Bathon Obituary
September 1, 1941 - December 28, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Stephen Regis Bathon, beloved husband, father, uncle, and friend. Stephen passed away on December 28, 2024, at the age of 83. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Gayle Bathon, and his daughter, Heather Bathon, as well as a legacy of adventure, service, and love for the great outdoors.
Born on September 1, 1941, Stephen's life was marked by his dedication to both his family and his country. He served with honor in the Vietnam War as an Army Lieutenant, where he earned recognition as an expert rifleman. Following his service, Stephen graduated from Fordham University, laying the foundation for an illustrious career in business and finance. He spent many years at the helm of ISA Inc., before continuing on as a respected financial services consultant.
Stephen's passion for sportsmanship and the outdoors was evident throughout his life. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, he loved sharing his knowledge and experiences with his nieces and nephews, teaching them how to hunt, fish, hike, and shoot. Stephen had a rare gift for instilling a deep appreciation for nature in those around him. His extensive collection of rifles, shotguns, and pistols was a testament to his lifelong dedication to the sport. His travels took him to some of the world's most remote and beautiful locations, from the plains of Africa to the wilds of Alaska, where he pursued big game with a spirit of adventure and an unwavering motto: "No bridge too far, no mountain too high."
Stephen's love for the outdoors was matched by his love for his family. He spent much of his adult life in Warrenton, VA, where he raised his two children, Robbie Bathon (deceased) and Heather. Later, he fulfilled a dream by building his cherished home, "Stone Cabin," in Boyce, VA, where he enjoyed breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River.
Stephen is survived by his wife Gayle, Daughter Heather (Rose) of Virginia, Grandchildren Cole & Hudson, and his siblings Greg (Heidi) Maryland, Gabrielle (Tony) of Virgina, Larry (Sandra) of Florida. Stephen was predeceased by son Robbie Bathon and his sisters Faith Bohlinger and Judy Thornton.
Stephen's life was defined by his unwavering strength, kindness, and generous spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially those fortunate enough to share in his many adventures.
Stephen's legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, his friends, and all those who were touched by his passion for life, the outdoors, and the people he loved.
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Paul Bohlinger
January 6, 2025
Uncle Stephen was always fun to be around. Never a dull moment! Whether it was starting a fire with the fried thanksgiving turkey in his backyard or the crazy canoe trip down the Shenandoah River he always did it with a smile and encouragement. He spread joy to all and will be missed. Heavon got a little bit more fun! Love Ya U.Steve
Donnie Bohlinger
January 5, 2025
There was the day I started calling him Steve Canyon. Not on one of our rafting trips or the canyoning adventure that we never actually reached ("Just park at the bottom of the hill and follow the trail up, until you reach our camp..." Five hours later it was dark and we slept trailside, drinking the only liquid we bought up, a six pack of bud, and hiked back down to our car in the morning. "You parked at the wrong place!" he laughed. No, it was the time Uncle Stephen decided to build the world's biggest best rope swing at his hunting lodge. And there he was, way up in a tree (was it a red oak?), fat ropes everywhere, tangled in branches, wrapped around his legs, his torso, giving me a play-by-play on how he was going to rig this thing. "First thing, Donnie -- you have to rope yourself in. Some guys don't do that, and they break their neck. See? Here, like this? Now if I can just get out to that far.. see that branch out there? That's the spot." "Wait, Uncle Steve... are you sure..?" That's when he flashed that Steve Canyon smile and belly crawled his way out over the river, just him, that branch and the water. And it was built. An hour later we were swinging halfway across that waterway flying upward ("Don't let go too early or you'll break your neck on those rocks.") and outwards, "Let go now!" feeling the scratch of the rope sliding through our hands and then, gravity taking hold, down we went in a cold splash. One of the best adventures of my life and I could tell by his reaction to our reactions, his too. That, right there, that was the gift he possessed. But that was my Uncle Steve, our Steve Canyon, his passions were infectious. And where he led, we, his squad of nephews and nieces followed. All of us, are the better for it. Today I selfishly wish for one more adventure with Steve Canyon, blazer of trails, sailor of seas, hunter of beasts, one more trail, one more fish, one more rope swing, one more chance to bask in the glow of that smile, that laugh. I'll miss you, Uncle Steve. Love, Donnie
Gillian Bryck
January 5, 2025
My Uncle Stephen was the most fun loving, independent thinking, adventurous man that I have ever known. He always made every visit so interesting and fun!!! Uncle Stephen was 16 when I was born. My earliest memories of him are of him and I being in his room on Dobbs. He loved to show me his deer heads on the walls and his bow and arrow. I always thought he was so handsome as a little girl.
Recently, when I visited him at his Virginia cabin, I was able to get him to his hunting lodge. It wasn't easy, because he wasn't walking, but he was determined !! We got him there and on his ATV
He spun me around, telling me stories about the trails , the trees, the birds, and his rock sculptures. I could listed to his stories all day.
I will miss him. I loved him so
My smart and fun Uncle Stephen will live forever in my heart until we meet again
Stephen Bohlinger
January 4, 2025
Always bringing his nephews together
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Stephen Bohlinger
January 4, 2025
Deep Sea fishing trip Stephen organized for his Dad.
Stephen Bohlinger
January 4, 2025
A Tribute to Uncle "Me" Stephen
My mom gave me a lifelong gift when she named me after her brother, Stephen, and appointed him to be my godfather. From day one, Uncle Me, as I affectionately called him, became an inspiration, a mentor, and a source of adventure. He always had a way of making life exciting, from countless trips to his beach home in Marco Island to our time together at his hunting and fishing camp in West Virginia. There, he taught me the wonders of the outdoors and how to appreciate nature in ways I´ll never forget.
One of my fondest memories was when Stephen organized a deep-sea fishing trip off the coast of Southwest Florida to celebrate his dad in his final years. It was a special occasion, where he invited his brothers and nephews to share in the experience. Stephen had a gift for bringing family together-whether it was hosting a Thanksgiving celebration at his home in Warrenton or leading us on adventurous hikes and cave explorations in the mountains, always with a captivating story of survival to tell afterward.
The last year was difficult for him, but he never lost his sense of humor or his ability to share his wisdom. Uncle Me, while I´m sad our time together was cut short, I will forever be grateful for the memories we created. You will always have a special place in my heart, and the lessons you taught me will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Daniel G Stafford
January 3, 2025
Many wonderful moments with a great guy so sorry for the families loss and a great loss for those who knew him and understood him he will be dearly missed in so many ways Stafford
John Morris
January 3, 2025
Uncle Stephen with his nephews and great nephews on an expedition down the Shenandoah River. If this photo doesn´t capture him I don´t know which one does-at the center of the action as our guide and leader. With Uncle Steve it was always, "Hell yes we can!". And we always did. Love you Uncle Steve. You were one-of-a-kind and we have memories to last forever.
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233 Broadview Avenue, Warrenton, VA 20186
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