Stephen Foreman

When Steve Foreman was born in Logansport, Indiana in 1940, few people, including his parents Freeda and Floyd Foreman, would have predicted the complicated and yet wildly successful life he would lead. A life which would ultimately take him to Winter Park, FL where he resided until his death at 84, on March 2, 2025, in Orlando.

As you will find out here, Steve was a man of many talents. One, playing the stand-up fiddle or Double Bass as it is known in more refined quarters, got Steve gigs in bars beginning at the tender age of 14. Believe it or not, Steve's compensation for his gifted playing was free beer, likely the beginning of his life's greatest struggle and victory. More on that to come.

Having grown up as a proud Logansport Berry, Steve was thrilled to have a more menacing school mascot once he selected the University of Florida to escape the cold in Indiana; we all know Gators eat Berries for breakfast.

At the University of Florida, Steve met his match in the person of Karolyn Suzanne Bagg (Sue) in 1958. For nearly 64 years of marriage, Steve and Sue admitted to only one argument, which started on their second date. These two strong willed people persevered, learned the rules, and found joy in being together, in their enduring friendships, in a growing family, and through sharing their wisdom and kindness unreservedly with friends and strangers alike.

Before getting too far into Steve's story, he and Sue welcomed two gifted children into their lives, Karen Elizabeth (Miguel) and Douglas Christopher (Cheree). Steve taught his children many things; how to buy poor property on the Monopoly board and to build hotels on them immediately; that money should always be working for you; to ask for an upgrade and a discount, always; to contribute to the community, and, to never forget to "Stay close to the spout where the glory comes out."

Steve was an extremely successful member of the greater Orlando business community, serving as President of Fringe Benefit Plans, Inc., a firm he started in 1969. Doug joined the firm, and they worked together to grow and serve the community. Their 35-year collaboration was one of Steve's greatest joys. He was a Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Roundtable, an industry award for life insurance and financial services professionals. Steve served as chair or member of civic and nonprofit boards, Came to Believe Recovery being the closest to his heart. In the private sector, Steve served on multiple boards, including those of three banks and a mortgage banking firm.

What with all of Steve's professional, volunteer and philanthropic activities in the greater Orlando area, he and Sue sought cool summers, and some peace and quiet - acquiring a place on top of a mountain in Waynesville, North Carolina; where they could observe the wildlife, gather with family, garden, play a little golf, and relax. That is, until Steve got that irresistible, entrepreneurial itch. He couldn't help himself when he noticed the various needs and opportunities in the community. In short order, he was just as involved in deals and in the community there as he was in Orlando, and the peace he sought wasn't quite as peaceful as he had imagined. And you know what? He wouldn't have wanted it any other way. That was Steve, he was a "deal-aholic" and even formed a group to help himself and his buddies talk each other out of bad deals.

Even though his heart issues started in 2001, he was determined to stay healthy. He was back in the gym within weeks of his open-heart surgery and was a common sight running, shuffling and walking around the neighborhood for as long as he was able.

Back to the struggle and victory mentioned above. It's a miraculous story and Steve was proud to receive his 46-year A.A. Medallion to mark his recovery anniversary in January. The miracle?

Steve was blessed to have Clarence S., one of the original forty members of Alcoholics Anonymous, as his sponsor. Clarence took both Steve and Sue through the 12 Steps of Recovery and introduced them to Came to Believe recovery retreats. On the night of Clarence's death, he asked them to take on the leadership of the retreats. Steve was driven to carry the message forward. Building on what he and Sue had learned, they along with two other AA couples compiled and edited the "Came to Believe Recovery AA Legacy Guide." That guide and the related retreats, many of which Steve and Sue led themselves, have benefitted countless addicts and their families.

These are a few of the messages which have comforted the family in the wake of Steve's passing. "Steve is the reason I'm still alive." "Steve Foreman has been my mentor, my example, my confidant, my friend -- the man who would show me what a true Father would look like." "Whenever I hear a 'Stevism' in a joke or a wise thought, his humanity, his loyalty, his enormous faith, I'll know he's here."

Business. Community service. Philanthropy. Alcoholics Anonymous. Golf. Fitness. Gator football. Stand-up fiddle. Fried gizzards and lizards (livers). All were joys for Steve. But none of those stacked up against the immense love he felt and delight he got from being Poppa to his five grandchildren, Drew, Cole, Friedrich, Anna, and Sam. His mentees. His "investiGators." He cherished every moment with them. Like the invaluable lessons he taught his children, they also benefited from Steve's life lessons, such as the importance of eating peanut butter with a large soup spoon, and grated parmesan cheese on popcorn. And that there's nothing quite like an Indiana tenderloin sandwich.

A Celebration of Life is planned for March 15 at First United Methodist Church of Winter Park, FL at 11 o'clock in the morning.

In honor of Steve, the family requests donations be made to Came to Believe Recovery (https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/donate-in-memory-of-steve-foreman) or to the charity of your choice.