Stephen Furbush

Phoenix, AZ - On May 6, Stephen (Steve) George Furbush passed away after an unexpected illness. He was 62. Steve grew up in North Carolina, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and California. A lifelong learner, Steve achieved a Bachelor in Economics, and Management Sciences and a Master's Degree from the Pacific International Affairs Program at John Muir College, all at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Steve worked his way through college by working in the seafood industry where he found his life's work. After graduation, this landed him a job in Phoenix at Shamrock Foods Company heading up their seafood department.

Early in his 26-year career with Shamrock Foods, he had lunch with Karen from IT. Several lunches together turned into a 24-year love story. They loved celebrating their anniversary in Maui every February where they took in as many whale-watching adventures as they could. On their most recent visit, they took two excursions and saw epic displays of beautiful humpback whales.

Steve had many interests outside the office. In the early Phoenix years, he followed his passion for martial arts training, building a strong community around the Senshinkan dojo he managed. Steve began training at the Jiyushinkan in Tempe, Arizona in early 1994. His teachers include Charles E. Clark, Aaron R. Clark, Stan Conner, Marc Fox, and he also practiced Shinto Muso Ryu Jo (gomokuroku) and Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu with Phil and Nobuko Relnick. He is Jiyushinkai 4th dan and was an instructor at the Senshinkan in Tempe. He frequently flew to Washington State to continue learning the classical Japanese koryu martial traditions he loved.

He was also an avid hiker, who loved spending time in the nature preserves near his home. Once retired, Steve started most days with a monster hike. He would drive the short distance to the trailhead so he could spend more time in the preserves.

After Steve retired in 2018, his big plans to travel the country were put on hold due to COVID-19. Instead Steve decided to take up the ukulele and began lessons with a local musician. He loved his new hobby, and would practice most afternoons. He wrote his first song and began a second.

From a very early age, Steve could often be found with a book in his hand. He kept a list of the books he read during retirement, most of which he recommended and loaned to friends and acquaintances. Anyone who met Steve soon found themselves discussing "What are you reading?" or "What's the last movie you saw?" This was true even in the hospital during his final days. The last book Steve had in his hands, Mitla Pass by Leon Uris, will go unfinished.

Staying with his sharing nature, Steve gave a few people a second chance at life through organ donation. A 71-year-old Phoenix man received Steve's liver and right kidney, and a 71-year-old Tucson woman received his left kidney; someone will be receiving his corneas.

Steve was a man of independence, self-reliance, and determination of self. He quickly developed an encyclopedic understanding of any subject that interested him and took great joy in sharing his knowledge and experience with anyone who wanted to learn more. Steve had a big presence, but loved intense one-on-one conversations. He was an enthusiastic Uncle to many beloved young people, and had a unique way of making them feel understood and special.

He will be missed and celebrated by his wife Karen Furbush, his brothers Rob Furbush, Greg Furbush, and Jeff Furbush and their spouses, his mother Mary Mosshammer, his niece and nephew, as well as his cousins, their spouses, and families, Karen's mother Mary Steinbrock and her brothers, Kevin Steinbrock, Keith Steinbrock, Bruce Steinbrock and Roger Steinbrock and their spouses, her nephews and niece. He was predeceased by his father, Robert Furbush, his step-father Alden Mosshammer, and Karen's father Richard Steinbrock.

A celebration of life will be held on June 8th in Phoenix, AZ. If you wish, memorial gifts could be made to either of these organizations. Steve volunteered with World Central Kitchen after the Maui fires. He believed in Chef José Andrés' mission to be first on the frontlines, providing fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. The Pacific Whale Foundation is dedicated to ocean and marine life conservation. From participating in the 10k Run for the Whales, to booking all whale-watching activities with them, PWF was the only choice for Steve.

The family extends their appreciation for the loving care and support provided by everyone at Aveon Health, HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Hospital, HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Hospital, and all of the emergency medical personnel who assisted in the ambulance and helicopter transfers.

We will always carry Steve's memory in our hearts and remember his words to always be prepared for anything. Every Day Carry (EDC)