Stephen Robert Lefevre
1944 - 2011
Stephen Robert Lefevre
1944 - 2011
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1944
DIED
2011
Stephen Lefevre Obituary
Stephen Robert Lefevre was a compassionate and optimistic lover of life. His contagious sense of humor and unwavering kindness touched everyone who knew him.
Steve was patient and loving, adventurous and strong; he took full advantage of every opportunity life offered him and loved every minute of it. He passed peacefully Monday morning at his home in Oxnard surrounded by his family. Steve was an avid adventurer. He jumped at every chance to spend time outdoors: sailing, camping, golfing or kayaking. He took great joy in planning an annual family camping trip with his nieces, nephews, and grandkids, affectionately known as Camp Lefevre. He jump-started the sailing team at California State University Channel Islands. He spent many hours sailing both with the CSUCI team and his own group of friends on the sailing vessel the Funatic.
Steve was born on July 7, 1944, in Los Angeles to Bob and Anna Marie Lefevre. Steve was a university professor and administrator for 37 years. His career began as a political science professor, and then as Dean of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Tyler. In 1998, he returned to California and was a founding member of Cal State Channel Islands where he worked for 13 years. He was a brilliant professor and continued teaching even after he retired in August. Steve always said he loved to learn from his students as well as teach them.
Stephen is survived by his wife, Susan Lefevre; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Randy Bishop, and their children Allison and Blake; daughter, Rachael Lefevre, and her children Emerson, Daschel, and Elliott Cooper; his son, Aaron Johnston; brothers, Greg, Lou, Dick, John, and Hugh Lefevre, and their families; sister, Corinne Dawson, and her family. Steve will also be fondly remembered by his 13 nieces and nephews: Hank, Edie, Christina, Patrick, Peter, Parker, Maureen, Bobby, JJ, Chelsea, Ashley, Mitchell, and Haley.
In lieu of flowers, we would love contributions to the scholarship set up in his name at California State University Channel Islands. This seems to honor best the passion for education that defined Stephen Lefevre's life. Checks can be sent to: California State University Channel Islands, Attn: Eva Gomez, 1 University Drive, Camarillo, CA 93012. Eva Gomez can help with credit card contributions. She can be reached at 805-437-3271. Steve Lefevre was an incredible man. His vibrant, fun-loving heart lives on in everyone who knew him. This is my tribute to you Grandpa. Love, Allison.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, at Padre Serra Catholic Church, 5205 Upland Road, Camarillo, CA 93012. Interment will follow at San Fernando Valley Mission Cemetery, 11160 Stranwood Ave., Mission Hills CA, 818-361-7387. Arrangements are under the direction of Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, Crematory & Memorial Park, 2052 Howard Rd., Camarillo, CA 93012, 805-482-1959. Please visit our website at www.conejomountain.com.
October 15, 2011
Dear Friends of My Wonderful Husband: I have been touched by your comments, memories, and good wishes. Our family understands what a great man Steve was, and of course for us, still is. He took such delight in life. He would be so pleased if not slightly embarrassed that you have been kind enough to address his presence in your lives. He was the consummate teacher. His legacy is far reaching and deep. His greatest accomplishment may have been his beautiful daughters, Michelle and Rachael and his wonderul son, Aaron. Thank you and best wishes in all your endeavors. Susan Lefevre
October 3, 2011
I encountered Steve Lefevre as a graduate student at UT Tyler. I have always told people that he was my favorite professor ever, including my undergraduate years at a small private liberal arts college. I learned so much from him and can honestly say that I'm a better citizen because of that knowledge. My memories of his ready smile and kindness are a blessing.
Mary Ann Palmer
October 3, 2011
To the family of Steve Lefevre: I was a student at UT Tyler. Coming from a small town in North East Texas, Dr. Lefevre helped me see things in a different way. He made a big difference in my life. I haven't seen him nor talked with him since the early 90's but I do appreciate how he helped me along when I was his student. Sincere condolences to all of his family.
Todd Lestage
October 2, 2011
Dr. Lefevre was my mentor at UT Tyler. He was my favorite professor. I also worked for him in the Social Sciences Department. He passed along his love of political theory and philosophy; he opened my mind to what people believe and why. He was a great man who will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family and friends.
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Sharon Smith-Gates
September 30, 2011
My dear friend Susan,
"May God hold you in the palm of his hand and may we, as your friends, hold you near to our hearts." My sincerest sympathy to you and Steve's extended family and friends. I will see you soon my friend....with much love.
Brian Bowman
September 30, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Lefevre family. I was a student of his at UT Tyler and he was such an inspiration to me because of his love for his family and love for politics. I think there were three democrats on the entire campus and we were two of them!! I have always kept up with Dr. Lefevre, I just now wish I would have made contact with me. We all lost a special person.
Susan Galloway Downman
September 30, 2011
Dear Michelle and Rachael,
I am so sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. I have many, many good memories of spending time with your family in Tyler. Your Dad was always so welcoming, kind and fun to be around. You have my sincere condolences.
Donson Toy
September 30, 2011
Dearest Susan and family, my prayers and thoughts are with your family. Celebrate the legacy, joy and love of dear Steve. with love, Donson Toy
Deanna Strobel-James
September 30, 2011
Dear Susan,
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue Dailey Smith
September 30, 2011
Susan....my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ayleen (Cabrera) Castellaw
September 29, 2011
Dear Susan,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your husband, Steve. Though I haven't seen you in many years, my heart and prayers go out to you and yours.
Charlotte Wakenhut
September 29, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Steve was such a wonderful man....a true gentleman and a scholar. I worked with him for eight years and was so fortunate to have known him and to have been his friend. May your memories bring you comfort.
Janna Visser
September 29, 2011
Dear Susan and Family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences at the loss of your wonderful Steve. I remember him fondly. He seemed so accessible, so friendly and so supportive of you, Susan, in your professional endeavors. I hope the memories that you made as husband and wife and as a family will sustain and comfort you in the times ahead
Sol Chooljian
September 29, 2011
Steve's record of accomplishments stand by themselves as an indication of his professional skills. We met Steve in the early days of CSUCI and were immediately impressed and gratified that such a gentle person and gentleman would come to our community to help build an exemplary educational institution. He leaves a legacy of friends who remember and miss him and a university that will last well beyond our time here. We will not be able to attend the memorial service but we are sending our prayers and condolences to Steve's family and friends. Laura McAvoy & Sol Chooljian
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2052 Howard Road, Camarillo, CA 93012
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