Stephen Poland Obituary
Dr. Stephen Fairfield Poland passed away March 17th, 2023 in Albuquerque in the presence of family and friends. He grew up in Sacramento, California. Steve is survived by his loving domestic partner of 35 years, Virginia Burris, his four siblings, step-son, step-daughter, grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
For the last 35 years, Steve gave back to his Albuquerque community in many ways. He was a psychologist in the public schools and also offered short classes and workshops through UNM Continuing Education. Steve was active in New Mexico Men's Wellness and his men's group. He will be sorely missed but his legacy lives on in all those he has touched.
An informal celebration of Steve's life will be held the morning of Thursday, April 27th, 2023 at 10am at the First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque, 3701 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Donations to your favorite charities in his name are encouraged in lieu of flowers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Robert Duncan
May 11, 2023
I have known Dr. Poland for over 25 years, both as a fellow psychologist and as a friend.
Professionally, Steve worked in the following settings: 1. On the Navajo reservation,
2. with the Albuquerque schools,
3. with The Grants schools,
4. in private practice psychotherapy,
5. at UNM continuing education,
6. in consulting and leading men's
men's groups on resilience.
In all these areas he left an extensive legacy of
caring and competence.
Personally, I and many others knew him to be bright, witty, competent, insightful, open, fun, socially sensitive, and supportive. The most important part of his personal life was his loving
35 years with Virginia. She will be moving now to
be with her family (out of state).
All of us will miss them greatly !
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Stephen Poland's name
How to support Stephen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Stephen Poland's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
