Steve Solter

Steve Solter passed away peacefully at home in Occidental, California, on January 31, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born on August 20, 1944, in San Francisco to Dr. Nathan and Rebecca Solter (Uhvits), Steve spent his childhood exploring Golden Gate Park and the vibrant city around him.

A graduate of George Washington High School, Steve earned a BA in History from UC Berkeley before attending Stanford University Medical School at his mother's urging. Though he began his career in medicine, his passion for people and public health led him to pursue a master's degree in public health at Johns Hopkins University and train as an epidemiologist with the CDC.

Steve's career spanned over 40 years with Management Sciences for Health (MSH), during which he worked tirelessly to improve global health outcomes. His early work included teaching community medicine in Shiraz, Iran, and participating in the World Health Organization's successful smallpox eradication efforts in India. In Afghanistan, he helped train village health workers and improve infant and maternal mortality rates, a mission that reflected his belief in empowering communities to care for their own. It was there he met and married Cathy, his wife of 46 years. Together, they built a family and shared a commitment to making the world a healthier place.

Steve's work took him across the globe-Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, and beyond-where he implemented lifesaving vaccine campaigns and advised ministries of health. Known for drinking untreated tap water wherever he traveled, Steve humorously defied the odds by succumbing not to dysentery but to pancreatic cancer.

A voracious reader, trivia master, and gifted storyteller, Steve was known for his encyclopedic memory, dramatic hand gestures, and love of connecting with people. He leaves behind thousands of antiquarian books and maps, as well as cherished memories of lively conversations and shared meals.

Steve is survived by Cathy; his children Micah (Becca), Amanda (Dustin), Ben (Hayley), and Noah; seven grandchildren; his brother Dan (Pat); sister Linda; aunt Vivian; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter Ari, parents, and sister Barbara.

In accordance with Steve's wishes, his family hosted a living funeral attended by loved ones near and far. His ashes will be laid to rest alongside Ari and other family members on a family property.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Steve Solter Scholarship at Management Sciences for Health to support professional development in maternal, child, and community health: https://msh.org/donate/.