Steven Richard Cates

In loving memory of the one who held my heart in their hands, every moment spent with you was a treasure beyond compare. Your laughter was music to my ears, your touch a balm to my soul. From the thrill of watching spine-chilling videos together to the comfort of cuddling up during stormy nights, every shared experience was a testament to our love. Your presence brought magic and wonder into my world, and your absence is felt like a gaping hole in my heart. Whether we were watching spooky videos, laughing at funny animal antics, or cuddling up during stormy nights, every shared experience was a testament to our unbreakable bond. Your adventurous spirit and infectious enthusiasm brought light and warmth into my life, and your absence leaves a void that can never be filled. Rest peacefully, my love. Your memory will forever be a source of light and love that illuminates my darkest moments. Until we meet again, my darling, know that you are cherished and missed beyond words.

I've been trying to think of how to best remember Stevie and this is what I will carry with me forever and always...he was our biggest relationship cheerleader.

When Derek and I were going through our mess a few months ago, this young man (who wore his heart on his sleeve) called Derek one day and Derek had him on speakerphone. He asked how we were doing cause he was worried about US!

He was dealing with some life upsets of his own, but wanted to make sure we were okay.
It was like he was making it his personal mission to ensure we were gonna stick it out and work out our problems. He made us promise, and we did. I wish like hell I could have helped him with his own troubles.

This young man meant a lot to us both...known him since he was a teenager and the 20 plus years just wasn't long enough.

He loved playing drums and music in general. This is another way we all want to remember him, doing what he loved to do.

Rest easy now friend...we'll be keeping that promise we made to you.

I'm sorry for your loss. I worked with Steven at CTDI. He always came in in thw mornings always spoke to me amd would ask me different questions. He was always so kind. Steven amd I talked about things he liked the band, reptiles. He will be missed by so many.

Steven was pivotal in helping form the line up of By Way Of Fire. Before joining the band in July of 2022, it was just myself and a small batch of songs released on an EP. Once he joined the band, he quickly brought in Ryan and in Feb of 2023 we played our first show. We played roughly 20 or so shows between now and then, and recorded another EP releasing next month.

I will miss Steven so much and I am thankful that the last two years we shared a deep passion for performing music.

I am also grateful to have recorded his last musical statement.

Eric Burton (By Way Of Fire)

Steven was one of my older brother´s close friends for as long as I can remember. Over the years I got to hangout with Steven many times. I´ll always remember how nice and happy he always was. When speaking with Steven you could tell he had a kind heart. Praying for the Cates family. RIP Steven.

Steven was a friend, band member and roommate to me for 20 years. We shared a lot of good times over those years. I will always remember Steven for his happy and upbeat personality. RIP my friend.

I knew Steven since he was around 15, he was a good friend to my son and became over the years a good friend of mine. My entire family will mess him and send our condolences.

What a happy -go- lucky guy he was. He overcame so many obstacles in his life and was stronger for it. I also know he was an avid martial artist and was fortunate to have trained with him a few times. I am fortunate to have known him, and proud to call him my nephew.

I'm deeply sorry to hear about Steven's passing. Reflecting on his life, one thing I learned I am sure about Steven is the depth of he´s father´s love and dedication to him and his memory. His father´s love was evident and I am sure that Steven always carried with him that same strength and warmth, showing how much love and care can shape a person. It's a reminder that the bonds of family-especially the love of a father-can inspire us to be better people every day.

I have some fond memories of Steven, many involving his exceptional musical ability. As talented as he was, that wasn´t what stood out the most. His kindness was always clearly evident, but the most extraordinary thing to me was around seventeen years ago when he was going through a medical situation that was getting more and more severe and his medical was struggling to find answers that weren´t coming easily. His resolve and toughness during that period would be a fine example for any of us. I feel blessed that I got to see him just a couple of weeks before he passed and meet his finance Breana.

We are so sorry for your loss.

Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Steven´s love will forever be a part of your family and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

I remember the day he was born on March 13,1989. It was one of the happiest moments of my life to hold my baby boy in arms. It was the joy of my life to be his father. Steven was the best son a father could ever hope for. My children are my lifes greatest achievement and he was my shining star. I will miss his sense of humor and his wonderful smile. I am proud of the man he was and the life he lived. Steven taught me that no matter how hard life is , there is always joy to be found, and if there is a breath left in your body that life is worth living. He overcame adversity that would have crippled most people. I won't recount the story here but most you know his story. The character of man is determined by the life he lived and not how he died. And Steven lived life to the fullest. He may not be with us here on earth, but the music that he made and his spirit will live on in our hearts forever. I miss you son and I look forward to the day the lord brings me home to you.