Steven Craig Schallenberger

It's impossible to express the sadness I feel at the news of Steve's passing. He was in my life through grade school, high school, the same Navy boot camp company, and we reconnected at ASU, spending hours discussing everything from politics to philosophy, from space engineering (which I knew nothing) to the best books. Once a staunch Republican, Steve and I would argue, but never got angry. We learned to agree to disagree. It was a surprise when I learned he had switched parties and became a Democrat. And he developed just as much passion in his views as a liberal as he had when he supported conservative causes. I loved him for that. Steve probably was the most well read friend I've ever known. He constantly was picking up books that deepened his knowledge of everything, and he was happy to share his reviews, so the rest of us could join in that extensive learning experience. Prolific on Facebook, I felt I could always rely on learning something new from Steve on a daily basis. I send my prayers and sympathies to his lovely wife, Alexis, and his family. It's been only a few days, but I already miss him tremendously. Thank you Steve for a friendship of more than 55 years.