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Steven Roger Severin
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Deborah Chalfant
October 18, 2008
I will always have fond memories of Steve Severin. He was so kind and generous. My husband graduated with his master degree a few months ago and he offered to have a party at his home for us. That is the kind of man he was. My husband and I will always miss our friend Steve Severin. My best wishes to his family. Deborah Chalfant
The leaves turn up when it rains.
Nichole Duckham
October 13, 2008
To Pat and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I took his sociology class and went to him for advice on classes. He became more than a teacher to me but a mentor and most of all a friend. He stood by me when others wouldn't and I wouldn't be where I am today if not for him. I only wish I could have expressed to him how much he meant to me. I am sorry I did not get to say goodbye but I am sure he is looking down upon all of us. I will carry him always in my heart and hope to make him proud. Once again, I am sorry for your loss and the loss of such a great inspiration on the world.
Susan (Edwards) Fogarty
October 9, 2008
Sion & Ty,
I am so very sorry for your loss. You may not remember, but you were my flower girl/ring bearer back in 1982 - so cute!
I had the pleasure of having Steve in my very first class at KCC. Actually , it was his very first class there also (Fall 1978). Throughout my two years there, and through grad school, he was my friend and mentor. His encouragement was a tremendous motivator. Now, years later, as a sociology professor at a community college, I am profoundly grateful I had the opportunity to know him.
He was the best & will be tremendously missed by everyone that he touched.
eleanor linnan
October 6, 2008
i took Mr. Severin's sociology class in the early 1980's. his talent and enthusiasm as an instructor encouraged me to continue my education....and, ultimately, career. Steve was (is?) one of the special ones....he challenged us to learn and love the experience. thanks, steve, for being such a positive person in my life and the lives of countless others. you will be especially missed, your legacy lives on in us.
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Deann Gamble
September 29, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Cheryl Chubinski
September 29, 2008
I am so saddened by Mr Severin's passing. It was back in the mid 70's and early 80's that I was a tutor in the Special Need's office at KCC. As our program grew into the Occupational Preparation Program, my job grew into being the Tutor Coordinator. I would get peer tutor recommendations from teachers in their subject areas, when we had students that were having trouble in a class. It was when I approached Mr Severin that I learned there should be alot more we were doing other than just getting someone a study buddy. His questions to me - How well does the student read? Do you test them ? Do you show them HOW to study ? HOW to take notes ? etc etc. I learned that if we could give the student and our peer tutors the "how to and why" skills, that person would be able to be a better student overall. I believe his passion for educating was a definte influence for our program. To me, he instilled in others: That he believed in you, and if you believed in yourself - you could accomplish anything you set out to do. And I will be forever grateful for that inspiration. You have my deepest sympathy.
Sincerely - Cheryl Chubinski
Tammy Jaques(Goodman)
September 25, 2008
Sion,
I am so sorry for your loss your father was a GREAT man and I can't express to you how sorry I am. Please Please call me I miss you I think about you all the time and would love to talk to you. 269-967-1411 call day or night my thoughts and prayers are with you and you family
Holly Kendall
September 25, 2008
Mr. Severin was known as a hard instructor. However, when you left his class you had truly learned something. His classes weren't just about what was in the book but the world around us and what we could and should do to improve it for future generations as well as ourselves. He will be greatly missed. I am so saddened at this loss of such a wonderful man.
Gale Weaver
September 24, 2008
To the family of Mr. Severin
I am very sorry for your loss, you will be held in my prayers. I only ment, Mr Severin, once at a gathering at his home. It was very nice of him to let me come as I was not a student but it was important to my niece, so he welcomed me. I often heard what a wonderful mentor he was and all the woderful things he was doing for my niece, which made me very happy. I never got to thank him so I would like to thank his family as you see my niece is, Angela Jones, which I am very proud of. It was an honor to have ment him. God Bless you all.
Nicole Minniear
September 24, 2008
Mr. Severin will always hold a spot in my heart and memory. He was a wonderful educator and mentor. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Nicole Minniear - KCC Graduate
Karen, Jeff, Andrew, Matthew Kulhanek
September 24, 2008
Our Family has been deeply saddened at the news of Steve's passing. Our oldest son had Steve and our middle son was a current student of Steve's.
Without a doubt,, our Oldest son would not have completed his degree at KCC were it not for Steve's willingness to spend many Saturday mornings tutoring him and making sure his notes were in order and keeping him focused. Our Middle son indicated that Steve's class was his favorite. Steve epitomized the words teacher, student advocate, and class act.
Steve also left a lasting impression on my wife, Karen in his role as the KFA President. He ways always willing to listen to her when needed and assisting when necessary.
We will never forget him.....
Letty Paez
September 24, 2008
Dorothy,
Few of us can actually say we have made huge contributions to humanity but that is something you did by giving us Steve. What a GREAT guy...I am sure he was one of your greatest "accomplishments". His love for his family, his intentional grounding about the most difficult challenges and issues, his love for his students, his friends, and humanity all must come from somewhere in his past and I suspect you had loads to do with that. He was such a compassionate, intellectual, caring, loyal and loving friend. I will miss him so very much but will also live with the joy, memories, and blessings of having been part of his life. May you soon find comfort and peace especially knowing that you were the creation of ONE FABULOUS guy!
Letty Paez
September 24, 2008
Dear Sion,
While we never met, I feel like I know you thru your dad's stories and photographs. He never went anywhere without some photos especially of your children. They were the joy of his life. He loved you so very much and was very proud of you. I recall many a trip to El Paso where all he wanted to do was go shopping and buy clothes for your babies. And yes, a gift for Sion was always on the shopping list as well. What a great guy he was and for that he will always live in my heart as I know he will live in yours. We are all blessed for having shared part of his life and you especially for being his daughter. I hope that you carry on in his name and that you will find comfort in the many memories of an outstanding dad. His passion for living, exploring, loving and laughter, his expresssions (remember GEEEEZZZE?), his balance of life and always doing the right thing, no matter how tough or unpopular, are all part of who he was. Know that many of us share your pain and the loss of a great man. May you soon find peace and comfort.
Letty Paez
September 24, 2008
For Mityah,
Dearest Mityah, There is no need to tell you what a great guy your dad was. You know that from multiple perspectives especially, I suspect from reading all of the comments entered into this guest book. He loved you dealy and was so very proud of what you accomplished in culinary school. I fondly recall the visit you made to my house on New Year's Day. It was so special to meet you and your dad had a purpose for that trip which I suspect was achieved. I remember that you had a broken leg but still also had the determination (comes from your dad no less) to climb the stairs in my home. I know that determination was only but one thing you got from your dad. I know toot that you realize what a special dad he was. My hope and prayers are that this sustains you thru the difficult times ahead and please know that you have all of your dad's friends to reach out to should you ever need.
Letty Paez
September 24, 2008
For Pat Tomasik,
As we all know, Steve loved you very much, even more than he loved himself. He would always shine and smile when he spoke about you and the wonderful times that you both shared. He was grateful that you were part of his life and contributed so much to it. I know you will miss him dearly but please know that time will ease the pain and that Steve friends are also your friends and are here to support you. I am grateful for the time we shared when you all came to El Paso and the time we spent in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Sharing time with Steve was a true blessing...what a great guy and you are so fortunate to have shared 15 years of his life.
Angela Jones
September 24, 2008
Where do I start? My heart is broken for many reasons over the loss of Steve. I was a non-tradtional student, I started KCC at the age of 29. I had a very hard and disturbing road that brought me there. I was a Graphic Design student and I needed Sociology as a minor. I took his first course and failed miserably. But because I enjoyed the comments that Steve wrote on my papers, I knew he was the instructor that would help me make it. I took his second course the next semester. On that first day he stopped me on the way out of the room and asked me to come to his office. He told me that I had a lot to offer the world. He told me that he was impressed by my determination. He told me that he was going to train (not teach) how to study to become an excellent student. He took a great interest in me and my personal life. Everyday for that entire semester he and I would meet if only for a moment and speeak on how EVERYTHING was going.
This man took me under his wing and trained me, taught me and befriended me and my family. He helped me to bring my grades up, he gave me a job as his personal office assistant. He helped me to obtain money I needed to live. He helped me to see myself as the woman I am, instead of the woman I thought I was going to become. He invited me into his home as a student (with SMEA, SMEA-E then SEAL-E) and later as a friend. He helped me to get a job outside of campus and helped me to get clothes for that job when I could not afford them. He helped with so many things.
Towards the end of Spring 03 semester, I fell ill and Steve knew (he was the only one I let on to how serious it was) he advised me to go to the doctor. I told him that school was much more important to me. He told me that he would be damned if i died now (then). When he said that to me I realized that he cared a great deal for me as a student, individual and friend. The next day, I was admitted to the hospital. That afternoon, I called and told him what had happened and he came to see me that evening, with flowers and card in hand. We discussed the fact that this would ruin my grant and semester. He went on to tell me that things will work out.
Later the following year, I enrolled in another college and in summer of 06 I graduated not only with a degree in Drafting (AutoCAD) but with a High School Diploma. I walked the stage for the first time in my life, not once, but twice.
I searched the crowd to see if I could spot Steve and I did not but I walked proud, knowing the Steve had been the greatest influence in my life. When my friends and family gathered outside of the college, out the corner of my eye, I saw my "Mentor" walking towards me with the biggest smile I had ever seen. My family took pictures of us and we invited him to a celebratory dinner. After he left I fell into my families arms and cried I explained that "this was truly the best day of my life."
Steve and have not spoke in several months but he is always thought of and always will be, very fondly. I grew to love Steve very deeply as an Instructor, a mentor, a confidant, a father figure and a friend.
Steve has been the epitome of Greatness in my life. He has been a Godsend to many, especially me.
To: Mitayah Severin, Sion Curtis, Dorothy Severin, Patricia Tomasik and the entire family including Kona and Dowia; my heart goes out to you for your great loss, and know that I feel your pain (I lost my mother 9-27-07). Steve IS a great man. I am so very sorry that his life did not last longer.
In Steve's words "You do not have to be a teacher or instrutor to be an educator. All who share knowledge are educators." That wil always be with me that is why this is so long.
Take Care and God Bless you all. If you need anything please contact me at 269-716-0163. Also thank you to all individuals that helped Steve to become the man he was.
I miss you Steve. "Your prize accomplishment!"
Bethany Newton
September 24, 2008
Eventhough I only met Mr. Severin twice, the time was well spent. I never had him as an educator but was blessed by the few conversations we had. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. We have lost a great educator, friend, and mentor to many.
Mary
September 24, 2008
Steve, your loss will leave a hole in the field I don't know how to fill in,
You asked the tough questions to get what you needed us to get,
You never gave up on us, even when we gave up on ourselves.
Your humor in class (even about my handwriting at times) still makes me laugh,
Remembering the way your passion for teaching will keep on being my inspiration,
Even now, when I am ready to give up.
How do I begin,
And how do I end,
A man so wonderful,
Who still had much to give.
May your legacy live on in the hearts and minds of your students,
May we still remember that you always expected excellence and greatness,
May we live up to that standard,
May we never settle for less,
Just as you never settled for less.
Dana Higgins
September 24, 2008
I was shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of one of the finest educators I have ever met. I second all of the comments by other people of how tough but fair a teacher Steve was. He always asked how I was doing in the quest for my teaching degree and always asked if he could help. The hallways, offices, buildings, and people of KCC will be missing a special person. Prayers to the family and friends of Steve. I knew him only for a short time but I miss him already.
Deniece Leatherman
September 24, 2008
I'm having trouble finding words to express how much Mr. Severin touched my life in just the short time I knew him. I had the privilege of being a student in his Sociology class this spring semester. I always looked forward to that class. Steve was so inspirational in his classes. I could listen to him forever. His passion for teaching was undeniable. I was looking forward to attending his education classes in the future. I knew I could learn all I would ever need to know from him. He always had time to meet with me after class and assured me he'd help steer me in the right direction whenever I was unsure about my future pursuits. I went to him before I would go to any advisors for advice. I knew he had my best interests at heart. It was amazing how personally involved he was with each of his students. He lived for his family and for his students and I am very grateful, honored and truly lucky to have had the chance to have him in my life. His teachings will live on in my heart forever. My deepest sympathies go to his family. We are all better off for knowing such a remarkable human being. May he live on in our hearts forever.
Paul Chalfant
September 23, 2008
I am deeply saddened by this news. Steve Severin made me believe that I could succeed in education. One measurement of a man is how many people they touch. He touched many! One of his greatest attributes was the ability to look deeper than the average man. He had the ability to look at a students potential and motivate them to reach thier optimal level.
My condolences to his family.
Peggy Linnan
September 23, 2008
My deepest condolences to Steve's family and friends. His passion for life and teaching will always be one of my most cherished memories, and though he is no longer among us, he will always be with us in our own individual ways. Thank you Steve for helping me achieve my goals in life and encouraging me to reach for my dreams!
Gerald Blanchard
September 23, 2008
Steve has touched so many and will be sadly missed. Those of us who knew him and experieced his generosity and compassion have been changed forever. God Bless the family. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief.
-Gerald J. Blanchard
Keith Schirmer
September 23, 2008
I taught in the Social Department with Steve for 22 years. He was a close friend and an outstanding teacher--one of the best ever at KCC! He had high academic standards, and the students respected him for that. I will miss him. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Sincerely, Keith Schirmer (former instructor of psychology and philosophy 1964--1995).
Curtina Moreland-Young
September 23, 2008
I was a Kellogg Fellow with Steve and from the beginning we formed a bond. He was like a member of my family and we kept in touch , sometime there would be a break of a year or two but when we finally connected it was as if we were Fellows again. He was a great guy, full of empaty and sympathy for most of the people he met. I loved to discuss politics and world affairs with him. The only thing he seemed to be more passionate about , than his interest in national and world affairs were his family , teaching and Michigan. I will really miss him and the world is a smaller place because he is not here to physically fill it.
You as his loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers.
Curtina Moreland-Young
Rachael Molesworth
September 23, 2008
I first had Mr. Severin last year when I took one of his education classes. I was working nights in Battle Creek and almost always feel asleep in his class. He would then meet with me later in the day, after I had taken a nap, and tell me everything I had missed. Even though I know he had been up all night as well at the E.R. with his mom, because I had seen him every time I went up there that night. He having the patience and working with me helped me pass the class. He is the only reason why I took the sociology class this semester, just so I could learn from his experiences. The first day of class he told me that he didn't think he had ever seen me so awake. At this time I told him that I had quit the old job and got a different one. "Good, now you can be the great student you were born to be..." he said and class went on. My condolences go out to the family and I truly believe that he was everything he was because of you (the family).
James Mead
September 23, 2008
Steve was a great man, he changed so many lives with out knowing it. He helped me become the person I am today. He cared so much about all of his students and offered to do anything to make the get through any troubles they might of been having. Many times i would just go and sit in his office and talk about life and how things are going. He is really the only teacher i felt cared so much about the people he toached, and because of this his legacy will go on, and i will strive to be what he always thought I could be. I miss you Steve, my thoughts are with your family.
Carole Edmonds
September 23, 2008
Steve was a wonderful faculty member and friend. I knew I could always count on him to think of students first in everything he did at KCC. It was a privilege to have worked with Steve. My sincerest sympathy goes to Steve's family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Matt Davis
September 23, 2008
I only had the oppportunity to know Steve for about a year--unfortunate for me. In that short time, during our discussions, he demonstrated a true caring spirit and a quest to help others succeed--Always. It is clear that Steve did not have a devious or mean bone in his body and had a remarkable mind.
We may not have always agreed politically at KCC, but we agreed about much more than we disagreed. Mainly, I was just impressed with how Steve impacted others' lives. He was truly a special man and I want to extend my sincere and deepest sympathies to Steve's, fiance, family and friends.
May he rest in true peace, and may we take what we have learned from Steve and make the world a better place.
Sandra Schroer
September 23, 2008
I took my first sociology class with Steve and when out of frustration I tried to drop it he refused to let me. By the end of that semester I was registered for a second sociology course with him and I was hooked on learning. He taught me how to study and kept his standards high. He was my role model for the kind of professor I would later become. He encouraged my transfer to WMU where I eventually completed a PH.D. To this day I use the text book he edited in every introductory sociology course I teach. Not a semester passes without my students hearing about the man that inspired me to study sociology. I hope he know what a tremendous impact he had on the lives of students.
MaryLouise Stefanski, KCC friend
September 23, 2008
To the Severin Family Members,
My sincerest sympathy to all. When our loved ones become memories, our memories become treasures.
Remembering with you...the life of someone so dear.
Joline Godfrey
September 23, 2008
Steve was a gentle soul with a powerful moral compass. He was passionate about social justice-in both big policy and individual action. I will miss the light he brought to the world.
Jeff Matthews
September 23, 2008
My condolensces on your loss, really our loss. He was my favorite instructor and as John Q. Adams once penned, "no one knows where a teachers influence stops for their words and lessons last for eternity."
He made me a better student and encouraged me to be a teacher; I just hope I don't let him down. I took two classes this semester just to have him for teacher.
I know how it feels to lose a father, my father just died on thursday. If you and your family needs to talk or if I cannot be supportive in any way, call me at: 269-830-1482.
Gary Bloom
September 23, 2008
Steve's passion, commitment and humanity will be sorely missed. He was a mensch, and an inspiration. We can honor his memory by engaging with family, community, and the political world with that same passion and commitment.
Wendy Caldwell
September 23, 2008
Steve was the toughest teacher that I ever had at school; he was tough because he cared so deeply for all his students. Steve was my sociology and educator teacher while I attended KCC and now all my instructors are given the Severin comparison. I was involved with SEAL-E and realized that Steve never stopped teaching once he left the classroom. Because of Steve’s dedication to SEAL-E, many students were able to have experiences that we would only have read about in books. I am so grateful that I was able to meet this remarkable person. My condolences to his family on this terrible lost; I know Steve is an angel now watching over his loved ones.
Bob Secrist
September 23, 2008
My condolences and sympathies go to Steve’s family. Steve’s passion and compassion for family, friends, faculty and students was unparalleled. May God bless the family and friends for strength during this difficult time.
Hope Christie - Horton
September 23, 2008
KCC's campus will never be the same without Steve Severin. He was dedicated to his job, the college and most of all his students. His support and guidance will forever hold a place in my heart.
Spring Edwards
September 23, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Ron Davis
September 23, 2008
I'm glad to have known you, Steve. I miss you already.
Steve Eldred
September 23, 2008
I was in my 30's when I took three of Steve's classes at KCC. He was a wonderful instructor and person. His classes had a profound and positive influence on me. He's one of a handful of people I think about at some point nearly every day. The world is certainly a more interesting place for the people who had the privilege of knowing Steve.
BJ Simmons
September 23, 2008
I have a terrific memory of golfing with Steve in the Bruin Open last year. He and Patricia were so much fun, and enjoyed each other so much. Steve will be greatly missed within the KCC community/family.
Sharon Norman
September 23, 2008
My heart and prayers go out to all the family and loved ones of Mr. Severin. He touched my heart with just one silly Sociology Class and with his style. Forever he will be in my heart!
Willie Doolittle
September 23, 2008
To the Severin family and friends Steve was someone who I knew only a short while 8 years and was a great friend and a great advocate for Kellogg Community College he will be missed greatly
Angie Price
September 23, 2008
Sion and Ty - I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. And may God give you strength to get through this difficult time.
Sincerely your childhood friend, Angie Price (Yeric)
Christy A
September 23, 2008
I appreciate all the help that Steve gave me as a student at KCC. Although I never had him in class, he was there when I was about to quit, to talk to me. He never passed up a student he saw that was in need, and we are forever grateful for that. We love you Steve! You will be sincerely missed!
Judith Rootes
September 23, 2008
I had the priviledge of having Mr.Severin as my Sociology Teacher at KCC.He was tough but I received an excellent education from him.My
condolences to his family.May God be near to help you through this difficult loss in the days ahead.
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