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BORN
1938
DIED
2025
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Richard Steeves Obituary
February 2, 1938 - April 20, 2025
Madison- Richard A. Steeves passed away on April 20, 2025, at home in Madison, Wis.
He was born on February 2, 1938, to William and Doris Steeves in Fredericksburg, Va. Richard was educated in London, Canada, where he received his M.D. at the University of Western Ontario. After interning at the Montreal General Hospital, he obtained a Ph.D. in medical biophysics at the University of Toronto in 1966. While studying in Toronto he met Elyane Brunet, whom he married in 1965. Sons Pascal and Colin were born while they still resided in Canada. In 1972 Richard's research into the genetics of mouse leukemia took the family to New York City, N.Y., where daughter, Rachel, was born. After specialty training in radiation oncology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Richard and family moved to Madison in 1980. Richard joined the faculty of Human Oncology at the University of Wisconsin and remained as emeritus professor.
Richard traveled widely and cared deeply about the environment. He promoted the use of carbon-free sources of energy, especially nuclear fission (as explained at https://rethinkingnuclear.org). He served on the board of the International Crane Foundation for 12 years and led the "Pathways to a Sustainable Planet" discussion group for the University's Participatory Learning and Teaching Organization for 14 years. Additionally, Richard was a pilot and built an amphibious airplane, the "Coot", wrote a newsletter for fellow Coot-builders and was involved with the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, Wis. With his passion for the environment and clean energy, he later switched to an electric ultralight airplane.
Richard is survived by his wife, Elyane Steeves; their children, Pascal, Colin and Rachel; and by his grandchildren, Justin, Avery and Morgan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the International Crane Foundation or Ocean Conservancy.
A memorial service will be held on May 5, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., at Cress Funeral and Cremation Services, 6021 University Ave. A visit will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.
Cress Funeral Service
6021 University Ave. Madison
(608) 238-3434
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Steeves
Sponsored by Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison West.
4 Entries
GORD MAHAFFY
May 26, 2025
I met Richard in 1963 - 1966 while he was working on his PHD in the Medical Biophysics Department at the University of Toronto. I was a research assistant working in Dr Axelrad's Lab (Richard's supervisor). Richard was an accomplished private pilot and he encouraged me to obtain my Private pilot licence. We remained in touch. meeting at the EAA fly in in Oshkosh and exchanging Christmas cards and newsletters. I saw him as a humanitarian, a contributor to innovations in cancer research and a contributor to the development of electric powered airplanes. I pray for God's Blessing on you Richard
Dean R Sigler
May 3, 2025
I met Richard through a happy circumstance, and enjoyed his friendship and generosity for many years. I came to know him as a caring healer, giving friend, and earnest seeker for cures for human and environmental ills.
Paul Sondel
April 30, 2025
Richard was a kind, thoughtful, and cheerful physician, scientist and colleague. We joined the Dept. of Human oncology together in July of 1980, and compared background and interests founded in cancer related genetics and immunology. Although not working closely together, we enjoyed being colleagues together for 45 years. He had a positive-gentle outlook on life and shared it with all he met. He will be missed.
Paul Sondel
The Staff of Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
April 26, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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