Steven Cheney

It is with heavy hearts that I announce the passing of my husband Steven T. Cheney. Cherished by all who knew him, his warmth, kindness, and generosity touched countless lives. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his unwavering love and dedication to those around him. As we mourn Steve, we also celebrate a life well-lived and the beautiful memories he has left behind. He died peacefully on March 5, 2026 surrounded by his family. Born March 18, 1960 in Jamestown, New York to Beverly and Derold Cheney. He was the middle child, leaving behind his sister, Susan Brown and Ricky Cheney, both from Jamestown. He attended Jamestown High School and graduated in 1978. He could have graduated with honors but chose to play foosball and go to the mall with his best friends: Charlie Bellardo, Jim Andrews and Lyn Hagberg. As a teenager, he wrestled and played football, but his true love was racing. He loved going to Stateline and watching all those cars, he loved horsepower.

He met his wife, Lori, when they were 14 and 16 years old. Their union lasted 36 years, but they had known each other for 49 years. They were married on September 1, 1989. Steve moved to Lake Havasu in 1979 and worked for Al Snyder Motors, transporting motorhomes from Indianapolis to Lake Havasu. He would take a quick ride to Jamestown to see his family and Lori. He moved back to Jamestown and worked several jobs before officially moving to Lake Havasu. As most would know, jobs were not abundant in 1981 but he took whatever job was available. It was then he met several friends in the concrete business. He had no idea what to do, but BSO put him to work and said call if you need us. I am being a little prejudiced when I say I believe he was the best at running a bobcat. From 1987 to 1993, he worked for Bill Ojers Accurate Concrete and built a strong friendship with Bill and his wife Tammy. In 1994, he went to work for McGovern Concrete, Cal and Linda McGovern. Cal and Steve had a great relationship and when Cal decided to hang it up, his son Mike and Steve took over the business. They had a great working relationship. I'm not sure which one was considered mom and dad, but the crew had plenty of other names for them. They retired in 2024. He had great insight into how to get the most out of the lot.

He was an avid NASCAR fan and like many others, an avid Dale Earnhardt fan. He was lucky enough to be a season ticket holder at Phoenix Raceway for over 20 years. We started with 6 of us going and at one point we had 18 fifth-wheels joining us. What should have been a one day trip turned into 5 days. Best parties ever with our best of friends.

He thoroughly enjoyed his job. He could have retired sooner but the socialization of his job made him love it. He enjoyed working with all the contractors and his employees. As he said, it gave him purpose. He and Lori had a full life with no regrets. While it was difficult being away from his family in New York, he just knew he loved Lake Havasu, the snow back east was too much. We travelled at least every 3 years to visit his family and those times were always precious but too short. Somehow work managed to get in his way. He loved his family deeply and he really loved what we call our "Family of Friends." He truly loved his RZR and riding free in the desert. He was able to make his last trip to Utah for 5 weeks with our dearest friends. It was so much fun and he loved the horsepower. Sadly after the trip, he was found to have cancer that was not going to be fixed. He faced it head on and chose his path. He just wanted one month to enjoy his life and he did. Friends stopped by, called him and were able to spend his last days in his Man Cave.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Lori Chaney, his sister Sue (Thomas) Brown, Jamestown, New York, Ricky (Rod) Cheney, Jamestown, New York, his nephew Casey (Cassie) Brown, Jamestown, New York and their 4 children, Amanda (Wayne) Leeper, Jamestown, New York and their 3 children. He also leaves behind his three sisters-in-law: Sherry (Pat) Kedrowski, Mesa, Arizona, and Shirley (Eddie) Van Ord, Jamestown, New York.

We have to give a big shout out to Steve's sister in law, Sherry Kedrowski, for helping Steve and Lori during this trying time. We also need to give big thanks to Jadie Dulmage for assisting so we could sleep while taking care of him. Hospice of Havasu was great, we could not have done it without them. We really have to give a big shout out to our "Family of Friends" who made it possible for Steve to enjoy his last month of life.

Steve was so selfless that he was even kind enough to pass away at 4:00 so we could have happy hour at 5:30. I will miss him.

Contributions can be made to Western Arizona Humane Society.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 18, 2026 at the Bridgeview Room below Shugrues from 3 P.M. to 6 P.M.. Please join his family and me to celebrate my wonderful husband, brother, brother in law, uncle and best friend to many. It would have cost $10,000 to list all of his friends, so you know who you are. Please R.S.V.P. to Lori by April 13, 2026, at (928) 486-8772.

Thank you for the years. His last words were to his favorite song "Bye Bye Miss American Pie."