Steven Paul Szambelan

Steve Szambelan died suddenly at his home in Beavercreek, Oregon on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 of an apparent heart attack. Born in Portland Oregon on May 3, 1946, to Peter and Isabelle Szambelan, Steve attended All Saints Grade School where he played on the line in football and was a pitcher and catcher on the baseball team. He drove a '53 Ford to Central Catholic High School, where he graduated in 1964, so he could get to work after school stocking shelves at G.I. Joe's. Steve continued at G.I. Joe's for nearly 30 years and worked his way up to become the head of Automotive Purchasing and Merchandizing, helping the company expand from a single store to the largest sporting goods retailer in the Pacific Northwest. Much of his success could be attributed to his tremendous work ethic, which he applied equally to projects at home. Friend and former G.I. Joe's CEO David Orkney recounted that when Steve received an "outstanding" on a performance review he responded, "I am not outstanding, just doing my job." Orkney replied, "too bad Steve, you're stuck with 'outstanding' maybe you can do better next year." In 1993 Steve began work at Employers Overload as the Branch Manager of their downtown Portland office. His hard work (including checking in shifts of temporary workers at 3:00 am) and personal connection with employees helped the office become the largest branch in the company, tripling the sales of any other office. He retired in 2000 due to health related issues, but kept busy maintaining his rural home and property in Beavercreek. Moving to Beavercreek in the 70's was the realization of his childhood dream to live in the country. He owned horses and an assortment of other animals over the years and could often be seen donning one of his many cowboy hats. Steve overcame a number of physical challenges from birth and was very active his entire life, from daily chores and projects at his home to training, swimming, running and competing in a marathon. He lived through almost constant physical pain, but it rarely showed to others. One of his favorite sayings was that he would continue to "endeavor to persevere." An early marriage to Barbara Behrendt ended in divorce, but not before they had two children together. He is survived by his companion of 25 years, Nancy Vrooman of Beavercreek; a daughter, Andrea Szambelan of Windsor, Calif. and a son, Joseph Szambelan of Seattle, Wash.; two grandchildren, Carter and Leah Szambelan; two brothers Pete (Butch) of Tualatin and Jim Szambelan of Portland; and two sisters, Susan Vaughn of Sunnyvale, Calif. and Anne Manning of Cloverdale. Steve was a man of integrity and a straight shooter, who cherished his family and friends. He was generous and caring - a true friend and provider. He was a loyal companion to Nancy Vrooman, a loving father, brother, uncle and doting grandfather. All who knew Steve will miss his tremendous character and sense of humor. A memorial will be held at 11:00 AM on October 27th at All Saints Catholic Church followed by refreshments in the hall below the church. Suggested memorial donations can be made to the Oregon Humane Society, Albertina Kerr Centers or the Wally Shepard Foundation at All Saints School.