Steven Jeffery West Jr.

On Saturday, August 12, 2023, Steven Jeffery West Jr. passed away at the age of fifty-seven. He was born to Steven Sr. and Donna West in Flint, Michigan on May 19, 1966. Steve grew up in Clio and graduated from Clio High School in 1984. He moved to Saginaw in 1993 and fell in love with the city and its history. In 1998 he met his life partner, Jim Atwood. They built a life together in the Cathedral District of Saginaw and as members of the preservation society, began to help restore the history of the city. As owners of the Savoy Bar & Grill, they became pillars of the community. Saginaw history decorated the walls of the restaurant, and many historical facts were shared with customers during their visits. In fact, Steve referred to himself as the "keeper of stories" and in 2013, he was named Saginawian of the Year. The nomination arose from the annual free Thanksgiving Day dinner that Savoy offered for 13 of the 14 years that it was in operation which served as many of 700 guests in a day.
Prior to operating his own restaurant, he demonstrated his passion for cooking and catering through positions at Brown's Family Restaurant in Flint, Michigan and later at Bavarian Inn Restaurant in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Steve held those experiences dear and developed friendships with the teams he worked with that lasted long after he left the establishments. At Bavarian, for many years, he was responsible for the Christmas decorations, an area of passion and one where he was gifted, he enjoyed watching others in awe at what he had created. He also had a passion for antiques and had a strong knowledge of their value – he loved beautiful things and relished in finding them in thrift shops.
He was a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and campaigned for human rights. He participated mostly in local events but supported them nationally as well through social communication and by spreading knowledge and acceptance.
As many know, by his family he was known lovingly as "Jeff". The oldest of five children and the only boy, he was his sisters' protector and teacher. He taught them to live in faith, to be kind, and to find fun in everything. He delighted in teasing and taunting them with clever ploys that he designed to provoke the exact outcome he wanted – and they fell for it every time, no matter their age. He was their hero. Being the first born and her only son, he had a very special bond with his Mom. They spent countless days together going to thrift shops, talking about cooking and flowers, antiques, running errands, and at times, just being together. His parents had a regular table at the Savoy where they dined for hours and were treated like royalty by all that worked there.
Steve was known for his kind and giving nature, fun personality, and cleverness. He is survived by his life partner, Jim Atwood; his mother, Donna West; his siblings, Kristi (Danny) Lee, Kerri (Mike) Walther, and Laura (Ryan) Caldwell, along with many beloved nephews, nieces and great nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, Steven West Sr., his sister, Sara Olsen, and his niece Kerrie Michelle Lee. He lived life to the fullest and was the noblest of human beings. He was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.
A Time of Sharing for family and friends will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 2:00 PM at O'Guinn Family Funeral Home in Clio, Michigan. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Saturday, August 26, 2023 from 11:00 AM until the time of sharing at the funeral home. The family would like attendees to share stories of Steve, so please, if you are able, plan to participate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family for future designation. Please sign our guestbook or share an online condolence with the family at www.oguinnfh.com.