Steven Anthony Varner

STEVEN ANTHONY VARNER 1962 - 2012 After a valiant battle with cancer, Steven Anthony Varner passed away on September 13, 2012, in Riverside, CA. He was 49 years young, just shy of his fiftieth birthday. Steve impressed all with his full of life personality, infectious laughter, capacity for fun and a smile with a dimple that will never be forgotten. He was smart, funny, happy, and witty. Although he had a strong work ethic, he could be a prankster. Born on November 14, 1962, in San Bernardino, CA, his family moved to Ventura, CA when Steve was three years old. He spent his childhood and teenage years attending Elmhurst Elementary, Balboa Middle and Buena High Schools, graduating in 1981. He graduated from the Phoenix Institute of Technology in Arizona in 1986, with a major in architectural design. At the time of his death, Steve was a General Partner and Project Manager for PSWC Group in San Bernardino, CA, which specializes in Architecture, Planning & Interior Design. Steve was the devoted and beloved husband of KoriAnn Varner for the past 26 years, and the proud and loving father of twins Makayla Colleen and Kelsea Nicole (18), Cody Michael (16), and Brooke Alysa (13). Always the family man, Steve's main focus was spending time with his wife Kori and their four children. He loved gatherings with his sister's and brother's families for birthdays, weekends and holidays. He especially looked forward to long summer vacations camping around the country, whether in a tent, fifth wheel or motorhome. He loved the outdoors, and had a passion for backpacking, hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Much of Steve's free time was spent coaching his children's club soccer teams. Although he never played soccer, he had a talent for teaching the game, making practices and games fun, as well as competitive. Team building camping trips, visits to Knots Berry Farm, slumber parties, and dinners all brought team members closer. Highly respected and well-liked by his players and their families, the environment Steve created not only produced better players, it forged lasting friendships between the families. Steve is survived by his immediate family of Riverside, mother-in-law Carolee Beckham, sister Cindy Nedbailo and brother Mike Varner, both of Ventura, brother Chris Varner of Canyon Country, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his infant brother David Gregory, and his parents Richard Varner and Beverly Carnley, previously of Ventura. His presence will be deeply missed by all his family, friends, coworkers and fellow soccer parents and players as words cannot express the true loss of such a wonderful man. As Steve would want, we will "NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER BACK DOWN". A celebration of Steve's life will be held at 4pm on Saturday, September 29, 2012, in Riverside CA at the Sunkist Event Center in the California Citrus State Historic Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Steve's name to the American Cancer Society or in his honor, a donation of your time to a youth sport or any activity for the benefit of children. A message from our family to all who knew and loved Steve: Never put off the time that can be spent with your family. We are very blessed that we lived our life together in this way.