Stephen Roger Rice

1970 - 2021

Stephen Roger Rice

9/13/1970-5/04/2021

Steve was born in Walnut Creek, CA to his parents Stephen and Barbara Rice. He is survived by them as well as his wife Robin, son Wesley, and sisters Lisa and Angie as well as several uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

When Steve was seven years old, his family moved to Reno. Growing up, he loved playing soccer, baseball, and football. He learned to ski with the Sky Tavern ski program, and it was one of his favorite activities, a love which continued throughout his life. He skied the chutes at Mt. Rose like a man possessed. He loved to rock climb, hike, ski, camp, if it was outdoors, he was into it! Full of energy and love of the outdoors, if there were 4 hours left in a day there was enough time for a bike ride or a hike.

As Steve was starting high school, his family moved back to the Bay Area where he graduated from California High School in San Ramon in 1989. He made many lifelong friends in high school. Steve graduated from St. Mary's college in 1993 with a BS in Biology, and received his teaching credential there in 1995. Steve received his Master's Degree in Education from UNR in 2015.

Steve taught Biology and Science at Hayward High from 1996 to 2001, during which time, he met his future bride Robin on a blind date. Together they relocated to Reno and Steve began teaching at McQueen High School, where he has taught chemistry and physical science since 2001. During his time at McQueen he was JV football coach and coached under the impressive Dalton era.

Steve was a beloved teacher. He touched a multitude of people throughout his career, including students, friends, faculty and staff. He was a volunteer coach, mentor, and tutor to anyone who wanted help, even if Steve was not their teacher. Many of his colleagues became very close friends with him, and they often had adventures in the great outdoors. He was a legendary hugger, and he would often say "square up" and bring them into a day-changing hug, to the chagrin of some of his male friends. Steve was well known as an extrovert with a big heart and love of people.

In 2011, Steve and Robin were blessed with their amazing son Wesley. Wesley inherited his father's love of sports and outdoor adventuring. He learned about the outdoors as a toddler from a backpack on Steve's shoulders.

Some may say that Steve always had an angel of his own, a guardian of sorts, as he always managed to get into memory making trouble. This angel enabled him to survive many experiences, including ski accidents, broken bones, scrapes with bears and other wildlife, and many other crazy adventures. Steve is now with his angel that got him through it all. Steve was an organ donor and was able to give the gift of life to others.

The world was a better place because of Steve.

The Celebration of Life for Stephen R. Rice will be held at Winters Creek Lodge, Mt. Rose Ski Resort on June 5th starting at 1:00 p.m. There is a maximum occupancy limit at this venue, if you are planning to attend, please RSVP at SteveRiceMemorial@gmail.com by June 1, 2021.