Dec. 27, 1953 ~ Jan. 10, 2015
Steve Horton, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, in-law, cardiologist, photographer, and friend, passed away January 10th, having been seriously injured in a car accident on January 2nd.
When he was at his happiest, Steve would say, "today would be a good day to die." His last hours before the accident were shared with his best friend, happily snowshoeing in the beauty of the Wasatch Mountains. At the time of the accident, he was headed home, looking forward to dinner and a basketball game with his wife and friends. As sad as his death is, it is comforting to imagine that he was thinking "this is a good day to die."
Steve was born in Long Beach, California, but was a proud Texan at heart. As early as high school, he knew he wanted to be a doctor. During his last week, his family heard many testimonials regarding the man he was, nicely summed up in the words of a colleague: "Steve is and represents everything good in a physician. He is intelligent, caring and compassionate, strong and respected, adored by patients, colleagues, and co-workers. I saw this almost daily for the past many years as we worked together. Steve always enriched my life with his own special energy."
In addition to being a dedicated physician, Steve was also a loved and loving husband and father. Family time was important to him and he fought to achieve balance between his busy practice, his many interests, and his wife and child.
In the end, those that loved him most cling to the words of his father, who, while sitting with Steve on his final night, said "I could not have wished for my son to have a better life. A bit longer, perhaps, but nobody lived a more fulfilling life than Steve." He relished life, enjoying everything from coffee and conversation to outdoor adventures, photography expeditions, and world travels.
Steve is survived by his wife Patricia, his son David, his father William D. Horton (Texas), and his sister Debra S. Horton (Texas).
A Memorial Service to celebrate Steve's life will be held February 17th at 1:00 p.m. in Libby Gardner Hall on the University of Utah campus.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made either to: Intermountain Research & Medical Foundation, Steven C. Horton Cardiovascular Education Fund, 8th Avenue & C Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84143 or Gifted Music School, Dr. Steven C. Horton Memorial Education Fund, PO Box 9841, Salt Lake City, UT 84109.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Jan. 24 to Jan. 25, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Steve Horton

18 Entries

Nestor Almeida, MD, FASN.

January 22, 2025

I met Dr. Horton at Intermountain Medical Center (IMC). I was working as a cardiovascular hospitalist while doing my nephrology fellowship at the U of U, and he was one of the cardiologists in the group. He was a superb cardiologist physician, compassionate, and radiated happiness wherever he went. He was a memorable person, impossible to forget. I want to share one experience with Steve, and I believe I am not touching his beloved memory by sharing that moment. The people who knew him may be aware. One morning at IMC, after rounding the patients, he invited me for a coffee, a cappuccino, to be more precise. I am Colombian, so I said yes, of course. He was worried about the political climate that the country was involved in, and he surprised me by saying that if a very well-known political candidate, and nowadays president of the USA, wins the election, he is ready to move to New Zealand. I was perplexed. I usually do not touch political topics in my talks with colleagues, and I am still like that because his prediction is like an omen we live in today. Rest in peace.

lawrence shore

March 28, 2017

Just received the Tulane magazine, which reported on Steve's passing. He was a classmate of mine in Honors Chemistry at Tulane, and a good man. I'm saddened at the report of his death.
Rest in peace, you "Hacker"
Larry Shore
Phoenix, AZ
Tulane A&S 76

Leslie

October 28, 2016

I met your dad/husband/friend in Europe 35 years ago. I was
travelling with a girlfriend and he was travelling with some people he had met. We all go to know each other in Ireland in a hostel and all took the boat to France. He had just graduated from medical college and was taking some time before buckling down to work. Very sad to learn of his death that seems so untimely. All the best to family and friends.

John Bernhardt

July 21, 2016

I visited Dr. Horton once for a second opinion and was told all was well. Recently, I called again having lost my original Dr. and was told of Dr. Horton's death. A true tragedy. I hope his family and friends truly know how much he meant to so many.

Ann Charat

March 22, 2016

I was deeply saddened to hear today of Dr. Horton's death. I began seeing him almost 20 years ago after a stress test. I was scared to death, and he was so positive and encouraging. I had lived in Texas, we shared a love of the outdoors and photography. I would only see him every few years. He would always say "keep doing what you're doing, you don't need me." One time when his staff didn't get a message to him from me, he called and gave me his private email. What doctor does that? Dr.Horton did! I hope his family sees this,I am so sorry that i didn't hear about him last year.He was simply the BEST. I am well because of him and honored to have known him.

My family

Amy Nicholson

January 11, 2016

I'm not sure if your family will get this. My heart is broken to see that you have passed away. Im in shock. I have grown to love and adore you over the years as my heart Dr. My favorite memory was at a Dr apt I'm running on the treadmill doing my test and you come in to encourage me! We are talking and even joking. You leave and come back with a delious piece of homemade pie.., it was looking so good. You proceeded to tell me about your wife's cooking and how she had made this pie. You said to me if you really push it I will give you a bite. I took off pushing my test to the limits. After the test we sat and talked and shared your pie with me. Thank you fir being an awesome Dr, a good friend and a cheer leader for life! I hope and pray for you family to have peace. Love Amy Nicholson
[email protected]

February 17, 2015

I know steve through medicine and also because 25-30 years ago we got dogs from the same Litter....Goldens, My was named Hoover and his was named? Rhubarb.. Ah cant remember. Was a great guy.

Betsey Griffin and Dolores Cross

February 9, 2015

Dr. Horton was my Mom's doctor before she had open heart surgery in December 2010. He was investigating the possibility of replacing her mitral valve by using a catheter instead of open heart surgery. It was a new procedure just being studied and proposed at that time. As it turned out she had to have open heart surgery after all and Dr. Horton was on her surgical team along with Dr. Clayson. After my Mom's surgery Dr. Horton would occasionally stop by the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab center of IMC to see how she was doing.
I am forever grateful to both of them for giving my Mom God only knows how many more years with us. I was greatly saddened to hear of Dr. Horton's accident and subsequent death. We'll never forget him!! Sincerely... Betsey Griffin, the Cross family, and especially my Mom -Dolores Cross

Rynda Brown

February 6, 2015

I only visited Dr Horton's office one time...he put my mind at ease and gave me a "well" check-up and clean bill of heart health. I chose him only because he was a fellow "Texan" So sorry to hear of his passing...fantastic personality...positive attitude..you could tell he absolutely loved his job and taking care of peoples HEARTS.

Jane Perkins

February 3, 2015

I am so deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Dr. Steven Horton. He was my favorite cardiologist for many, many years, and a most trusted, loyal, dedicated, and devoted
physician who felt like a dear friend.
He will be so sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends for peace and comfort at this time. He was truly an inspiring man.

Leroy Fernandez

February 3, 2015

He saved my life and gave me hope, education and time with my family.

January 28, 2015

DR. HORTON WAS OUR MOTHER'S DOCTOR FOR MANY YEARS AND WAS ALWAYS SO CARING AND KIND. THE MEDICAL FIELD AND HIS PATIENTS HAVE LOST A GENTLE SOUL. THE DOROTHY SMITH FAMILY

Donna Thomas

January 26, 2015

I met Dr. Horton after I had a stress test and a cardiac workup. His first comment to me when we met to review the results was "How is it to be 6o?. I am going to be 60 in another month. He then told me I had the heart of a young person and I should keep doing whatever it was I was doing. I was amazed at how down to earth he was and how reassuring. I could tell he enjoyed life. We discussed the Moab Half marathon, and other races he had run. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy and was so reassuring. It was like talking to a good friend and not a cardiologist. I was very sad to read about his death. My thoughts are with his family. I am glad I got to meet him. Donna Thomas

David Alston

January 26, 2015

We are saddened by Dr. Horton's tragic death. While we mostly talked about music and Paris, he was at the same time taking very good care of my heart. We already miss him and that will get worse with time.

Loyola Samora

January 25, 2015

Dr. Steve Horton , was my HERO and best co-worker ever. I meet Dr. Horton when he was doing his residency at the VA Mediical Center.

In the late nineties, my father had a massive hear attack. Was taken to the LDS ER, the physican in the ER gave our family two two choices, both choices were fatal, and not knowing what to do, I asked the ER doctor if he could please call Dr, Horton and tell him that YoYo needed his help. In less than 20 minutes , Dr. Horton was examining my daddy and consulting with the ER doctor..

Dr. Horton came over to the family and told us he was taking my daddy into the cath lab.

About an hour later, Steve came to us and told us that he performed a procedure and my daddy would be okay.

My daddy survived his massive heart attack and lived for another 10 years, daddy died at the age of 92.

Our condolences and prayers to his family .

Rest in peace Steve (Our Hero)

Karla Pardini

January 25, 2015

Patty and David what a beautiful tribute. He was such a good man and has left his mark on many. I know he helped my family during Victor's transplant so much. I am so thankful Victor had him as a doctor and I had him as a friend and support. Great guy..........

Debra Smith

January 24, 2015

I saw Dr. Horton in October for my yearly check-up. We talked about the usual doctor/patient stuff and then we talked travel! He recommended a great hotel in northwest Portland since my spouse and I wanted to spend some time in the area and then asked about my favorite place to visit on the Oregon Coast. We laughed when he wrote the name of the hotel on a prescription pad because it really was the only medicine I needed. He was a great healer in more ways than just medicine. I will miss him.

Kate Lahey

January 24, 2015

Wonderful obituary for a wonderful guy. He will be sorely missed by so many of us, but most especially his wife and son, who were everything to him.

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