Steven Leiber Obituary

Steven Jon Leiber Passed away on January 28, 2012 in San Francisco after battling cancer. He was 54. Loving husband of Leigh Markopoulos, son of Paul and Arlene Leiber, and elder brother to Mitchell and David Leiber. An art and book dealer, collector, curator, publisher, and teacher, Steven conducted his affairs with fierce intelligence and passion, integrity, creativity, and a unique sense of humor. A graduate in art history from UC Berkeley and then J.D. in Law from Golden Gate University, Steven turned to teaching in recent years at the California College of the Arts. Truly invested in the creative process he generously supported his students and was a life-long advocate of emerging artists. Starting in his early twenties he rigorously scoured Europe and the US for overlooked artistic materials, at the time considered by-products of artistic processes, such as artist´s books, ephemera, multiples, works on paper and reference materials. His archive in San Francisco and stevenleiberbasement.com became a destination for many curious about the art and culture of the 60s and 70s. His unassuming manner, dedication, and encyclopedic knowledge leave a void for many students, curators, librarians, artists, and collectors. Donations may be made to the California College of the Arts for the Steven Leiber Scholarship Fund at 5212 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94618. Private services pending.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven Leiber

Sponsored by anon.

11 Entries

Robert Shimshak

January 25, 2021

Brilliant man who know the art world inside out and a friend. I miss him and Leigh

Cezanne Garcia

April 24, 2015

although I only recently learned of Steven's passing, I know that the loss of a loved one isn't relative to the time - but brings its emotions forward at its own moments. love and condolences to all family members - those I met and those who came after my memorable backpacking adventures and were part of composing a fulfilling life for Steven.

January 6, 2013

His life and contribution cannot be chronicle here. It lives on. Steven's foresight is only enhanced by his memory - to those who knew him and loved him the pleasure is yours; and to those who come after...welcome. E Viva...he is NOT a footnote...

Jan van Toorn

February 19, 2012

Shocked to hear that Steven passed away so early,thank you for our
contact and the records we shared.
It's a great loss.Jan van Toorn,s-Hertogenbosch,Netherlands

February 10, 2012

Seeing Steven's picture and reading about his accomplishments brought to mind a wonderful family that I enjoyed as friendly neighbors when our sons were young. My sincere condolences to you, Paul and Arlene, and to Leigh, Mitchell and David.
Janet Manerud in Moraga, California

Robert Shimshak

February 2, 2012

There are some people who really are unique and Steven was one of them. He set the standard in his field. His passion for art came from the heart and there was always something amazing and refreshing about his enthusiasm. I feel sad-There was so much more we could have learned from him. My condolences to Leigh and all his family.

Thomas Solomon

February 2, 2012

My sincere condolences to the Leiber family- I am saddened by the passing of such a brilliant and wonderful person, scholar, and true gentleman. Steven always searched vigorously and found the highest quality in all things such as art and books. He gave to people his utmost respect and his vision helped so many that he touched. His love of life and dedication to artists ideas will be very missed.

Norma Lesser

February 1, 2012

Such sorry news--may many happy memories be a consolation.

John Held, Jr.

February 1, 2012

This is a tragedy of the first order for all seriously concerned with contemporary art, especially those of us who knew him personally.

Kris Perez

February 1, 2012

I was sorry to read about Steven, he is so young. I have good memories of all three Leiber boys and my Grandma Irene loved them all. Thinking of all of you and sending my sympathy and prayers.

Ann/Marshall Webb

January 31, 2012

We are filled with so many memories spent with Steven in our home in Toronto or on long, long distance calls. Always about books and art. Always a candid opinion from Steven who was an educator as well as passionate artist book/ephemera dealer. We loved receiving catalogues--all so intelligently curated; each a symbol of his passion and dedication. We lost touch with him over the years, sadly, but often remembered him in conversations when browsing our collection. We will continue to do so now, probably, even more fondly. Steven was memorable, eccentric, passionate: we loved our times with him.

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