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Steven Ray "Steve" Light

Steven Light Obituary

Steven "Steve" Ray Light Old veterans never die, they just ride off into the sunset on their Harleys. On October 5, 2012, Steve Light of Blue Lake, California took his final ride into the sunset. After fighting a courageous battle, Steve succumbed to Mesothelioma Cancer of the Lung which he contracted while proudly serving our county during the Vietnam War. Born in Inglewood, California on March 30, 1947, he grew up in nearby Hawthorne and graduated from Leuzinger High School- Class of 1965. From 1965 to 1969, Steve served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Oriskany. Steve moved to Humboldt County in the 1970's where he worked and retired from the Simpson Timber Company in Korbel after 32 years. He also served eleven years as a volunteer firefighter for the Blue Lake Volunteer Fire Department. Steve will be remembered most for his love of family and friends, his exceptional sense of humor and his great practical jokes, some of which are legendary. He will also be remembered for his long term "love affair" with his Harley Davidson. He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife Laurie (Applewhite) of 23 years, his daughter Melinda (Ryan James) of Redding, Ca and son Nathan of Blue Lake, Ca. He also leaves behind two sons by a previous marriage, Jesse of Nixa, Mo and Matthew of Arcata, Ca. Steve was grandfather to Tobin of Missouri and Trevin of Redding, Ca. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Alpha Mae (Williams) Light and Paul Light; sister Bonnie (Light) Love and fraternal twin brother, David Light. He is also survived by and will be greatly missed by his Uncle Jim and Aunt Joanne Williams of Camarillo, CA; his niece Julie (Love) Kelly (husband Scott and son Matthew) of Kansas City, Ks; as well as niece, Lisa Love; nephew, Jarod Love; and many cousins. He also leaves behind Navy buddy and dear friend, Jim Gray (Caroline Richter) of Greenville, Texas and Navy buddy Bill Patti (Carolyn) of Florida, who he recently reconnected with. Steve also leaves behind many good friends, including Tom and Shari DeVore of Redding, Ca; Steve Rapp of Lake Isabella, CA; James Maynard of McKinleyville, Ca and Sid Madjarak of McKinleyville, Ca. The family as well as Steve would like to thank Dr. Cynthia So, San Francisco VA Hospital; Dr. Petra Khufahl, Eureka VA Clinic; Patricia Fitzgerald, VA Nurse Practitioner; the Veteran's Home Based Primary Care Program Team and the Hospice of Humboldt Team for their extra care and support during the many home visits and frequent phone calls. The immediate family would also like to thank all of our wonderful friends for their constant thoughts, love and support through the last 9 months. And Julie, thank you for such a beautiful obituary, your uncle is proud! In accordance with Steve's wishes there will be no services. A private family service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donations in Steve's memory to: Hospice of Humboldt 2010 Myrtle Avenue, Eureka, Ca 95501 or Blue Lake Volunteer Fire Department P.O. Box 245, Blue Lake, CA 95525. Steve was taken from us too soon and will be dearly missed. As Steven would say, "Toodle-oo"... Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times-Standard from Oct. 9 to Oct. 14, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven Light

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Jim Maynard

October 16, 2012

Steve will be missed by all who knew him. He ALWAYS had a joke or prank going on all the time. One funny guy but most of all a GREAT friend. I could not have asked for a better friend,a true friend.

Sarah (Warvi) Edgar

October 12, 2012

So sorry about your dad, Melinda. Best wishes and comforting thoughts from the Warvi family to yours. <3

Bill Trageser

October 12, 2012

Sorry to hear about Steve. I enjoyed working with him and respected his abilities as a Planerman. My thoughts are with you.

Julie Kelly

October 12, 2012

My Uncle Steve was the best and I miss him more than I can say. He always made me laugh, even through my tears.

Billy & Cheryl Stonebarger

October 10, 2012

To the Light Family - Please know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time.

Sandra Mattingly

October 10, 2012

Laurie and family, My thoughts are with all of you and I know Steve will be missed by all. Sandra

Caroline Richter

October 10, 2012

Although we have not yet met, I am sending my love to you in this difficult time, and my admiration for all you did to help your husband. We pray for each of you and hope you will find God's peace, knowing that Steve is now at rest.

Renee Mitchell Plumlee

October 9, 2012

My love to you and your family. love Renee Mitchell Plumlee

JoAnn Schuch

October 9, 2012

Thinking of you and the family, Steve will be missed. Much love.

Jackie Frazier

October 9, 2012

To Melinda
You have been a rock and your daddy will always be proud of you!!Love you

Jackie Frazier

October 9, 2012

I never met you but your daughter is very dear to me. I wish I could of met you but I feel like I always knew you and yours.. forever in their hearts!!

James Gray

October 9, 2012

I miss him already, he probably already has his crew from the Big-O cracking up.
he was a great guy and friend to the end.
he had a good life and a great wife, I could go on but if you knew him I don't have to. Good by old friend! Stevie the old Donkey say's goodby also.

Dixie Vollmer

October 9, 2012

Thank you Steve for all the years of being one of my twin cousins. We had a lot of fun growing up and had great times with our grandparents, aunts and uncles. You will be missed but loved forever.

SHELLEY SISK-RIMMER

October 9, 2012

WE ARE SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF STEVE'S PASSING. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. THE RIMMER FAMILY ( REID, SHELLEY & LINDSAY)

Deb and Robb Agee

October 9, 2012

Laurie, Our love to you and the family!

Bobbi James

October 9, 2012

Steve's humor and wit will not be forgotten. Steve was an honest and caring father and husband. We will miss him.Laurie,Melinda and Nate take comfort in knowing Steve will be waiting for you until your reunited in heaven with him. We love you all so very much. Thank you for being a part of our lives.

Ron Eldridge

October 9, 2012

Sorry to read about the loss of another crew member of the "Mighty O". I wish I had known he was so close so we might have been able to hash over some old sea stories. I believe I knew Steve while serving aboard the Oriskany. I was in V-4 Division (67 to 70) and I believe he was in V-2 Division. He was truly a great sailor and I'm sure a wonderful father, grandfather, and uncle. Sorry again for your loss.

Carolyn Marchi

October 9, 2012

Laurie and fammily....this has been a strange year for us,and you helped us at our time of need. I can only imagine the loving care you gave your husband. If I can do anything to help you, please let me know......love you, Carolyn

Ron Grace

October 9, 2012

So sorry to hear about Steve, He was a great guy. Fun to be around. A pleasure to work with.

Twila Cordova

October 9, 2012

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

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