Steven St. Clair

1952 - 2005

Our beloved Steve passed away Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005, surrounded by his family at Community Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness from complications of diabetes.

Steve, 53, of Port Hueneme was born July 2, 1952, in Louisville, Ky. The family relocated to California when Steve was a young boy. He went to live with his paternal grandparents, Mildred and John McHugh of Newport Beach, who raised him as if he was their own. He shared many happy memories of working on the boats with his grandfather and spending time with him at the beach.

Steve was a veteran, having served in the Army stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He enjoyed talking about his time there. After his discharge, he came to Oxnard with a friend to seek work and he stayed, making it his new home.

Steve was well-known for having worked most of his adult life at Oxnard Frozen Foods as a maintenance supervisor until it closed. This is where he met Gloria Sotelo, the love of his life, to whom he was married for 21 years.

Steve loved sports, especially baseball. He was very involved in Pony League Baseball with his grandson Anthony Solelo in the cities of Ventura and Port Hueneme. He assisted as coach and manager, being at every practice and game, regardless of how far he had to travel. His devotion to the boys and the games went on for many years and brought him much joy.

Another one of his favorite pastimes was going to Las Vegas and the Chumash Casino. He last went with his good friend Art Robles, who regrettably passed away last month. Steve had been ill for quite some time, yet he never gave up and had the will to come home after 12 hospitalizations this year alone. Steve stated, "I have to get well for Gloria and Anthony."

He is survived by his wife, Gloria; sons, Jason and Jared; stepsons, Robert, James and Daniel Sotelo; mother, Nancy Case; sisters, Dabbie and Shelly; sister-in-law, Lily Thomas; grandchildren, Anthony Sotelo, and Dyani, Anthony and Aaron St. Clair; and his beloved great-grandnephew Jacob Rodriguez (age 2), who called him "Papa." Steve told everyone, "That's my grandson." He is also survived by his niece Gina and her husband, Chuy Roman; and nephew Tommy and his wife, Felicia Oretta; and many additional nieces and nephews. He held a special bond with his aunt Bela and uncle Frank Grajeda and many wonderful friends such as Raul Ortiz.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles St. Clair; grandparents, Mildred and John McHugh; mother-in-law, Angie Truijillo; and brother-in-law, Chris Thomas.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Andrew Kerr for all the kindness, compassion and loving care he gave to Steve, including coming to his home to check on him while he was ill. He went above and beyond even Steve's expectations. We will forever be grateful to him.

Steve, you will be greatly loved and missed by all whose lives you touched.

May I Go?May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain-filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first.
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go, I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
To live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.
I'll not be far.
I promise that, and hope
you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you,
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you too,
that's why it's hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now, just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.
-- Author unknownAs per Steve's wishes, he will be cremated, to be followed by a private funeral with burial at sea.

Assisting the family with funeral arrangements is Neptune Society.