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Marc Stephens Obituary

Teacher Marc Andrew Stephens was born in Visalia, CA on February 18, 1979. He passed away Saturday, October 1, 2011 at the age of 32. He attended Crestwood Elementary School, Divisadero Middle School, Mt. Whitney High School, COS and the University of California Santa Barbara where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Philosophy. Marc developed a love of sports at an early age, participating in football and basketball through his high school years. Although a Santa Barbara Gaucho, he was a devoted UCLA Bruins fan and especially loved attending basketball games at Pauley Pavilion and football at the Rose Bowl. Marc was also a Lakers, Dodgers and Rams fan. Upon meeting Chick Hearn, Marc recited the famous "refrigerator" catchphrase to Chick's delight. Marc had a great love for music. As a boy, he participated, and sometimes led, family music nights. His taste in music traversed all genres, from 60's psychedelic rock to classic country-western and everything in between. He enjoyed the beach, cooking for family and friends, and spending time with people that he loved. Everyone who met Marc experienced his fun loving spirit, generosity, thoughtfulness, and caring heart. He enjoyed reading and learning about ideas and philosophy and enjoyed debating those ideas. Marc's true happiness came from working with students who are developmentally disabled. As a teacher for the Tulare County Office of Education, Marc was assigned to the special day class at Pixley Elementary School. His passion and focus was caring for his "kids", ensuring that their special needs were met. Even though Marc was the youngest sibling, he called himself his sisters' "older brother", seeing himself as their protector. He loved watching and attending sports with his Dad, and discussing ideas and books with his Mom. Marc will live forever in the hearts of his parents, Marilyn Shuklian and Michael Stephens, stepparents Larry Shuklian and Kathy Stephens, his sisters Melinda Stephens and MaryBeth Stephens, as well as countless friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tulare County Special Olympics, 1403 E. Buena Vista, Visalia, CA 93292, in memory of Marc's dedication to special needs children. Condolences may be e-mailed to [email protected] A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 6, 2011 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Private burial.

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Published by Visalia Times-Delta on Oct. 5, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Marc Stephens

19 Entries

Carolyn McIntoash

October 10, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, we are really saddened and concerned. Marilyn please call if I can do anything at all.
Ron and Carolyn McIntosh

Debbie & Josh Hadley

October 9, 2011

We are shocked and saddened to hear of Marc's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls. May God bless you all.

Saengdao Philavane

October 8, 2011

My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to your family. I was really saddened and shocked to hear of Marc's passing. I went to Divisadero and Mt. Whitney with Marc and at times, we were the best of friends. We lost touch since then...but I still remember the last time I saw him. He brought me a gift before I left for UCLA. That's how I'll remember him...extremely thoughtful and kindhearted. Marc will be missed.

Becky Springer

October 7, 2011

I am so sorry to learn of your profound loss. I did not know Marc personally, but I know many who did and they have all expressed their respect for him. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Bill Davis

October 7, 2011

Larry and Marilyn.... I am so sorry for your loss. Marc was an extraordinary individual. I enjoyed the short chats we shared when he subbed at GW. You and the girls are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary Randol

October 6, 2011

I always enjoyed being around Marc and after being at today's service you can see he touched many people hearts. I am reminded of a quote from Helen Keller "...what we have enjoyed we can never lose...all that we LOVE deeply becomes apart of us" You are ALL in my prayers during time of loss.

Maple Melody Guild Members

October 5, 2011

Our thought and prayers are with you during your loss. Marc will be missed.

From: The Maple Melody Guild Members,
Esther & Frank Gipson, Natashia Stubblefield and Mother Martha....

Guy Ruiz

October 5, 2011

This saddens knowing Marc passed away at such a young age. I was his flag football coach of the Crestwood Bulldogs, when Marc was in elementary school.He always brought alot of fun energy to our team, he was a good player ,as well. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, may he rest in peace.Marc is in Gods hands now.

Charlotte Hartman

October 5, 2011

To Mike, Kathy, and all those who loved Marc...my heart, my thoughts and my prayers are with you. Marc was a man filled with passion for teaching and for learning, touching the lives of many. He had a gentle, loving spirit and extended himself to everyone. I will miss him.

Dawn Romine

October 5, 2011

Marilyn and family,
It saddens my heart to be writing this message. My love, prayers and thoughts are with each one of you, and I will always be here for you...to comfort, console or just listen. In ways big and small, Marc changed our world and left it a better place, and touched too many hearts to be forgotten.

IN HEAVEN

"Across the years I will walk with you - in deep green forests; on shores of sand; and when our time on earth is through, in heaven too, you will have my hand."

Marlaena Collins Chiarappa

October 5, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. I went to Crestwood with Marc. I will always remember his love for the UCLA Bruins. Marc was always a nice and smart guy and had a terrific smile.

Melissa Watson

October 5, 2011

It was very heart breaking to hear this news. I have known Marc since Elementary School and have run into him here and there since after college. I remember in school, playing basketball which made him so happy! He was a very friendly, kind hearted individual. You will be missed Marc. Prayers and thoughts for the family during this time.

And Mrs. Iida, I remember that! He was always a go getter!

Tiffany Stephens

October 5, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. I was a year behind him in school, all the way from Crestwood to Mt. Whitney. I haven't spoken to him in years, but I will always remember him as the boy who would tell me it was ok when the older kids at Crestwood would pick on us younger ones. He was a very kind & special person. May he rest in peace.

Paula Crull

October 5, 2011

Marc was my 3rd "son" all through high school and beyond. He was a caring, loving, passionate man for life and had a great, positive impact on his students. He will be missed.

Christine Wilkinson

October 5, 2011

I am so sad to hear of your loss. I will always remember a little blonde boy, who was fun to be around. Our young years together bring only good happy memories!

Roberta Wheeler

October 5, 2011

To Mike, Marilyn and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time.

Nelson Gamez

October 5, 2011

Just wanted to say that Marc was a very good friend to me and I will miss him very much. I will miss watching NBA playoffs with him were we would all gather together and BBQ. He was a truely good person. Rest in peace my friend.

Susan Iida

October 4, 2011

My deepest and sincerest condolences for your loss. Marc was an exceptional student. I still remember the time he was playing a game on the blacktop at Crestwood and he and another student (could have been Paul Matthews) collided giving Marc's front teeth a pretty good jar, and cutting his lip. He treated this as just part of the game. Marc always got along with everyone and everyone couldn't help but like him. Marc will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

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