Steven Brian Gerard dies at 54

Steven Brian Gerard, of Wrangell, died unexpectedly on Feb. 20, 2024. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at City Park in Wrangell. "We ask those attending to write a short story of a happy memory with or of Steven to read at the event," the family wrote.

Steven was born to Arnold and Marilyn Gerard on May 8, 1969, in Watsonville, California. He was the fourth of five children. He attended Thunderbird Adventist Academy and later Pacific Union College. He lived in Phoenix, Arizona, and Wrangell for most of his life.

Steven also loved Mexico and planned to buy a home there where he made some of his favorite memories with family and friends over the years.

It is impossible to sum up Steven's love for life and friends and family in a few paragraphs, his family wrote. "He was such an adventurous person and was always most happy when outdoors, especially around a campfire. As a child he loved to tell long, exciting stories about the bugs and snakes he loved to catch and study. He always had a special connection with animals and nature and people whom he loved. He was drawn to living simply and being around people who also valued honesty, loyalty, friendship and family."

Steven worked in construction and as a fisherman for many years. He was not afraid of hard work and had an ability to fix anything that was broken. He saw value in things that others could not see.

The people who were lucky to know Steven well knew how beautiful he was and that he was also a dreamer with big plans for a wonderful life, his family wrote. Steven was full of a special light and love for everyone and a willing volunteer to help anyone who needed it.

Steven is survived by his mother, Marilyn Gerard; sisters Dana Parfitt, Shelley Maycomber and Lori LeTellier-Moniak; and brother Joe Gerard.

"We will miss him more than words can express and look forward to being with him again in Heaven," his family wrote.

There will be an additional celebration of his life in Arizona.