Just learned of Steves passing some 4 years later

Truly sad.  I miss a great friend

Jim and Linda Rosewater

Just wanted to share a poem I wrote a few years ago.  I would always send it to Steve during the holidays.  He is still missed...

A Clerk's Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the place.
All the court was quiet, while a few filed their case.
The files were stacked high and kept with great care.
In hopes five o'clock, would soon be there.

The orders were swift, when they finally came.
As Kevin yelled directions, to all the names.
Go Michael. Go Scott. Go Alyssa and Rita.
On Jill, Brandon, Jose.  Go Pat and Dorecea.

When the work was all done, they began to shout.
"Hey Joe, there's more records to ship out!"
As Frances cleans the counter and prepares the day's end.
They all begin to wonder, "Where did Steve go again?"

But down the hall, the jolly one appears.
With such laughter, joy and a ruckus cheer.
With his white curly hair and little round belly.
Wait, that's not Santa.  It's just Steve Kelly.

In a flash, once again, he was out of sight.
As he proclaims, "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night".

I have just today,learned of Steve's passing and it is a sad day. I had the pleasure of attending St, Clare's, Bellarmine and UCLA with him long ago.
Knowing he is no longer somewhere just
"being Steve" and bringing joy to others
makes me sad, but having known him and the person he was will always bring me happiness.
Steve Freitas

I have the honor of knowing this great man for 20+ years. I'm so sad to hear this tragic news. I'm blessed to have shared some wonderful times together. I will miss your smile, laugh, knowledge about everything and everyone and all your great life stories. Please only repeat the good ones about me up there.  
Steve, you will be missed by all who knew you. I love you Steve.

My sincere condolences to Steve's family, friends and colleagues.  I worked with him for several years and always enjoyed his friendship and humor.

I will miss Steve dearly.  He always made me laugh and made it fun to work at the court.  He interviewed me 15+ years ago and I remember him walking me out and saying, "You did great.  You are the best one out of all the applicants.  I'm positive you will get the job."  I did get the job!  A few years later, I was talking to Steve about my interview and what he had said.  He looked at me and said, "Oh, I say that to all the applicants."  Haha... But he did say, "I am glad they picked you." I am going to miss his sense of humor and his kind heart.  There will never be another Steve.  He is truly a one-of-a-kind.  I'm pretty sure Steve is up in heaven telling one of his many interesting and amazing stories. :) You will me missed my friend.

Steve, I will truly miss your smile, your stories and seeing you everyday walk through my office. May you rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.
Joyce

The email notification that was sent to employees regarding Stephen's passing, instantly tugged at my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Kelly for the past 10 years. To know him, was to love him. He was a big teddy bear that always had a big hug and a kind word to offer. His humor, kindness and warmth will be very much missed. My sympathy and heatfelt condolences are extended to the family and close friends. May he rest in peace and may his memory be eternal. 

May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.
May the soft winds freshen your spirit.
May the sunshine brighten your heart.
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Knowing Steve was an adventure.  Having him as a friend was a treasure.  I miss him so much; everywhere I look ~ in the court, in the elevator, walking down the street, I visualize him.  Though he was a friend to all, Steve made each of us feel special and, indeed, I believe we were all special to him.  There was so much to Steve to enjoy.  I especially loved reminiscing with him about Monterey and Carmel, and his boyhood vacations at Mission Ranch in Carmel.  Even though we must go on without him, life just lost a lot of joy.  Rest in peace, dear, dear Steve.  I will miss you always.

Steve you've gone too soon. When I first arrived at the Court Steve and I shared his office until we moved to Symphony Towers. They were the best days. I was able to hear all his crazy wonderful stories. He was a great lunch partner also and so easy to get along with. I will miss you dearly my friend.  Condolences to your family.  He spoke fondly of you all often.

Steve, I am "truly" going to miss you. There will "never" be another Steve Kelly. In our 30 years of working together you taught me so much. If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you made me smile, the entire sky would be in the palm of my hand.  You are gone from sight, but never from the memory of my heart. Dorecea M.

My heart is broken. I long for one more day with my friend... one more story...one more joke.... one more chance to say good bye.  I will remember not just that he died, but how fortunate I am to have had him in my life.  He made me...any everyone he encountered, feel special and dear.  Steve was as good at it gets.  

My heart goes out to his family.

Steve touched my life in a very special way as he did with so many others, and I will always remember and cherish his gentle ways and loving gestures.  His loss is profound.  I can't image my life without seeing his smile and hearing another story pulled from his amazing memory. I hope he knows how loved he was and how many wonderful memories he left behind.  My sincerest condolences to his family.

I keep expecting to see Steve walking down the hall with a smile on his face and a kind word to say.  I'll miss him very much.  My deepest sympathy to his family.

Steve was the light of the 4th District Court of Appeal.  We all loved him, and he loved his court family.  I am blessed to have enjoyed his friendship for 24 years, and indescribably saddened by his sudden passing. Steve was a true gentleman, and a gentle man.  There will never be another Steve Kelly.

Steve, You left us too soon.  You were the most beloved member of our court, and we are bereft without you.  Always a smile, a poignant story, a spot on irreverent joke, and a crisp white shirt! What a brilliant, thoughtful gentleman.    You made us all feel special, and I hope you knew how much we all loved you, my friend.  If I could hug you again, I would hold on tight.  Condolences to your brother, your nieces, and entire family.  Debra M.

Stephen  was a wonderful cousin!  Our thoughts are with all those whose life he touched and loved him.  Karen, Skye, and Michelle.

Don and I will be attending the viewing and celebration of my first cousin's life on Wednesday with our daughter, Jessica.  Our prayers and love to the rest of our family during this time of sorrow.  Pat Jocius and her daughters, Jennelle, Jessica, Jannis, and Jilleen.

Stephen was so gracious in helping move to San Diego during college. He was a kind man.

Very sorry to hear of Stephens passing - I remember him as a young boy who played with my son....my condolence to his family

OBITUARY

Stephen M. Kelly

4 June, 1948 – 6 February, 2013

Merkley-Mitchell Mortuary

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