Stephen James Wilson

July 11, 1942 - March 2, 2022

Stephen James Wilson, beloved father and grandfather, passed away on March 2, 2022, at St. Agnes Medical Center with his children by his side.

Steve was born in Fresno, California on July 11, 1942, to Grace Sample and Phillip Wilson. He lived in Fresno almost all of his life, attending Fresno High School, where played offensive guard on the football team and was a member of the track team. He graduated Fresno High in 1960, and went on to attend Fresno State University, graduating in 1964.

Steve began his real estate career at Houston and Sweat where he was active in leadership positions with the California Association of Realtors and other real estate organizations and boards, including the Fresno Planning Commission. He went on to become a certified financial planner with EF Hutton, Solomon Smith Barney, and Citi group before retiring in the late 1990’s.

Steve was an avid outdoorsman who felt at home in the Sierra Nevada mountains. He spent many summers camping, hiking and fishing in Yosemite with his family and friends. During winter, he often travelled with his family to China Peak, Badger Pass, and Lake Tahoe to ski. Steve also loved to travel, and explored North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East.

Steve was a longtime member of Fig Garden Rotary and, while living in Colorado, served as the president of his Rotary Club. Steve had a passion for service and hosted exchange students, sponsored numerous Paul Harris Fellows, and engaged his community through rotary. Steve was also a longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder.

Steve was passionate and charismatic with a contagious laugh and a genuine spirit. He was sincere, honest and true. He was a proud father and grandfather and a loyal friend. He treasured spending time with his family, and was his happiest when he was with his children and grandchildren. He was his children’s loudest supporter and never missed an opportunity to talk about his kids.

Steve is survived by his son Geoffrey and daughter-in-law Kristi and their children Madeline and Vivienne and his daughter Alison and his son-in-law Aaron Waldo and their children Landon and Sloane. He was preceded in death by his parents Phillip and Grace Wilson and his brother Phillip Wilson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 26th - at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 50 E. Santa Ana, Fresno, CA 93704 at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Rotary International in his honor. https://my.rotary.org/en/donate