My friend Steve, what can I say?
I would wake up in the morning and race you for the vacuum. He was a very good friend caring and always asking how I am doing. The man I know who would take the shirt off his back for you. The man that told me a lot about life all I can say is that  I love you Steve and I will see you on the other side.
Cheers brother
Norm.
xoxo

I knew Steve for many years.  Not once have I kept something from him that I could not tell anyone else to know to keep but in a confession in a Catholic Church.  Steve became a rock to talk to.   Tell the strong rock how you felt, and only the rock could answer you and not tell any one else because a strong rock as Steve, cannot tell ill.  A foundation in our lives begins with a solid piece of rock, like Steve.  A solid rock.  (Something tells me that the song "Like a rock"/Bob Seger should be inserted here..nope different scenario).  Steve was a rock and not a song.

He lost his wife, he became a rock.
He had lost his mother, he became a rock.
He survived a major fire and suffered major disfigurement and lost his lower arms, he became a rock.
He became sober LIKE A SOLID ROCK.
He gave love back to whom cared about him, he became a rock.


Rock on Steve.  Your rock has always been bigger then the heart of the  Rock of Gibraltar.  I should have said it sooner.  You knew it anyway.  That is just the way you are, not were:  you still live.  Your kindness lives in everyone that knows you.  Only because you taught them to be kinder.  Just because of You and friendship. 

Steven Wayne Clarke
Friend of Stephen Greer Whootten.
14 years of friendship and counting.......

Stephen became an instant friend on our first encounter as it will come as no surprise to anyone who knew him.   

At the dinner table in my home many years ago, Stephen handed me yellow envelope as he knew I was having a terrible week.  Enclosed was a letter in his handwriting that  reads verbatim;

     What is it about life that makes people judge one another all the time?  We're always looking for approval or some kind of appreciation.  Sure it's nice to be recognized for things we do but it shouldn't change your outlook about yourself.  I wish people would just be at peace with themselves and enjoy the things that are so easily overlooked.

     Like kindness and awareness for life.  All the beauty and nature of human emotions that are so delicate, so easily obtained.  There is so much in life to strive for.  Happiness and fulfillment are things that come within oneself, not from being noticed or acclaimed by others. 

     Chin up and obtain me a beer.

I was moved to tears as I never knew Stephen to be so philosophical about life, he always seemed to be the polar opposite.  It later come out that he had a little help putting his words together from a student that rented a room in the same house as him on George St. however, they were his words he said.  I have never known someone that was so intelligent that wanted to be my friend.

This is a cherished piece of Steve that I have for keeps.  The yellow envelope has been getting more used over the past few weeks and the letter written in script, is fading behind my lysozyme tears.  I will never stop loving him as everyone knows they will as well.

Teresa Rose Neff.  
~Best Friend of Stephen Francis Greer Whootten~

Cheers Steve, I'll have a Tea and a smile for you...always.


OBITUARY

Stephen Francis Greer-Wootten

October 16, 1964 – November 12, 2018

Comstock-Kaye Life Celebration Centre

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