Stephen "Steve" Paul Barnard

Aggressive, relentless, and competent were the three words Stephen Paul Barnard used on his business card to describe himself as a defense attorney. However, to his family, friends, and the many, many others who he met throughout his life, words like generous, loving, and compassionate come to mind first. On March 22, 2024, we lost Stephen “Steve” Paul Barnard, 78, who passed away in Chandler, Arizona.

Steve was born in Hollywood, California where he spent a few months as a baby before he moved to Glendale, Arizona. Steve grew up in Glendale and eventually went to college at Arizona State University. During this time Steve developed a long-lasting reputation as being the life of the party and had a knack for brightening any room he entered with his laughter, friendliness, and desire to help others. After graduating from Arizona State, Steve decided to go to law school at the University of Arizona and made the journey down to Tucson, Arizona where he would call home for most of his life. Throughout his time in law school and early career as a lawyer, Steven would eventually channel his charisma and love for others into being a criminal defense attorney.

Steve spent the next 42 years dedicating his life to defending others facing the criminal justice system. Through his passionate advocacy for his clients and outstanding trial skills, Steve literally helped change the law to expand the constitutional rights of others, particularly in cases involving Driving Under the Influence.

Steve was more than just a skilled attorney; he was first and foremost an amazing father and husband. Steve first connected with Mary. In their time together Steve became a father to his first and second daughters Rachel and Stephanie. Steve and Mary separated in 1985 but they continued to raise their daughters. In 1990, Steve met his second partner Maryann “Mimi” and became a father to his other two daughters, Lisa and Niki, and his son, Jean Paul. Steve loved his wife and children more than anything else in the world and supported them in whatever goals they had in life.

When Steve was not busy with his family and friends, you might find him hitting the ski slopes at Sunrise Ski Resort in Show Low, Arizona, gardening in his backyard, attending church on Sunday, or snoozing on the beach in California. Wherever he was though, you would be sure to find that same infectious kindness and joy he carried throughout his life.

Family and friends will be gathering to celebrate Steve’s life in Tucson on April 9, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Casas Adobe's Baptist Church,10801 N La Cholla Blvd, Tucson AZ 85742.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer’s foundation

http://www.alzfdn.org