Stephan Doyle

AROUND SUNOL: VICTORIA CHRISTIAN
Sunol praying for safe return of a solid citizen
Contra Costa Times
Article Launched: 12/17/2007 03:00:07 AM PST

SUNOL HAS BEEN in the news quite a bit the past couple of weeks. Unfortunately, it is because one of our own is missing.

Stephan Doyle, a good friend and very important person in this community, disappeared from his place of business in Hayward on Nov. 30. He had just begun driving a new car, which was found parked outside. His beloved dogs were inside the business, where he had left them.

Stephan is a big-hearted man. He is always there to help out. The last time I saw him was six days before he disappeared. After picking up a new water fountain in Half Moon Bay for the Little Brown Church of Sunol, I realized we would need some serious muscle to get the heaviest pieces out of the truck. I knew I could call on Stephan because, not only does he live just up Kilkare Road, he is always available to help. Sure enough, he pulled up in front of the church just as we arrived with the fountain.

Stephan has a creative and unique style and a knack for decorating in a most unusual, yet beautiful, way. A few years ago I wrote about a Sunol Community Club spring garden silent auction and wine tasting event. Stephan was commissioned to help decorate for the event, and in keeping with the outdoor setting, he created the most beautifully decorated port-a-pottie I have ever seen.

Stephan loves children and they have always loved him back. Children gravitate to him like moths to a flame.

While camping last summer with Little Brown Church members near Capitola, Stephan was a huge hit with the kids when he produced dozens of glow sticks and glow jewelry. He captivated the children when he stuck a whole chicken on the end of a stick and cooked it over an open camp fire. He was there to help out with every tent, sleeping bag and ice chest.

Stephan was awestruck after Sunday campsite services when I nominated him to be a volunteer Sunday school teacher. Fully prepared to hear a resounding "No," I looked him in the eyes and saw a glimmer of "Maybe." He had never taught Sunday school but his love for children is apparent and we knew he would succeed. After the fireside service I took him aside and said, "So, did you ever think you would be a Sunday school teacher?" Although apprehensive, he had a big grin on his face and you could tell he felt honored.

Several weeks later, Stephan called me with questions about what type of craft project he might lead the following Sunday. Knowing his knack for extravagance, I told him to keep it simple because the children were just of elementary school age. I arrived early the following Sunday to see what he was planning. He told me his first idea of magnificent golden pyramids flopped when he tested it at home, so he stayed up all night planning a craft project of Styrofoam tablets bearing the 10 Commandments.

He was nervous that first Sunday but the children adored him. Later, he said he had told his mother to sit down when he gave her the news by phone that he was teaching Sunday school. I'm sure she was just as proud of him as we were.

Stephan was to teach Sunday school for the entire month of December and church members were alarmed when he did not show up on Dec. 2 because he is very reliable. Church leaders formed a prayer vigil at the Sunol Community Park on Dec. 9 that was attended by dozens of Sunolians and the media.

Stephan touched many lives and we are praying for his safe return. Besides, the little kids at the Little Brown Church really miss him too.

Anyone with information on Stephan may call the Hayward Police Department, at 510-293-7000.

Around Sunol appears on alternating Mondays. Reach Victoria Christian by mail at P.O. Box 261, Sunol, CA 94586, or e-mail her at AroundSunol@aol.com.