Stephan Doyle

August 20th....
While I think of you often, today being your birthday I had many thoughts of you.
The days, weeks and years will continue to roll by, but the memories of you will live in my heart forever. You will NEVER be forgotten my friend!

As I flip through the television channels the democratic national convention and all the politics reminded me of when I was first able to vote in 2004. And who of all people was there to cheer me on in the Sunol Glen cafeteria but you Steve. It's those moments where you make people feel good about themselves that make you so special my friend and they are not hard to come by. Growing up with you from a young age made the small town seem like I had seen in the movies: comfortable and friendly. Being on stage with you in SRT was never easy since you always stole the spotlight but never made people forget what a great job they were doing. I still can't believe you have moved on, especially since I just moved back into town and would love to see you around for a friendly smile. I know you're smiling constantly down on us but it's just not the same. I sleep with your Garfield stuffed animal memorabilia I gathered at your memorial every night. Rest easy my friend, love you lots.

Oh, how time flies and somehow manages to stand still. Finding Lori's message here this morning let me know I am not alone on this painful 6-month anniversary. It is so difficult not to rage at reality of your really being gone as it settles into my life. Half a year...though it still hits me the worst on the 6th of each month, since those two months you were missing held hints of hope which were crushed on that day. But six months! I dreamed restless dreams all night and woke with tears at the ready and you in my heart and mind so strongly, so singly. No matter what else is happening, that you are gone makes life a little darker. That you lived makes life a little brighter. I strung little white lights all around my back porch for a party a few weeks ago, and every time I plug them in, I say "There's no such thing as too many lights," and you are with me in the lights and I can smile at the memory of your face as you said those words so many times. I miss you more than words can say and will always, always love you with all my heart. I can only hope that you are at peace and feeling our love.

You are heavy on my mind today Steve...I just wanted to check in and let you know I'm thinking of you.

You were a wonderful neighbor and friend. You were there to help when others wouldn't. I lived in Cabin 75 and you were so helpful when we needed assistance with our parking area among many other instances. Good luck to you in Heaven my dear friend.

I want to share a story about Stephan. I had given Stephan a christmas bonus for hard work during a construction project. He spent the entire amount on gifts for my family. Im not talking about 1 or 2 things, im talking about 20 gifts which were picked out at local thrift shops and wrapped perfectly. I remember my kids faces, I remember him talking me into singing on stage. I remember him driving the sponge painted jeep. I will remember his spirit. Life was Stephan's theater, which we all enjoyed!. We will miss you my friend.

Thank you Stephan for being my friend. You were always there for me, no matter what the circumstances were. We shared so many great times together and a lot of laughs. You will be missed you very much and will always be in my heart. Thank you for coming into my life!

The previous message is from my lead technician's brother, Chuy, who, after meeting Stephan and watching him throw candy to the local children from atop a van speeding down the streets of Tonaya, Mexico, named his first born after Stephan: Estefania. Loco gringo. Ojala y todos los gringos fueran como tu. Por eso le voy aponer a mija tu nombre: Estefania.