My Cousin Roy Steunenberg passed away quietly last night after a lengthy battle with melanoma. Roy and I had not seen each other in many years but remained in contact from time to time regarding our common family history. We both grew up in California and always reminisced about our wonderful grandparents, Julian and Francis Steunenberg, and our various holiday gatherings and family visits.Above L to R: John (me), Cousin Roy and Cousin Ron Steunenberg circa 1966.
Roy was the son of my Uncle Cal Steunenberg. Uncle Cal passed away last year at the ripe old age of 96. Some how it seems unfair that I find myself writing so soon about the passing of Roy. He had just turned 64 on August 9th and I believe is the first of our generation of Cousins to pass away.
Roy would always talk about the great memories we have as kids and it is those fond recollections that help soften the blow of any death--and certainly one of such an untimely nature.
One thing Roy and I liked to do was eat--and he always raved about my mom's (Brenda Steunenberg Richards) holiday meals and especially her turkey gravy. We could pack it away pretty good prior to settling down for an afternoon of Thanksgiving Day football.Below is a close-up of Roy on the right, me to the left and it looks like the stuffing bowl heading our way from Uncle Cal. You can see the focus of our attention!
I guess Roy is in a better place now and perhaps is enjoying, along with his dad/my Uncle Cal, some of my mom's turkey stuffing and gravy once again.
Roy is survived by his daughters Carri Steunenberg Carnahan, Sheri Steunenberg Beersman and wife Mary Steunenberg. We are not very well acquainted with that part of the family, but please accept our kind thoughts and condolences and take comfort in your memories.
Rest in peace Cuz.
Click on the pictures for enlarged views.
I met Roy in 1989 and we became very good friends. We shared many fishing trips and time together in the past 21 years. I am very glad to have visited Roy and Mary in Florida this past February and talk to him just three weeks before his passing. He talked about all the great things he did in life and had me in tears. He was a very unique person and one you would have to know to appreciate him. I will miss him greatly.
ReplyDeleteMark Venema
Nunica, MI
I met Roy in college. We were fraternity brothers in the Order of Kisab. I am godfather to his daughter Sheri from his first wife Barbara. He was one of my closest friends. I did not know of his passing until tried to contact him. I sorry I didnt know sooner.
ReplyDeleteDoug Girotti, Sedro Woolley, WA