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Hello letterheads. I just got off the phone with Steve and asked me to do the sad duty of letting you know what's happening. He has had a bad heart condition for years as most of you know, as well as the kidney failure that came along a while ago. Nothing is going too improve, he's wheelchair bound and sleeps most of the time. His Doctor says sometime in the next month or two he will just not wake up, or as Steve said," I'll go to sleep one night and wake up dead".Sorry to the messenger on this,but it is what it is at this point. It's been over twenty years since his first of many heart attacks so I guess he/we can be thankful for that. Thinking of Barb, the kids and grandkids, Pete
-------------------- Pete Payne Willowlake Design/Canadian Signcrafters Bayfield, ON
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Thank you for the update Pete. Our prayers are for Steve and Barb right now.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
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we all are gona have that day........we wake up dead(as steve would say with a chuckle). some way before those who know them, are ready for it and for some it didnt happen soon enough!!!!! and then a few of us get to visit the other side and come back to tell others........what a wonderful place it is. i am one of them. steve will love and enjoy it. there is no pain, hunger, cold, light or dark, no longer limited to the failing body you had......when you left and woke up there. i was there for 6 days, and didnt want to leave. so the only pain and sorrow are with those of us who will miss the person who is now gone from our lives. knowing those who pass on are happy and pain free and are in a great place........is our only solace for our loss of them not being in our lives anymore. as i write this iam missing one of our dear friends MIKE BOONE..... whos passing date is close. as with all we lose, it is their living, and how they touched our lives that make it a little easier to accept OUR not having them here.....and knowing they will never be forgotten.
[ January 17, 2015, 09:38 PM: Message edited by: old paint ]
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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You've made a positive impact on many lives Steve. I, for one, have made many good friends because of you're efforts. Peace be with you my friend. You've made a difference.
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Sad news indeed. Thinking of both of you Steve and barb. One things for certain. He impacted a lot of lives over the years, in a very positive way.
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
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My thoughts and prayers go out to you as well. Both Steve and Barb have been one of the most positive influences for me in my appreciation for the craft and the opportunity to meet such a wonderful and talented group of people over all these years. Your knowledge and teachings will never be forgotten my dear friend.
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Living in that state for so long is not something any of us would welcome. Steve and Barb's friendship and contributions to our lives and profession are over the top good and I hope Steve knows that. His decision many years back that this site would be about the people more than the work was a brave move that has many of us bonded in beautiful and caring ways. Steve, thanks for visiting us and playing in our shop.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6712 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Thanks Steve, and Barb, for a long time of friendship and fellowship (and some lively discussions) on this site. Hopefully, it will continue, after you've gone on to be with the Lord.
Like OP said, it'll be a wonderful place, where we will all long to be one day.
God bless you.
-------------------- Dale Feicke Grafix 714 East St. Mendenhall, MS 39114
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Posts: 2963 | From: Mendenhall, MS | Registered: Apr 1999
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Thank you Steve and Barb for Letterville! You guys are in my prayers.
-------------------- Charles Borges de Oliveira Borges Lettering & Design Snohomish WA Posts: 352 | From: Snohomish WA | Registered: Mar 2003
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I'm sure Steve knows that he has helped many sign makers with their careers, I wonder if he knows how much. Most of my sign making knowledge came from Letterhead meets, Signcraft magazine, and a major part from this site. Thank you Steve for all your help, I really do appreciate your efforts at keeping the craft alive. When the Lord calls you, rest in peace my friend. We'll pray for Barb too so she can cope with her loss. Godspeed my friend.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5396 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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Sad News indeed. Steve (and Barb), Thank you for the impact you've had. I so enjoyed meeting you and spending time together at the few meets I attended. It's hard to find the words but I hope for you a better place without pain. Barb I and everyone here are here for you.
-------------------- Shirley Carron Black Sheep Designs 184 John St. N. Arnprior,On.,Canada shirleyc@magma.ca 613-623-7053 Posts: 503 | From: Arnprior, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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Such sad news. So glad to have had the opportunity to have got to know Steve and Barb, and even spend time at their place for the Bushie Bash. We too, have learned so much from Letterville and are so grateful for that and all the friends we have made here. Steve and Barb, we will be praying that God may give you the comfort and peace you need to get through this. Sending you both some BIG HUGS!
Dennis and Pat
-------------------- Patricia A. Raap Raap Signs 2615 Arthur Coopersville, MI 49404 616-677-0158 pat@raapsigns.com Posts: 575 | From: Coopersville, MI 49404 | Registered: Nov 2003
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Well all be in a similar situation at some stage in our lives - but Steve and Barb's wisdom, greatness and effort in bringing us together here, worldwide, will always be remembered and appreciated.
Our thoughts and prayers for a pain free time, as well as can be expected. Thanks VERY much for all you've done for the sign community!
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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I have good memories of Steve & Barb visiting and I gave them a tour of North San Diego Coastal area and spaghetti dinner at Pappachino's in Del Mar. I wish you both well.
-------------------- Chuck Peterson Designs San Diego, CA Posts: 1050 | From: San Diego, CA USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Our thoughts, prayers and hearts go out to you Steve & Barb. We appreciate all that you have done for us as Letterheads, Walldogs, artists, and fellow travelers of this journey....Peace
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During a rare moment in time I was able to meet you & Barb, in person on a mountain in Volcano, Ca. Enjoyed some talk and sharing idea's for other meets in the future. That was luck for me. We spoke by phone later on occasion and laughed a lot. The Sign Department up yonder waits for us all. I hope to see you again.............Prayer's
CrazyJack
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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My thoughts, prayers and hearts go out to you Steve & Barb.
Thank you for bringing so many talented people together and the opportunity to meet such a wonderful and talented group of people over all these years.
Barb, keep your chin up … I know how tough it is, but you will get through this. I know how it is as I went through similar with Marty!
Steve … my wish is that you go through this painlessly and are comforted by the love of the thousands who have been here on this site.
I shall always remember the crazy and fun times that we have had together over the years!
-------------------- Si Allen #562 La Mirada, CA. USA
(714) 521-4810
si.allen on Skype
siallen@dslextreme.com
"SignPainters do It with Longer Strokes!"
Never mess with your profile while in a drunken stupor!!!
Brushasaurus on Chat Posts: 8827 | From: La Mirada, CA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I felt a strong pull to visit Letterville this weekend. It is to say thank you to Steve and Barb for everything expressed so well in all these words of praise and gratitude written above! You and the community you represent, and facilitate has been life changing! Aloha
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Sad news....but this is not goodbye....with much love and respect, we'll all see you on the other side!!! Steve and Barb, you have brought a world of creative sign makers and artists together, and held us together for years....you guys ROCK!
Thank you both soooooo much for all you have done for us here at Letterville and beyond. Peace.
-------------------- Susan Banasky Source Signs Nanaimo, British Columbia sourcesigns@shaw.ca
When in need....go directly to the "Source"!
Proud Supporter of this "Knowledge Network"! Posts: 1323 | From: Nanaimo, B.C. Canada | Registered: Oct 1999
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Having held this group of us together, and maintaining this site has been an amazing feat. Your support has placed you amongst the greats and worthy or admiration and praise. I have always considered myself a Letterhead in spirit, and having this home to go to has made me a better sign maker... thank you for making our craft better... thank you for making me a better sign maker.
Love, peace and prayers as you both go through this.
-------------------- Rick Chavez Hemet, CA Posts: 1538 | From: Hemet,CA U.S.A. | Registered: Jun 2001
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Who would have believed there would be a place where people of like mind could connect on a daily basis for so many years? It was created by the unique vision of our good buddy Steve. I joined back in 1998 and dropped many thousands of times since. Lettervillle has been a place to learn, share and be inspired.
Many friendships have formed here and then gone on to become stronger in real life. Like real life families there have been squabbles, some breakups and some reconciliations too.
On one wall in my shop are hundreds of autographs and messages, many from people who frequent this place, Steve included. I cherish each of them and when I see them I am reminded of many good times and happy memories.
There is only one thing to express and that is a heartfelt THANK-YOU! -gramp dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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The first time I met Steve, he told me to join Letterheads, he said there is so much to be shared. There is no way one could be thankful enough for all the many friends from all over the U.S., Canada, Australia, Hawaii, Finland, England, Norway, Germany, Porta Rico, England, Ireland and Scotland. All through Letterheads. Steve is absolutely a one in a million Super Star. Bill Riedel
-------------------- Bill Riedel Riedel Sign Co., Inc. 15 Warren Street Little Ferry, N.J. 07643 billsr@riedelsignco.com Posts: 2953 | From: Little Ferry, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Well then Steve, flowers are for the living, so at this time I want to thank you and Barb for the enormous impact you have had in not only my own life and career but this industry as a whole. I love letterville and all of it's ups and downs. Im glad to have had the pleaseure of many years on this board since it's early years, as well as the few times I have had enjoyed your company. So many of us wouldn't still be here if it wasn't for you and your vision. Thank you and God Bless you!
[ January 19, 2015, 03:23 PM: Message edited by: Bob Rochon ]
-------------------- Bob Rochon Creative Signworks Millbury, MA 508-865-7330
"Life is Like an Echo, what you put out, comes back to you." Posts: 5149 | From: Millbury, Mass. U.S. | Registered: Nov 1998
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I echo the sentiments of everyone here in Letterville. This has been my "go to" place where I know I can find help from like minded sign crafters. We are of a different lot than the typical "quickie stickie" business owners. Steve and Barb have managed to find a way to create this unique community. I am truly grateful for this. My prayers are that Steve and Barb, you will be in peace. And know how much you have helped so many people.
-------------------- Jean Shimp Shimp Sign & Design Co. Jacksonville Beach, Fl Posts: 1266 | From: Jacksonville Beach, Fl. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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May your journey be filled with loving memories of people you loved and all those that loved you.
Journey well my friend. This is not the end....be assured.
Jackson
-------------------- Jackson Smart Jackson's Signs Port Angeles, WA ...."The Straits of Juan De Fuca in my front yard and Olympic National Park in my backyard...
"Living on Earth is expensive...but it does include a free trip around the Sun" Posts: 1000 | From: Port Angeles, Washington | Registered: Jan 1999
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My thoughts are with you both. I reflect back on the time, some years ago, when you both came down to a New Zealand Letterheads meet and I had the pleasure of hosting you. Not only did I enjoy your company regarding the "craft" but also your musical knowledge. I will forever be reminded of Steve every time I play one of the thousands of MP3's he gave me. Kia kaha Barb....(Kia kaha is a Māori phrase used by the people of New Zealand meaning STAY STRONG, used as an affirmation)
-------------------- Norman Biss aka KiwiNorm Living and working in one of the best countries on earth... Papamoa Beach, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand norman.biss@gmail.com Posts: 141 | From: Papamoa Beach, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand | Registered: Nov 1998
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I was just packing up my signmaking files today. 22 years into 3 small boxes to be shelved for who knows why.
But one thing that has and always will remain, are the friendships that derived from this site, thanks to Stevo.
Steve, you completed a dream with flying colours! You changed the signmaking industry for everyone here. We are a family that will never be boxed up on some shelf.
Even though some of us have strayed from the profession, this place will always be our Letterville family, thanks to the efforts of both you and Barb. You, my friend, have done something amazing with your life! And we thank you and love you for it.
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I visited with Steve and Barb around the holidays when I heard the news. Steve was his same old self in terms of outlook and it was a very nice visit, although he was very weak and tired. I knew things were pretty serious because he said some things that were very important for him to tell me, and for me to hear. He was saying goodbye to me and it has left my heart broken.
-------------------- Bob Darnell London, Ontario, Canada
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At the end of the day the most important question one can ask of themselves is..."Did I leave the world a better place for having lived"...the tremendous outpouring of appreciation and gratitude as seen here in Letterville answers that question resoundingly...Steve's efforts here have meant so much to so many...a job well done my friend...
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We too, have learned so much from Letterville and are so grateful for that and all the friends we have made here. 
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