Steve Hovley, 57, of Baker City, died July 4, 2009, in Ontario.
There will be a celebration of Steve’s life at 2 p.m. Friday at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave.
Steve’s life went in chapters, his family said. He was born on Nov. 23, 1951, at Oxnard, Calif., and raised at Simi Valley, Calif., and Pasco, Wash.
He moved to Yakima, Wash., where he met and fell in love with Cherie Fanning. Steve, Cherie and his stepson, Scott, lived at Madras and Klamath Falls. Cherie died of cancer on Jan. 16, 2000.
The next chapter in Steve’s life started when he moved to Baker City where he started his mechanic shop “All Pro Performance.” “The man could really turn a wrench!” family members said.
Steve truly loved the City of Baker, the people and the beautiful country and mountains. He always said he was in God’s country.
Steve loved motorcycling, motor-cross racing, demolition derby, drag racing, and snowboarding. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman.
Steve was a great friend. If you needed a helping hand, advice, someone to talk to, or a kick in the rear end, he was there for you, family members said.
Steve loved being a redneck and loved to hunt with his buddies: Mike, Tod, Terry and Bill Chandler; Bob Hewitt, Kurt Kuell and Brock Johnson.
Steve had a great relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his family said. He worked hard, played hard and played fair. He really had a zest and love for life.
Steve died with his boots on doing what he loved, riding a motorcycle. He will truly be missed.
Survivors include his 12 siblings: Donna, Ellie, Vince, Sue, Cam, George, Mark, Ann, Art, Ben, Julie and Pete; his stepson, Scott Roush; his aunt, Catherine Elliot; his cousin, Susanne Salles; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Cherie; his granddaughter, Sierra Roush; and his parents, Donald and Patricia Hovley.
Memorial contributions may be made to Relay for Life through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, July 08, 2009
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor