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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 27, 2019)
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 5 Obituaries Dave Blann Stephen C. Pyke August 27, 1956 — February 15, 2019 October 3, 1948 – February 14, 2019 Central Oregon has lost one of its wittiest, fun- loving, and compassionate people! Just two-and-a-half years before the grand plans he had for retirement, Dave Blann died unexpectedly in his sleep. Growing up in Bend, where his parents, Cliff and Louise Blann, managed Mt. Bachelor Ski Area, Dave and his siblings learned to love the outdoors at an early age. Dave worked in con- struction as well as in the ski industry for 20 years. Working for his father gave him a leg up as a ski patrol- ler and groomer in Aspen. Later he worked trail con- struction, managed Arizona Snow Bowl in Flagstaff, and erected ski lifts for the major manufacturers across the country. In 1995, Dave discov- ered his true passion and purpose when he began his law enforcement career as a reserve with the Jefferson County Sheriff9s office. He was hired full-time in 1997 as a resident deputy provid- ing law enforcement to the small community of Camp Sherman as well as coordi- nating the Jefferson County Search and Rescue Hasty Team. Dave lived to serve peo- ple, whether it was protect- ing his community or doing search and rescue. He was adamant about treating peo- ple in the community and his search and rescue volunteers with respect and dignity. It9s been said that he was the heart and soul of Camp Sherman. As a result of growing up in the ski industry, Dave has always been an outdoors Sisters resident Stephen C. Pyke was born on October 3, 1948. He passed February 14, 2019. Steve was father to four boys (Eli, Lee, Casey, and Samuel); husband of 39 years to his wife, Mary; brother to Susan; father-in-law to Kelly, Angie, and Alex; and grandpa to Dakota, Isabelle, Jorah, Winter and Harper. Steve9s family was his pride and joy. He was born in Lafayette, Indiana to his parents, Donald and Chay Pyke. The family would later welcome his younger sister, Susie. As a young child Steve developed a love of being in or on the water. Growing up in Southern California he would body surf the beaches and explore his surroundings, which eventually developed into a characteristic of his personality. Steve was a curi- ous adventurer who in time proceeded to college study- ing chemistry. During his post-doc studies in Pullman, Washington, he met his wife, Mary, who, like him, was a curious adventurer to the max. Rafting together on the Salmon River they discov- ered in each other a love of the outdoors, joy in laughter and friends, and a deep kind- ness and connection. And when it became known that they shared the same birth- day eight years apart, it was chemistry& After a summer hon- eymoon of hiking in the mountains of the west with their two dogs in a brand- new VW Bug, they drove guy: skiing, snowshoe- ing, backpacking, camping, kayaking, or his most recent passion: fat-tire biking. Dave and his wife, Bethanne, were adamant about living in the moment and living large whether on an adventure or simply plan- ning their next journey. They made the most of their pre- cious moments together. His daughter, Kelcy, brought Dave tremendous joy. She and her husband, Matt, and their two children, Harley and Maren, currently live in San Diego. He was the best long-distance <Paw Paw= to his grandchildren. Dave will be greatly missed by so many peo- ple, especially his wife, best friend, and soulmate, Bethanne; his daughter, Kelcy, and her family: Matt, Harley and Maren; his sib- lings Sherry (Rich) Morris, Jerry (Rebecca) Blann, Casey (Molly) Blann; as well as numerous nieces and nephews who knew Dave as the uncle who would make them laugh; his search and rescue family; and the com- munity of Camp Sherman. A Celebration of Life for Dave is planned for Thursday, February 28, at 1 p.m. at the Westside Church in Bend. All are welcome to attend. to Cleveland, Ohio, where Steve began his career in research and development at Standard Oil. He continued in his career at Boeing, and branched out to freelance work in R&D in Sisters. From childhood, Steve was drawn to science-fiction stories such as the Twilight Zone, Forbidden Planet, and War of the Worlds. His curi- osity of scientific explora- tion and concepts continued throughout his adult life and eventually were passed down to his boys. Some of his favorite topics and discus- sions with others involved quantum theory, black holes, and particle acceleration, and how they could be relevant in our world. Steve would go into deep discussion on the intricacy of our wild world, and then he would draw par- allels, relating the scientific world he studied to his very personal faith in Jesus. Steve was not afraid to work and think in the scientific pro- cess yet believe in something that science cannot prove or disprove. He was a father of four boys who now work in video/film production, and EMS and forest manage- ment. Inspired by Steve9s love of being on the water, his sons often run multi- day excursions on whitewa- ter rivers, sail catamarans, kayak massive waterfalls, and cast flies on backcountry streams. Steve was a proud father and was incredibly supportive and encourag- ing when it came to being at every football game in high school, and every play on the stage. He would cook mas- sive hearty breakfasts for his sons and their friends when they stayed overnight to watch films and play games. Steve was involved with Bread of Life, transporting food to and from the church and Shepherd9s House; he was a friend to many at Circle of Friends; and a member of small groups that met to dis- cuss faith, community, and family. He spent much of his last six years being grandpa, wrestling, chasing, holding and loving his grandchil- dren. He traveled to Southern California to help and be with grandchildren during the cold parts of the year. Steve was known by his kindness, intel- lect, calmness, faithfulness and love. Before his dementia took hold, he said the peace he had about passing on was attributed toward his faith in Jesus. We will miss our hus- band, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. A public memorial will be held at Sisters Community Church on Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m. to celebrate the life of Steve, an outstanding father, husband, brother, son and grandpa. Memorial contributions may be made to Circle of Friends (Sisters) and Saint Charles Hospice. Obituaries Policy: The Nugget Newspaper does not charge a fee to publish obituaries. Obituaries may be up to 400 words and include one photo. Obituaries outside these guidelines are handled by The Nugget Newspaper advertising department. Obituary submissions must be received by noon on Monday. Obituaries may be submitted to The Nugget by email or hand delivery to our office located at 442 E. Main Ave., Sisters. You work hard to achieve your goals, we will work hard to protect them. TAL SS • FARM • REN AUTO • HOME • HEALTH • LIFE • BUSINE 541-549-3172 1-800-752-8540 704 W. Hood Ave., Sisters True local service — We live and work in the community we serve! 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