Stephen was born during a snowstorm on October 26, 1983. He passed away on July 3, 2020. Stephen was interested in space, space exploration and science fiction. We think he would be happy and excited to be included on the Celestis memorial flight to the moon.
Stephen grew up in North Texas and attended Allen ISD schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade. He enjoyed computers, science, and reading. He participated in the SHIFT (Students Helping Integrate Future Technologies) program in middle school and was the first Allen ISD student to earn a CCNA networking certification while still in high school. After graduation, he attended the University of Texas Dallas, participating in student government and earning a degree in Computer Science.
After graduation, Stephen worked as a software developer specializing in networking and security. His co-workers reported Stephen would diffuse tensions when systems were under security attack by saying, “May we live in interesting times.” It never failed to relieve the tension. He was liked and respected by his co-workers.
Stephen was a happy, helpful, and friendly person. One of his favorite sayings was “Tell me how I can help.” He was generous with his time and helping his friends. He once helped a friend who got lost on a hike find their way back to the trailhead by tracking their phone. He enjoyed being around family, cousins, and nephews. At family reunions, he would participate in competitive games of kickball and cornhole.
Stephen had many varied interests, including playing an instrument, performing with local theatre groups, and attending Dallas Summer Musicals. He loved computer gaming, and he was known in the community as “Hasteur.” He was involved with several computer gaming groups, podcasting, and online social networks.
He was an editor for Wikipedia specializing in articles in the Mixed Martial Arts and Blizzard Entertainment/Video Games spaces. He enjoyed fiber arts, including knitting and spinning. An interest in maker art got him involved in 3-D printing projects. He kept physically active by participating in GoRuck and Ingress events.
Stephen enjoyed the food as well. Favorites included pizza, even Hawaiian with ham and pineapple, pho, rice or noodle bowls, ravioli, pasta, and burgers. His number one favorite meal was sweet and sour pork, with carrot cake for dessert.
Stephen is remembered and missed by his parents Barbara and Paul, his brother Jim, his nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, and many, many co-workers and friends. We chose the Celestis Destiny Lunar mission to honor him because every time we look up to see the moon, we are reminded of Stephen.
