Steven Craig Gary (73) passed away peacefully, on February 14th, 2024, in his home surrounded by love. Steve was the first born son born to Eugene and Marvis Gary on June 19th, 1950 in Kansas City, MO. When Steve was 5 years old, the Gary family relocated to Southern California where he lived the majority of his young life with his brother David, along with many friends nearby. While attending Redondo Beach High School Steve met Theresa (Teri) Lytle. After a short courtship, Steve married the love of his life on January 9th, 1970. This union of love would blossom and prove to be rare, precious, and unbreakable. This fearless couple experience every possible triumph and challenge for more than a half a century. Steve and Teri built a family of two children—Katherine (Kathy) Marie Gary and Crystal Jean Gary. Steve proudly wore the title of “Papa” to 5 grandchildren: Breeana, Kristina, Amber, Ray-Anne and Jordan and 5 great grandchildren. In the early 1990’s Steve and Teri sold their home in Moreno Valley, CA., packed up parts of their life that would fit into a truck and trailer and embarked on an adventure which eventually led them to planting all their tomorrows in Portland, Oregon. Shortly after the move many family members and friends would join them. Anyone who journeyed to Oregon in search of a new life, knew that they could call Steve to have a temporary place to steady themselves. He was a man that would take the shirt off of his back for anyone in need. Steve experienced a spiritual renewal, just a few years after moving to Oregon. His spiritual rebirth dramatically changed his life through his faith in Christ. He joined a local church and devoted his life to following Christ faithfully; through the teachings of the bible, worship, witnessing, and fellowship. His natural ability to lead others would allow him to introduce others to the LORD, most important of those being his family. Prior to his illnesses, Steve could be found at Wednesday and Sunday church services walking with his wife and grandchildren in hand. Loving them greater than he ever imagined possible, he took an active role in his grandchildren’s lives, imparting valuable lessons by teaching them about God and Christian faith, how to fish, bowl, ride bikes, clean gutters, maintenance a yard, drive a car, music, and so much more. “I lost my only dad, he stepped in when he didn’t have to and was the teacher of so many things in my life” – Bree Hendon (Granddaughter) “Papa embodied the essence of masculinity by being compassionate, resilient, and steadfast”. – Amber McDermott (Granddaughter) “This wonderful man took me in as his own when I was 10 years old, he fought hard for me. I will be forever grateful for that for the rest of my life” – Jordan Thomas Gary (Granddaughter) Steve was strong willed and stubborn, but he also had an enormous heart and a calming spirit that touched countless lives. He was generous, loyal, and brave. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through life experiences and passions: machinists, garage door installer, fishing, bowling, golf, church, motorcycles, music and so much more. He will be remembered for the golden heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them- and if you knew him, you knew it. His spirit will forever remain a source of comfort and inspiration to those who knew him. Steve fought a 3-year stomach cancer battle and when his time came, he carried himself with dignity, strength, and love. He will be missed dearly. Steve was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Marvis Gary; maternal grandparents Edith and Rex Bone; and granddaughters Kristina and Ray-Anne Copeland. Friends and Family are invited to share in happy memories at the planned Celebration of Life on June 15th, 2024 at Oxbow Regional Park in Gresham, Oregon from 11am-3pm.