Stephen Christopher Ley

Actions Speak Louder Than Words and he was a Man of ACTS. A great fellow who will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace

Prayers and heartfelt condolences to your family. I worked with Steve in the UVU Aviation department from the time he arrived. We will miss his energy, his sincere passion for aviation and for UVU, and his numerous contributions and hard work for our department. He absolutely loved talking about the things he loved, especially with young students. I personally will never forget him and am grateful to have associated with him. Genuinely a nice person. That’s the biggest compliment I can give.

Steve made a significant contribution to the aviation maintenance program at Kansas State University. He will be missed. God rest his soul.

Prof. Ley was my gas turbine engine instructor at K-State Salina. I really enjoyed his lecture, he also appreciated my dedication to the coursework, and he once commented that I reminded him of his youth. He was an extraordinary teacher and I think he can teach public speaking. Near graduation from K-State, he wrote me a recommendation letter to graduate school at Purdue and I later graduated from Purdue twice one master, and one PhD. I see his name often in aviation academic publications and conferences. I always want to meet him again in some conference. Rest in Peace!

I’m saddened to hear of Professor Ley’s passing. He was a true leader and mentor during my time at K-State. His vision for a better future and dedication to the Salina campus made a lasting impact. He will be deeply missed

I can't imagine a richer life. Love, laughter, action, exploration, service, purpose and faith. I am proud to be Steve's second cousin. I know how much family and friends will miss Steve. "Born to amuse, to inspire, to delight Here one day Gone one night" Lyrics from Michael Jackson song Gone Too Soon You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for sharing Stephen with the aviation community. Though I only met Stephen through an online project that began in late 2023, Stephen was a great inspiration for the work we do. Stephen's understanding that our Lord purposed us to be here, to help each other, for God's glory. This was evident in his beliefs, words, and actions. Our family will be praying for you during this trying time as Stephen now stands in awe of glory.

I first met Steve over 10 years ago when I was a student in the aviation management program at UVU. I remember like it was yesterday our first meeting, he had such drive, passion, vision, and energy. Years later we would do research together and wrote an article together for ATEC, we spent a fair amount of time together during this project. Our talks about the research often turned to talks about life, fatherhood, life goals. I will forever be grateful for our many talks, our lunch conversations, and phone calls over the years. I will forever be grateful for his mentorship and friendship to me over the last decade; Steve had a tremendous positive impact on me and countless others.

I knew Steve through ACTS and Saint John the Baptist church activities. Steve was that "one of a kind" person we get to meet in life's journies. A very solid man that stood for all that is good in life. He was a joy to be with and to watch as he grew stronger in his faith. He could explain to anyone in terms they could understand, the scientific approach and research he undertook to understand his Catholic faith. He is one who left us way to early. I am sure he will be in in the halls of heaven discussing with the Saints the great Catholic religion. Blessings to Rhonda and their family to help them now and in years to come until they are reunited with Steve in heaven.

I worked with Steve from 1992 (ATA) to 2010 (Rolls-Royce), and I knew him as someone passionate about his family, aviation and education. Over those years I spent a good bit of time with him, and developed great respect for him, both personally and professionally. I’m sad the to hear this news and will remember Rhonda and the family in my prayers.

So sorry for the loss of Steve. Gone too soon. Worked with him at RR for a few years. Decent person.

in 2018, when my son Henry was out riding his mountain bike on his own (he was in 7th grade), a group of Westlake riders came by led by a coach who warmly invited Henry to ride with them. Henry did and then was hooked. We joined the next year. When our team split and formed Cedar Valley, I became head coach and this coach from Westlake enthusiastically joined our team as a coach. He had no kids on the team, and yet believed deeply in our team and the kids he helped coach. He took a trip with Tim Richards and I to Durango that next year to learn from the Durango program. After coaching with us for a few years, he had to cut back time spent away from home and instead chose to be a race staff member for our region. I loved seeing his friendly face and giving him a big hug at each race. I loved this man. I am so sad to learn of his passing. I have many fond memories of Steve, including his many fun discussions about aviation with Claire Scattolon (a rider who has since graduated). There were a lot of nice things and facts said in his obituary, but My favorite thing was how much he loved, served, and believed in me, my son, and all our team members. I loved this man much. He will be truly missed.

My deepest condolences to Steve's family. I had the pleasure of working with him and enjoyed him and appreciated his passion and knowledge of aviation. I am so sorry you lost your beloved family member, and am also sorry to the aviation community for losing such an amazing ally and friend.