Steven Henry “Steve” Pluim

Steven Henry “Steve” Pluim passed away on September 3, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Born in Ohio to Donna Jeanne McDonel and Donald Edwin Pluim, Steve spent his early years in Oceanside, California, where days were often spent riding bikes to the beach and enjoying adventures with friends. Around fifth grade, his family moved to Ogden, Utah, where Steve and three friends dubbed themselves the “gang of 4.” The four stuck together through their years at Ben Lomond High School, where Steve graduated in 1973.

Shortly after high school, Steve married Tamra Mauchley Pluim, and together they had four children: Jeremy, a second son, Michelle, and Ashley. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and began working as a radio DJ in several states. Steve loved radio and music, but his gift for connecting with people quickly led him into sales and eventually brought him back to Utah. With his broadcasting background and entrepreneurial instincts, he earned his pilot’s license and founded a company providing airborne traffic reports to radio stations. 

Steve later married Trina Eyring, and together they welcomed their daughter, Kylie. Steve found a new professional home at TalentTeam, a staffing and recruiting company he would lead for many years. Steve was deeply committed to the company, but what mattered most to him were the people. Over the years, he developed tremendous respect and admiration for the many colleagues, clients, business partners, and community members he worked alongside. Many of those professional relationships grew into lasting friendships.

An entrepreneur at heart and a self-proclaimed workaholic, Steve was happiest when he was busy. He possessed an impressive capacity for stubbornness, but beneath all of that was an enormous heart. His commitment to helping others extended well beyond his own companies; he had an especially soft spot for immigrants and refugees. Steve served as chair of the Employment Workgroup for the Utah Refugee Services Office and as a member of Governor Gary Herbert’s Refugee Services Board of Advisors. Steve was also deeply involved with ChamberWest, serving on its board of directors and chairing its Professional Development Committee. ChamberWest brought many wonderful people into his life. He greatly valued the friendships he made there and throughout the broader business community, as well as the opportunity to connect people, help others succeed, and give back to the community he called home. Steve was named ChamberWest’s Volunteer of the Year in 2025 for his impactful contribution.

When Steve wasn’t working, thinking about work, or finding additional work to do, he had no shortage of other interests. He loved being outdoors, especially fishing, hiking, and boating. He loved history and was an avid reader, forever curious and eager to learn something new. He spent time tinkering in the garage with his classic Fiat convertible, discovered a love of gardening and growing his own vegetables, and spent time with the “gang of 4” whose friendship lasted a lifetime. Most of all, he loved simply hanging out with his kids and grandkids. He was immensely proud of them and happiest when everyone was together. 

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved daughter, Ashley. He is survived by his children Jeremy, a second son, Michelle (Glade), and Kylie (Tanner); and his grandchildren Tavin, Marley, Ali, Ava, Mia, Cameron, and Maggie.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Guests are encouraged to use the entrance and parking on the north side of the building.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Steve’s memory to make a donation to a charity of their choice.