Steven Lawrence
June 30, 1953 - February 21, 2025
Steve’s wife, Karen, along with their incredible children, Elisha (Steve Ritchie), Madolyn (Rob Reynolds), Aimee Hill, and Connor (Claire Safeer), as well as their beloved grandchildren, Sam Hardy, Lauryn Reynolds, Dorian Hill, Macy Reynolds, Luke Ritchie, Nico Hill, Evie Ritchie, and Marley Reynolds, said goodbye to Steve on February 21, 2025.
Steve fought Acute Myeloid Leukemia with unwavering strength and resilience, bravely facing each challenge until his body could no longer endure. Even after his diagnosis, Steve continued to live his life to the fullest, carrying on with his responsibilities and never allowing his illness to burden those around him. Steve and Karen’s children would like to express their sincere gratitude for the exceptional and loving care she provided to him, especially during the last 17 months. In his own words, “my wife will always love me”.
Steve has joined his father and mother, Larry C. Lawrence and Janet H. Lawrence; his brother, Michael; his grandparents, Mark and Caroline Hansen and Genevieve Lawrence; and his nephew, Jared Ellsworth.
He is now watching over his brothers, Mark, Cliff (Amy), Jeff (Brenda); his sisters, Lori Ellsworth and Susan (Greg) Parker; his sisters-in-law, Sue Lawrence, Shawn (Jeff Stringham), Kath Larkin; his brother-in-law and travel buddies Gary Steed and Rebecca Salari; and many nieces and nephews.
Steve and Karen were married 36 years ago on April 1, 1989, in Lake Tahoe. They loved to road trip all over Utah, with Karen often scaring Steve on many a dirt road with steep drop-offs, but he was always a trooper, encouraging himself with, “I can do it!” Steve’s favorite memories were the family trips to Cabo San Lucas, especially the time spent on Cerritos Beach. He also cherished the yearly family trips to Bear Lake, first with the kids and then grandkids. Most recently, Karen and Steve were able to visit Europe to celebrate his 70th birthday.
Steve’s passion was the tile business he built and succeeded in for over 40 years. His work ethic and perfectionism were incomparable (and maddening). He was a patient, caring, and devoted boss who employed many family members, including his brother Jeff, who was his hard-working partner, and his nephew Mitch. Special thanks go to Josh, Fred, and the many other employees for their years of dedication. The Lawrence Tile team has a reputation for producing the best tile work in the area. Steve’s craftsmanship can be seen all over the Salt Lake Valley, most significantly in the Avenues and Park City, in places like the McCune and Walker Mansion. The best part of Steve’s business was the close friends he made over the years with many suppliers, contractors, designers, and clients that he loved so much.
Steve would drop everything no matter how busy he was to help anyone. He took care of all the things that needed to be done. Steve would give you the shirt off his back and his kids, who often stole his clothes, can attest to this. Steve, affectionately known as ‘the finisher,’ would clean off any plate, especially if it involved chocolate cake or donuts. We didn’t have Steve nearly long enough, but we are so grateful for the extra time we had with him. Steve—our beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and Friend will be in our hearts forever.
One way to honor Steve’s life is to donate blood or platelets as often as you can. You can also sign up to donate bone marrow by giving a tiny sample of blood or sign up at nmdp.org to become a bone marrow donor.
A celebration of Steve’s life will be on Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 4-6 pm at Stark’s Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek, UT. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance located on the north side of the building.
In Loving Memory
Sending my warmest hugs and deepest condolences! I sure loved Steve and so did George. Much love, Aunt Nancy
Gary and all of us at Lowell Construction respected Steve immensely. He was a friend to me and when he came to the office to look at plans or pick up a check, he would always come in and we would chat. We stayed in touch after I moved away and I will miss his joyful laugh. My thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time of learning how to live life “after Steve.”
Steve was a 2nd father to me. Knew him since 87 as a helper that drove him home when working late together . He’s gonna be missed for sure. Lots of love to Karen and family. Love you guys!
Steve was always such a pleasure to be around and to work with. And he was nothing short of a mathematical wizard when it came to laying tile. I will never forget him.
Heartfelt condolences to you and yours over the loss of Steve. As we age this happens more and more but it doesn't ever get easier. ~with a drink held high, i say To Steve, the world misses you !
I don’t know where to start. Such a good person! Steve and Jeff have been laying tile for me at shelter construction company for quite a few years. Steve drove me nuts. He would take forever just to do the layout of a job. Then he would take forever to get it done. I would get angry and yell at him and pull my hair out, even though I’m bald, and he would never get angry in return. He left that to Jeff God bless him. He and Jeff were a great team and I love them both as I learned perfection cannot be rushed. And after the Lawrence team was finished with the job, it was always perfect and worth the wait. Always fair, always kind, and always humorous. Steve will be missed.
Just heard that Steve passed. I hope it wasn't too rough on him. Thank heavens could you telling Jesus Christ. Chad
We were close as brothers just 4 days over a year apart. So close, it seems that the moment he passed away, I felt it profoundly. That afternoon around 3:20, under a clear blue sky, with a thin layer of new snow on the ground, I suddenly felt overcome by a beautiful peace. Speaking softly: “Is that you?” Steve alone on my mind, I felt all is well. I went about my day with that sense of quiet assurance. At 5 o’clock, Elisha called. She said she had both good news and bad. Steve had passed away—very peacefully, about an hour and a half earlier. I wept—not out of grief, rather with gratitude. I had already been told, in that way the soul sometimes knows. Her call simply confirmed what I had felt: Steve had assured me. I am blessed with so many wonderful life experiences. All seems to have gone my way, enriching my life. A brother like Steve and by extension his entire family, is more than just one of my greatest, it is the essence of life itself. That is why he is a revered man in all his dimensions. All is well and peaceful with my dear brother, Steve.
In Loving Memory
