Steven Payton

Dear family I worked with Steve at Job Corp as residential counselors in adjoining dormitories for several years in the early 70's. He and I were both attending the U of U and I got to know him professional and personally. Everybody on our shift enjoyed Steve and admired him for the goals he set for himself. I admired very few people as I did Steve. He set the standards very high. I was honored to call him my friend After my departure from the SLC area I stayed in touch with him as much as I could, but I haven't seen him since the late 70's but he was often in my thoughts. The world was a better place with him in it and the contributions he made were great. He was a very fine man. You have my condolences and you can be proud of him. Cordially, Victor Schafer

To Steve Payton's family: I was associated with Steve over 20 years ago when I was working at the Bar Offices. I found Steve to be extremely articulate and helpful in legal matters, and he was nothing more than kind and considerate during our association. He will be missed and the legal profession has lost an incredible asset. My sincere condolences for this profound loss. And to my colleague and associate, I say RIP Steve!

To the family of Steve: we are very sorry for your loss. Steve was a great person and friend.

Dear Family and Friends of Steve, Steve was my student at the law school in several classes. Of course he wasn't the "first" student in the class academically. I don't think he felt that was important. He was earnest. He was proud to be there. He worked hard to achieve what he did. He also lived across from the law school so we would occasionally cross paths. I am sorry that his life was short. But if life is short, then it should be broad. And I believe that Steve had a broad life. He touched many, and they remember him. With sympathy for your loss, Dick Aaron

Dear Family I've known Steve for about twenty years now and have enjoyed his friendship immensely. He was a veritable encyclopedia of cases -- and if it wasn't ready in his brain he would email the cite 20 minutes later. He was a great dancer, always knew the best places to eat, and always mader CLE events more entertaining. He represented my new husbanc in a case filed by his ex. I'll never forget Steve strolling into the mediation, throwing his big brimmed hat on the table and, looking her straight in the eye, saying "I always know, when I am called into a case this long after the divorce, that SOMEONE really hasn't gotten civorced yet." It was a successful mediation.

Dear Family and fellow loved ones of Steve. As you know, a thousand words just isn't enough. My husband, mother in law and I all came to know Steve through our years of working in the office with him. What an honor and delight! Steve was as good at teaching you how to handle a legal crisis as he was at making you laugh. He made being at work such fun....I miss our cookie raids and coffee breaks. His random stand-up comedy in the afternoons and his lectures on common sense and decency are sorely missed. Over the years he taught us all so much about the law and life it's self. There was NEVER a time in my personal or work life that Steve wasn't there to listen, help, or share his wisdom. My children admired him deeply. I have a cherished picture of him feeding my toddler son potato salad at the office on an Easter Sunday with a plastic knife. Its a beautiful testament of Steve's diligence to his client's as well as tenderness toward children. I do not think any one person has taught me more about ethics, smart practice and above all-how to be a good, useful human being than Steve. So much of what has inspired me in life came from knowing and watching him over the years. So often I stop and ask my self, "What would Steve do"? I am so grateful to say that is because he actually took the time and cared enough to teach all of us "what to do" along the way. I have so many fond memories, proud moments, funny jokes, and catch phrases from knowing him. The only way to truly show gratitude and honor Steve for all the things he did for me, my family, and my dear friends is to do as he did and "pay it forward". He inspired us all to do our best, be our best and GIVE our best. Our deepest condolences to his family, sweet Theresa and the Hofelings. No one knows better than you how much this world benefited from the love and effort Steve gave in his life. His memory and wisdom will be forever treasured in our hearts.

Family of Steve: I knew him as a law student, then as a fellow sole practitioner. He was a man of intelligence and patience. Steve was often a lone voice, but, undeterred when convinced he was right. He will be greatly missed. Mike Martinez

Never would have thunk I would find this so inidsepnsable.

That really captures the spiirt of it. Thanks for posting.

Grazi for mikang it nice and EZ.

How i remember Steven growing up off of Sheriff Road. The big brother to my best friends. I am so sorry to learn of his passing. Such a young man. Please pass my information to the family. I would like to contact them or me. Sincerely, Carolyn Foster

Steven, I found a new rib shack that has the best food, so tasty that it reminded me of Sundays at Miss Tee’s restaurant back in the day. A leisurely meal, the Sunday paper, and good conversation with you, punctuated by the sound of the guys in the corner playing pool, their laughter and “shoulda woulda coulda made that shot.” Just wanted to say you crossed my mind today. Blessings for your journey and peace to those who love you.