Steven Roy Howe, 48

Steven Roy 'Steve' Howe 'was welcomed into Heaven' on April 28, 2006.

Steve was born on March 10,1958, in Pontiac, Mich. He was one of five children born to Virgil and Barbara Howe.

Steve was born an extremely gifted, left-handed pitcher and was drafted by the L.A. Dodgers in 1979. Steve was only 22 years old on April 11, 1980, when he made his debut with them, wearing No. 57. Steve had the privilege of being named the National League Rookie of the Year in 1980 and went on to celebrate winning the 1981 World Series with L.A.

Steve is remembered for being one of the best closers in franchise history. He was privileged to be selected for the National League All-Star team in 1982. In 1991, Steve teamed up with the N.Y. Yankees, again donning No. 57.

After well over a decade of baseball, Steve retired in 1996, at the age of 38.

Aside from baseball, Steve enjoyed many things. He especially loved his family and enjoyed being involved in the lives of his children, Chelsi and Brian. Whether he was helping them in sports or chaperoning for field trips, he was there to bring some energy to the occasion as well as advice and life lessons.

He loved his friends and enjoyed visiting with them. He was blessed with the gift of gab and shared many stories that resulted in a from-your-toes kind of laughter. God gave Steve a smile that could light up the darkest of rooms. 'We will miss that grin.'

Steve enjoyed hunting, his animals, snowmobiling, playing in the water, on the mountains, helping people and fixing up his truck, always adding one more thing to make it the finest around.

Steve did many kind things for a lot of people, never expecting to receive recognition for them. He did these things because he had an enormous heart.

Steve is survived by his wife, Cindy; son, Brian; daughter, Chelsi Blackwell, and her husband, Cole; parents, Virgil and Barbara Howe; brothers, Chris, Jeff and Mike; father-in-law, Dick Holliday; and numerous relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by sister, Kathi, and mother-in-law, Marianne Holliday.

There are far too many words and remembrances about Steve to fit into a small section of a newspaper, so please join in a celebratory gathering of family and friends at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 13, in Whitefish at the Christ Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be sent to the Steve Howe Foundation c/o Investment Centers of America, 6410 U.S. 93 S., Whitefish, MT 59937.