BLACKFORD, Steven A. (1977-2004)

BLACKFORD

Posted By: Don Boucher (email)
Date: 12/14/2012 at 09:07:06

Obituary from The Des Moines Register newspaper, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, USA on 9-6-2004:

Steven Allen Blackford Jr. of Des Moines, died in a car accident on Friday, September 3, 2004. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Oakwood United Methodist Church in Pleasant Hill on Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Steve was born August 1, 1977 in Des Moines to Steve and Karen Blackford. He graduated from Dowling High School in 1996 and earned a liberal arts degree in business philosophy from Arizona State University in 2001. Following graduation he worked to promote wrestling in Arizona, conducting workshops and mentoring novice wrestlers. He had just entered law school at Catholic University in Washington D.C.

Steve was known in the community for his extraordinary accomplishments as an athlete, competing nationally and internationally. He won the Iowa State Wrestling championship twice and was a three-time All-American in college.

However, family and friends will remember him for so much more! Perhaps the most memorable was his original sense of humor. He could fill a room with laughter and excelled at leading others into adventurous fun. Everyone who knew Steve has a great story to tell! He could connect quickly and deeply with a wide range of people and was fascinated and curious about life, its meaning and his purpose. Steve was tough, resilient, intense, yet balanced by a kind and gentle nature. People were drawn to him; young children adored him and his playful ways. He pushed himself for excellence and achievement and inspired others towards personal growth. Steve considered himself the luckiest man in the world to have found Sara McMann, the love of his life, whom he shared the same interests and passion for living. They had just returned from Athens where she won an Olympic silver medal in women's wrestling. They planned to be married.

Steve is survived by his parents; a brother, John; a sister, Valerie; grandparents, Homer and Ann Blackford; countless aunts, uncles and cousins, and his dog, Vinnie.

A memorial will be set up in his name.