From Karen Ryan and "The Shenstone Posse"

To all of Steve's colleagues and friends of Sheldon Good & Company,

After reading the tribute on your company's website, I wanted to add that there was a side to Steve that many people didn't know.

Steve was a friend to all of us in Riverside, Illinois, and had spent a considerable amount of time with many of us in Riverside. Steve always wanted to gather people together and share his warmth and humor. He loved his cigars and his martinis--and called us "the shenstone posse." We will miss him forever! With our deepest sympathies, "The Shenstone Posse."

Sincerely,
Karen Ryan

From Howell Davis

I am a retired auctioneer. My caring thoughts and prayers go out to Steven's family and colleagues.

From Lee Harris

I had the honor of meeting Steven & Jamie about 22 years ago, when they moved down the block from me on Bissell Street in DePaul. At the time, they hadn't yet had kids. I was always struck by Jamie & Steven's love for each other, so sweet & obviously deep. I would tell Steven how great it was, that my wife & I shared the same love...and how great it will be when kids come. Later, when I had become the Chicago Real Estate Board's Salesman of The Year...he was the first to come over & congratulate me-genuinely happy, and understanding what the sacrifice was to attain this. He not only attained the same accolade, but countless ones that preceeded & followed. I'm honored to have had a time where we shared our love for our wives & kids, and am deeply saddened & send my heartfelt condolences from my wife & I.

Lee Harris

From Jeremy Freid

Steve gave me my start in the real estate business and taught me everything there was to know about the Real Estate Auction industry. Steve and I both had an intense craving for deals. We sold a boarding school, trophy homes, land, an industrial portfolio, office buildings, a regional shopping mall, vertical and horizontal residential development units, time shares, and vacation homes together during our time together at Sheldon Good and Company. We traveled around the country by private jet, commercial airlines, his Escalade, my Jeep, boat, train, clients’ cars, rental cars and many other means of transportation I am sure I am forgetting. We played tennis, golf, fished, swam, shot clay pigeons and went skiing together. We ate fast food, dined over fine cuisine, smoked cigars, and had a ton of laughs and many yelling sessions along the way. It was a tremendous ride.

My deepest condolences go out to Jamie, Scott, Logan and David. My thoughts are with my former Sheldon Good employees and I urge you to tackle the auction industry with the same passion, strategy and intensity Steve would expect of you.

As I attempt to wrap my brain around his loss, knowing I most likely will never be able to, I will never forget my friend and mentor Steven L. Good.



Jeremy A. Freid

From Delores Shull

I had the pleasure of meeting Steve when I first came to Chicago to work for the Chicago Association of Realtors. His knowledge and love of his profession and his city was very enthusiastic and catching. He always had opportunities to offer and advice to share, and was a leader and mentor to many, particularly in his work and dedication to helping others succeed as well. I valued his guidance and leadership in our commercial alliances and international projects, among many other things. A room really came to life when Steve walked in. I learned a lot about many things from knowing him that can never be taken away. His personality and style were unmatched, and I will miss him greatly. My deepest condolences to all of Steve's family, friends, and colleagues.


Delores S. Shull, RCE, CIPS
Director of International Relations

From Cathy O'Connor

Dear Sheldon, Bruce, Cynthia and all --

My condolences to you, Steve's family, friends and business associates. I have many fond memories of working with Steve during my years with the U.S. League of Savings Institutions. I watched and learned from Steve and you, Sheldon, as you and Tom Pfeiler put together a program to assist savings and loans to sell off foreclosed real estate to reduce their carrying cost expenses. Steve appeared on numerous U.S. League sponsored programs sharing his knowledge and expertise on real estate markets and trends always with his forward thinking. Steve took time for all those who knew him and was enthusiastic and passionate about his work.

Steve's generosity to the community extended through his offering of Sheldon Good & Company auctioneers, including himself, to shout out the bids and drop the gavel at charitable fundraising events, always assuring their financial success. Bruce Sayre provided these services to Edgebrook School during the years I served on the school board. Bruce, Edgebrook School continues to thrive due to your support.

Sheldon, I recall long hours of sitting in booths with you at U.S. League annual conventions and hearing your stories and experiences. Each time you took a break in the coffee shops, you came back with a new client and friend. You were always working the crowd, whether in a large ballroom or in an elevator. After watching you, I would never sit while manning the booth.

Cynthia, you are the woman behind the men, especially Steve. I know you will have a great void in your life. Focus on the good memories and as difficult as it sounds now ... focus on moving ahead. Taking your lead, I have always been sure to know where the men I work for are and where I can reach them at any given time when needed while respecting their confidences and boundaries. Who would think you can learn that from listening to another person answering calls, but I did.

Sheldon, Bruce and Cynthia ... you most likely do not realize how much I learned from each of you and from Steve when I was just beginning my career (of course, I also had Tom Pfeiler to emulate). Your respect for others, your professionalism, your passion for what you do and who you work with, it helped me set the standards I try to follow in my own life.

And to Steve's family, know that you were loved and cherished by a well-respected man.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

With heartfelt condolences,

Cathy

From Mary Lou Wooley and John Wetzel

We wish to send our sincerest condolences to the friends, family and associates of Steven. He will be missed but not forgotten. Our thoughts are with all of you.

Mary Lou Wooley and John Wetzel
W-2 Design

From Wayne Caplan

Folks, I can't begin to put into words how sad & sorry I am to have heard the news about Steve. Hew as a good friend to me, spent time and effort to get to know me and took a keen interest in my career. I owe him a lot and I will miss him. I'm terribly sorry for the loss of your Chairman and our friend.

Warmest Regards,
Wayne Caplan

From Jay Quigley

For all concerned and especially Jami and the children, my deepest condolences as I share some of the grief and dismay on the passing of Steve, whose expertise and kindness will linger with me forever. Should there be anything I can ever do n any way to help out now, or in the future, please let me know as same would be an honor.

--Jay

From Lonnie Rewis

I was stunned when I heard of Steve's death and immediately thought of how devastating this must be for his family and for Cynthia. As someone who worked with him as closely as Cynthia did for so many years, this loss must be such a blow. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your memories of this vital man and the knowledge that he is now beyond the cares of this world bring you some peace.

Sincerely,

Eulonda (Lonnie) Rewis

From Peter Olesker

My fondest memory of Steve occurred in late 2005 when I worked closely with Steve to publicize the auction of a home in the Hyde Park/Kenwood neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side. The home had beautiful architectural features and an interesting history, and we were able to get a lot of media coverage for the auction. The auction, which took place in an auditorium on South Michigan Avenue, went very well. The room was packed, the bidding was heated and the home sold for well above reserve. Steve – as always – was very excited. As I was preparing to head home for the night, Steve asked me if I wanted to join him for dinner. It had been a long day, I was tired and I had a baby boy at home, but who can say “No” to Steve Good? Dinner was at Morton’s on State, but Steve wanted to go back to the office to pick up his car. We were something like 300 S. on Michigan and Steve’s office is at 333 W. Wacker…about a mile and half away. It was absolutely FREEZING out…like below zero, but Steve wanted to walk. ‘Are you crazy?’ I thought, but, hey, Steve was the client, so I figured I better just go with it. So we set out on this 20-minute trek across the Loop. After about 3 minutes, I couldn’t feel my ears. But Steve was oblivious. It was like he was taking a stroll down the beach in Florida. He talked the whole way…about auctions, about his travel plans (fishing in some remote part of the world), a reality TV series he was trying to get off the ground, his kids, and a million other things – each topic more exciting to him than the next. Finally, we got to his car and drove to meet Jami, Wally Wolff and a couple of others. At Morton’s, Steve was totally in his element…the old school steakhouse, the martinis and cigars. The evening was one war story after another, going back before my time, but Steve made me feel totally at home. He was such a gracious host. The evening wrapped up close to midnight and I was exhausted. But Steve showed no signs of slowing down. The night was vintage Steve Good. Who has time to worry about the freezing cold, who has time to be tired, when there so much going on in the world around you…new deals to make, new ventures to explore, new friends to meet and people to talk to, memories to share, fish to catch, fine cigars to enjoy? That’s living. And I’m grateful that on a bitter-cold Chicago winter night, Steve dragged me out into his world to share his good humor, generosity and endless enthusiasm. Thanks, Steve.

Peter Olesker
Taylor Johnson & Olesker

From Firoz Shroff

I am so sorry to hear from our New York Hotel clients about this sudden passing away of our good friend Steve Good. God bless his soul.

We send our deepest since condolences to his family members and the team at Sheldon good.

Though I never had the opportunity of personally meet him but several phone calls he proved to be straight forward person and gentlemen always trying to find solution for his customers. He was so kind to also send his signed copy of his book. Steve had great vision, wisdom and energy and we talked about opening up strategic alliance offices in other countries. As a visionary he was open to new ideas. I can tell you his absence will be felt by me.

Please let me know if we can be of any service to the team at SG.

Regards and we will catch up later.

Firoz Shroff

From Jed Dallek

I first meet Steve 35 years ago as a sophomore at Syracuse University. His first comment to me was" Hi I am Steven Good from Chicago" wherein he went on to talk with me for over an hour and told me of the organizations he belonged to. I told him that since I was 6" 4' inches tall I was always going to be taller then him and that I really didn't care who he knew or how many organizations he belonged to. If he wanted to be my friend it would be based upon what developed between the two of us.

We remained friends for all these years and recently went to our 30 year reunion at Syracuse University this past September wherein we meet a few people on campus and Steve would say "Hi I am Steve Good from Chicago" and Steve went into his speech of how many people he knew and how many organizations he was part of. You had to know Steven to realize that this was his way of saying to me that he was just as tall as anybody. We laughed about how his speech was the same and how long his list of accomplishments had grown since I first meet him. At that point he turned to me and said " I love you Jed as a true fiend and if there was anything in the world he could do for me all I had to do was ask. I turned to him and said that I already knew that and that I didn't need to know of all the organizations he belonged to or the people he knew and that as a true friend he was in fact a bigger man then I was.

Steve Good had a heart of a giant. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for myself or all his friends and was always concerned about the people he meet, his partners in business and mostly his family. To all the people who were at the memorial in Chicago and to those who couldn't be there I would hope that we remember Steve Good for all the thousands of great things he accomplished during his life and the people he helped and genuinely cared for.

The pain that we all feel right now will eventually fade but the memories of Steve Good will last the rest of our lives.

Your friend,

Jed

From Jeff Hornberger

What can I say that hasn't been said about Steve already?

Here are some random thoughts:

He was charismatic, intelligent, accessible, down-to-earth, and had a great sense of humor.
I would send him emails that would go unanswered -- and days later he would say "why don't you just call me on my cell phone?" That was Steve, he was never too busy to talk if only for a few minutes, and the calls never went into voice mail.

The first time I saw him speak was at a "how to do international business" event organized by CAR. After a panel of sophisticated tips by experts, Steve said a line that I've rehashed many times -- "folks, lets face it, international business ain't much different than doing business locally -- if you can sit down and have a beer with the guy, then he's probably okay to do business with!"

He could command a presence and light up a room in a way that few people can. At NAR meetings he worked the hallways and seemed to know everyone. He was a connector and always made introductions -- he was a hub with many spokes.

He spoke of his sons lovingly and even brought them along to NAR meetings to show them the ropes. One day he even skipped out on high-powered meetings to take them to a theme park and enjoy time together.

He was very proud of his book and always had a stash on hand to give away. He signed it, handed a complimentary copy to me, and said: "now you better go and write a good review on Amazon.com -- and I sure as hell better not see you resell it on the 'used books' section!"

Steve, you will be missed, but I'm glad to have known you.
--Jeff Hornberger

From Robin Wermuth

To the Family of Steve and all at Sheldon Good,

It is with sincerest sympathy I offer my condolences.

In 2003, I was very privileged to work with Steve, Paul, and Jeremy on the auction on my boss's home in Chicago. Along with all at Sheldon Good, regardless of the fact that I was an "assistant", Steve treated me with utmost respect for which I was most appreciative. I remember one particular instance when I commented on Steve's beautiful watch, and his reponse was, "It keeps good time, too," and of course, that came with a big smile. What a class act! I always found him to be quite the gentleman and thoroughly enjoyed each and every conversation we shared.

Chicago has truly lost one of its shining stars.

Sincerely,

--Robin Wermuth

From Ken Liss

My deepest sympathy to Jami, Scott, Logan, and David. I am sorry for your sudden loss of husband and father.

I have fond memories of Steve. I would like to share a couple.

For the last few years Steve and I and sometimes others would go on a week long fishing trip mostly in remote areas of the north. Last summer Steve and I went to a Canadian fishing camp on the border of Saskachewan and the Northwest Territories. There were a total of fourteen people at the lodge, twelve of them I had just met.

One night during dinner we were told there was going to be a bonfire and everyone was welcome. When Steve heard of this he announced to the group in Steve Good style that he will host the bonfire party and provide open bar and cigars all around.

Great fun was had by all as you can imagine.

In the morning there was a bear at the camp fire site. Some say it was licking the beer cans and finishing off our drinks, but Steve knew better, he said that the bear was finishing the Cuban cigar butts we left behind.

One of Steves favorite TRUE fishing stories he would tell is the time noone at the lodge was catching any Lake Trout and we heard this day after day. On the last day of our trip, our guide took us to the deepest part of the lake he called the "honey hole". The guide told us to use weighted jigs, so we did this and nothing happened. After we consulted we changed our lures to pixies. All of a sudden we were catching one after another. After one hour we counted sixty Lake Trout caught. We enjoyed a tasty shore lunch of our catch followed by cigars of course.
That evening during dinner Steve told the group of our experience and you can imagine their disbelief. We backed up our story with pictures. Steve and I enjoyed a lot of attention that night. We conquered the Lake Trout at Milton Lake.

Steve thanks for the good times we shared together and all the laughs. Steve loved his family, friends and his work and enjoyed many adventures with many people. Steve, you will surely be missed by all.

Your friend and fishing buddy,
--Ken Liss

From Maxine O'Brien

Steve was bold, brash and beautiful. He was greatly admired and respected by fellow members of the Illinois State and Wisconsin Auctioneers Associations. Many of us saw him in late October at a seminar in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. We will long remember the time spent with him, his wonderful ability to relate to people on their level, his generosity and his sense of humor. We are fortunate to have been considered his friends.

--Maxine O'Brien, Executive Director
Wisconsin Auctioneers Association
Illinois State Auctioneers Association

From Paul McInnis

Please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss to the firm and Steven’s family.
If there is anything I can do in this time of anguish please do not hesitate to ask.

Regards,

Paul

From Jose Colon

Steve, you were truly a brilliant person with a heart larger than life. Throughout our travels you have taught me so much about our industry, but more importantly, you taught me about life. I can't imagine having a better mentor and could never thank you enough for the lessons. There are so many more cigars to smoke & golf courses to play, Gulliver’s travel will never be the same.....

Muchas Gracias, Amigo.


-- José

From Bob Charkovsky

I’m not sure when this will be read, or who will read it, but please accept my condolences on the loss of Steve. He and I were study group partners at DePaul Law School and I always respected Steve’s intelligence, personality and practical bent. I last saw Steve about 12 years ago when he took an afternoon off from his very busy schedule to drive me out to Park Forest and look at a piece of property that did not warrant his time. Our world is a little colder today. I no longer know how to reach Steve’s home or family, but please pass along my condolences. Thank you very much

--Bob Charkovsky

From Steve Felix

I ran into steve and his dad at a number of real estate industry events over the years. While we never had occasion to do business together we did exchange small talk. My recollection of steve is one of very positive energy and enthusiasm. The sight of the two of them roaming the aisles of trade shows was wonderful. It’s sad when anyone takes their own life. It’s closer to home when it’s someone in your own industry. Steve was a larger than life personality in the industry and his smile and personality will be missed.

From Janis Fendler

I worked for Sheldon Good & Company out of the Denver office and to see the story on cnn.com was a shock.

At every auction that was in Denver or the surrounding areas that he came out for, he always came over to say "hello" to me. I appreciated that and will remember that of him as well as his quick smile and his energy.

Please send my condolences to his family and friends. All the best to the company during this difficult time.

From Steve Kram

Dear Jami and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences. Steve and I met at the start of freshman year at Syracuse, and remained friends throughout our college years. Many a night we spent talking about life and all who knew him knew he was headed for much success. Though we hadn't seen each other in awhile he was a wonderful man and I have great memories of the time we spent together. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
--Steve Kram

From Kristen Hamper

He seemed like such an optimistic and hope-giving person. He said at the conference, “If you’re not making money in this market, you’ll never make money in this industry.” It’s such a sad turn of events. I hope you guys find some closure through the next few days. Steve’s loss is felt all over the country.

From Alysa Correll Clark

I was so very saddened to hear of Steve’s passing. I worked as Sheldon’s assistant for several years in the early 90s, and also worked alongside Cynthia to help her as she assisted Steve.

Steve was a good man. He was a brilliant businessman, always five steps ahead of everyone else - both his competitors and his colleagues alike. He was a visionary leader and a problem-solver extraordinaire. I remember often watching him as he was processing information and without skipping a beat he would come up with Plans A, B, C and D. He could anticipate the ramifications of each action and reaction. He knew how to make things happen.

As busy as he was, he would take the time to look you in the eye when he asked you how you were, and as you responded, he would listen and engage in the conversation. And if you worked hard for him, you were rewarded and trusted. I remember seeing him at Cynthia's mother's funeral a few years back and I was so very proud of him for taking time out of his incredibly busy schedule to go to his faithful secretary's mother's funeral … to show support for her. That, to me, spoke volumes. He recognized the loyalty Cynthia had shown him, and his family, for decades, and he was willing to put aside “the pressing deal” to simply be there during significant loss in her life.

On a much lighter note, I remember being terrified of him when I first started working there. Absolutely terrified. Not so much of who he was, but of his demanding presence in the workplace. He had very high expectations for those working around him. I was 21, right out of college, and had never been in the professional world. But I worked hard and Cynthia loved me and trusted me and because of that, he trusted me, too. I remember the first time Cynthia was on vacation and I was filling in for her. I was sick to my stomach just wondering when I'd receive the first of a million phone calls from Steve that day - he was in New York at the time. His words were sparse. His voice was fast. He wasn’t a hand-holder. He expected you to get the gist of what he needed and run with it. And he needed the moon - coordinate drivers and hotels and luncheons, oh, and first class upgrades on the flight home. He didn’t really care if the plane was sold out – he needed a seat on the flight and he needed that seat to be in First Class! Somehow [I’m thinking divine intervention] I made it through that day and when he got into the office the next morning he said to me, with his usual smile, "Thanks for your help yesterday, Alysa. You did a great job!" Whew. Talk about a relief … and a confidence booster … and did I mention, relief?He was a very good man. It's so sad that he's gone. So very sad.

My deepest sympathy to Jami and the boys. And to Shelly and Suzi. And of course, to sweet Cynthia and Alan and Michael Fine and Bruce and the others that I worked with so many years ago.

Sincerely,

Alysa Correll Clark

From Jay Quigley

For all concerned & especially Jami & the children, my deepest condolences as I share some of the grief & dismay on the passing of Steve who I worked for & whose expertise & kindness will linger with me forever. Should there be anything I can ever do in any way to help out now or in the future please let me know as same would be a honor. Jay

From Avis Lloyd-Kimball

The beginning of the summer of 2005, I met Steve Good outside while he was visiting a neighbor of mine who had grown up with Steve. They were having quite a fun time together talking about my neighbor's old/open jeep which was restored to look like and run like new. Steve presented himself as just a great, good fun-loving guy.

At the time I was seeking my next career move, having just returned to the Chicago area from Cincinnati. So, the next day, my neighbor said, "Do you know the guy to whom I introduced you last evening?" And, my friend went on to say, "that's Steve Good! Have you ever heard of Sheldon Good & Company?"

Well having lived in Highland Park from 1988 - 1994, I remembered the name vaguely and thought Steve was involved in real estate. So, my neighbor went on to tell me what a wonderful good friend Steve had been over the years, how Steve--even though brilliant and funny and successful--still found time to stay in touch with friends from his teens. My friend went on to suggest that I call Steve to see if I could get in to meet with him since I had 11 years in real estate and over 20 years in marketing in Ohio and Illinois.

My first reaction was to ask, "'How about you call him and ask if he'll see me?" to which my neighbor said, "no, no, no. He's the kind of guy you can call and remind him of your meeting him."

I did just that, and went on to meet with Steve in his office, and enjoyed a great meeting, received a copy of his book, and was given a tour of headquarters. Steve introduced me to Bruce Sayre, who was just as receptive to discussing possibilities with Sheldon Good as Steve was welcoming. Bruce--in my opinion--is typical of the type of professionals Steve has recruited for the Sheldon Good team: respectful, business-oriented, family-loving, fun, and just good people.
In the ensuing months, I sent notes to Steve because I thought he was such an all around great man with a wonderful, infectious personality; and, I also stayed in touch with Bruce from time to time as my career has evolved here in Chicago.

On Monday evening, when I read the press report about Steve's death, I immediately felt shocked and disappointed that Steve made the decision to end his life. I scrambled to locate my former neighbor, who was equally saddened (and distraught) about the loss of Steve, and had already reached out to the family.

Imagine if we could all harness the positive energy Steve displayed with our two brief meetings to permeate more good thoughtful business practices and also give back to the community as Steve did.

He will be very much missed.
Regards,
Avis

From Joe Bean

Steve was a challenge to work for -- as a writer, at least! He was demanding, but never unreasonable. He wanted results, but never at the cost of sloppy, inaccurate or incomplete work. He listened to ideas and suggestions for doing things differently. Sometimes he said yes. Sometimes he said no. But he always made a decision and he said why. Best of all, perhaps, was how strongly he believed in what he was doing! I've not seen him in years, but his death is so sad, so disheartening and so mystifying. Shalom. Joe Bean

From Norm Zable, Sheldon Good Brokerage

On a warm sunny day on Lake Michigan, we took Jami, Scott, Logan and Steve out for a sail. Steve took to the helm like a pro. A “good” time was had by all. He will truly be missed.

- Norm Zable

From W. Earl Walker, COO of th Business School Mentors Association and Prof. of Mgmt. and Leadership, The Citadel

Dear Jami, Scott, Logan and David,

I am truly heart-broken at the loss of Steve. What a dear friend he was to me and to The Citadel School of Business Administration!

I was the Founding Dean of The Citadel School of Business Administration and was privileged to help recruit Steve to our Advisory Board. He was enormously generous to us with his time, talent and treasure. He spoke to our cadets and to our MBA students as one of our Leadership Forum speakers, he interviewed and hired Citadel graduates, he was enormously candid and helpful in our Board meetings, and was a wonderful coach to me.

And coach me he did on at least five occasions. Invariably his coaching and suggestions were enormously helpful to me, our Advisory Board and The Citadel School of Business Administration.

As a testament to his sensitivity, he recognized that we needed a gavel for our Advisory Board meetings. He donated one and one that we use at each of our meetings. When his dear friend John McAllister was inducted into The Citadel Business Hall of Fame, he made sure we had a post-induction cigar and port reception along with a wonderful music combo.

Such acts of kindness were so typical of him. He was a man of enormous energy, concern for others, and a deep love of his family. I know this from our many conversations.

I do truly mourn his passing and am deeply saddened for your four as well as the rest of his family. May you find Peace with his loss and remember him for all the wonderful things about him. In my case, I certainly will never forget him, nor will I ever forget what he taught me.

With great affection,

Earl

From Sarah Sonke, Auction First MS

Steve was the inspiration for starting my own auction company. My partner and I came across his book while at a crossroads trying to make some major decisions. While fairly new in the auction business and when I barely had two pennies to rub together I attended a real estate auction seminar in Chicago where Steve was one of the hosts. He was a very entertaining speaker and let us all tour his company headquarters downtown, then a steak dinner at Morton’s. I've continued to study Steve’s book for 4 years. It’s a master's level class in real estate auctions and I am so glad he passed his knowledge on to the industry by sharing the details of those auction projects and the logic behind the decisions – it is a great legacy.I didn't know Steve well but certainly saw a wonderful, generous spirit during that first Chicago visit. He touched my professional life in a very BIG way for which I'll always be grateful. I sincerely hope his wife, children, family and colleagues can find comfort by remembering and cherishing all the good in his life - there was a lot of it!

From Jan Hope, Vice President Commercial Real Estate, National Association of REALTORS

I've read the messages received from our committee members -- friends of Steve. He will be missed.

From the moment I got the message until this second, he has remained on my mind. If I wasn't thinking about him awake, he was entering my dreams. I'm so very sad, completely stunned and confused, and kinda angry.

I've known Steve and Shelly since 1990 when I got into the auction area for NAR. They were always giving of their time and talents. Steve was so interesting. I learned something new with each conversation we had. Always smiling. Always ready with a story. Always willing to help people connect. I was looking forward to our year together and the things we could accomplish.

For those of you who got to interact with him on a very regular basis, I'm sure the void will be huge. Take solace in the fact that many of us mourn his absence and will always miss him.

Thanks for listening, Jan

Initial reactions from NAR members

OH my God! I am so shocked – what can I do for his family?

--Debbie Tamlin

Wow, what a shocker, and what a loss. If we can help, let us know.

--Randy

Thanks for passing on the news. I'm stunned. Let me know if you hear any additional information. Are donations being directed? His poor wife and kids.

--Dave Weinstein

This is a very sad news indeed. Some times we do not know what is going on with people and the troubles they have and challenges from which they suffer. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

--Blaine

Sorry to receive this news. Steven was a good man, real professional and a good leader and contributor to RCA. The loss of his presence and leadership will be missed at the RCA meetings. Please pass on our condolences to his family.

--Regards, G. George R. Monte, MBA

Thanks for the note. This is a real shocker. You may not be aware but we had the President/CEO of a major real estate lending operation in Phoenix (Mortgages Ltd) commit suicide this last year so this hits close to home. I am sensitive to what this may be doing to Steve’s family, including the people at NAR. Steve’s personality entered the room before he did and he lifted everyone up. Do let me know if I can be of assistance to the staff in any way. Please keep me informed.

--Doug Groppenbacher, CCIM, CIPS