Obituary: Steven Garfinkle

Steven Garfinkle, born February 13, 1939, in Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away December 30, 2009, in Sparks, Nev., after fighting Amyloidosis. Until the end, he was surrounded by family and encompassed by the love of his countless true friends.

In his own words, this is a brief summary of his story: "After graduation I apprenticed as a carpenter for about a year. I then did the Army thing, ran radar on a missile base. I worked about four years as a carpenter after the Army. I then went to work in the gambling business in 1966. I was in gambling for 20 some years. I have been as high as casino manager twice. I worked in Reno, Las Vegas, and Lake Tahoe.

"My main thing until my early thirties was motocross cycle racing. Until a couple of buggers dragged me on a sailboat for the first time and that ruined my whole life. I sold my motorcycles and sailing has been my main love ever since. I have sailed extensively from San

Francisco to Cabo San Lucas, on both sides of the Baja.

"Words of Wisdom: 'Live life to the fullest.'"

Steve once owned two saloons; Garfinkle's Fireside Chat in Reno, Nev., and Eagle Station Saloon in Carson City. He also opened JJ's Saloon in Winters, Calif., but poor health prevented him from leaving his mark. With an artist's eye and a love of adventure, Steve loved to

travel. He could turn a weekend trip into a month-long adventure and

often did. He loved back roads to anywhere, locally owned bars and restaurants. He always made a friend wherever he went. He explored all of the western states and most of the rest of the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii. His worldwide adventures included trips with his loving sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Gary, to Mexico, Western Europe, Egypt, Costa Rica, South Africa and just this fall, Eastern Europe.

Steve leaves behind his four children, Connie, Jay, Brian and Dawn (and her husband Jim) along with his four-legged first mate, Lucy, all of whom love him, know he loves them, and cherish every memory with him.

Steve has 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews who all know how much they meant to him. Especially dear to his heart are James and Michael Kessimakis, and Sylvia Garfinkle. Also surviving him is his brother Buddy Garfinkle and his wife Betsy, and his beloved little sister, Linda and his cherished brother-in-law, Gary Kessimakis. He was preceded in death by his parents Imey and Shirley Garfinkle, and his brother Jay Garfinkle.

To his countless, very good friends, the family would like to thank them very much for all of their support and love during this very difficult time. As Steve has said to all of us, "Never say goodbye to the ones you love, just say 'so long.'"

A celebration in his honor wiil be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5 at Eagle Lodge 1380 East 5th St., Carson City. 775-220-7484 for details. We invite you to share thoughts, memories and condolences in the family guestbook at www.waltonsfuneralhome.com Walton Sparks Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

Steve had a life well lived and will be greatly missed.

"See ya when I see ya "...