Steven Michael Lesowski was born in Portland, Oregon on March 8, 1990, to Juanita and Ron Lesowski. Steve grew up in the Beaverton Portland area before moving to Sandy in 1997 with his parents, brother Joe, and twin sisters Megan & Rachel. He was the best son and brother that his family could ask for. Steve loved everything about the outdoors and growing up on his parents’ property in Sandy he was always finding something in nature to be amazed and fascinated by. Steve loved everyone and had an indescribable quality that drew everyone to him. It was not uncommon to hear animals and people alike whisper "Stevie's my favorite."
After graduating from Sandy High School in 2008, Steve set out to gain life experience attending Oregon State University and Lane Community College. In 2012 he came back to work at the family business, the Tollgate Inn Restaurant and Bakery. For the next ten years Steve thrived cultivating relationships with guests and team members, in addition to recipe testing as a manager at Tollgate. During Covid Steve put his passion for helping others to use and dedicated himself to returning to school to enter the medical field as a radiation technologist.
In 2014 Steve met the love of his life, Laurie Aronstein. They built a bond based on silliness, a love of animals, nature and helping others that would remain the backbone of their relationship for 9 years. They married in 2019. Laurie and Steve's friendship and love for one another was evident to all who knew them. In their time together they were able to travel the world, learn to cook the best homemade pasta, build/nourish friendships, and become fur parents to two fluffy cats. In 2020 they bought a house in Estacada that they turned into their home. Steve stayed true to his vows and brought her a glass of water every night before bed. Steve's greatest dream in life was to be a dad and on May 25, 2023, Steve and Laurie welcomed their daughter Ruby Rose. Steve deeply loved his wife, daughter and cats; they were his greatest joy.
Steve had a wide range of interests and hobbies. He was a skilled craftsman and was well known for his exceptional knife handle building, forging and knife skills. He had a passion for cooking that was appreciated by all who were lucky enough to get a taste and which made him wildly popular at family functions. Steve loved learning about firearms and was always looking to improve his equipment and shooting technique. He loved being at Weak dog deer camp as much as he did the hunt itself. Hunting allowed Steven to wander through nature and he often referred to it as taking his gun for a walk. He was an avid online gamer and made many online friendships over the years.
Steve will be remembered for the qualities that endeared him to all. Steven was a gentle giant. He had an empathetic ear and a tender understanding heart. Steven's greatest quality was his absolute love of children and ability to engage with them at their level. Steve adored and was especially beloved by his five nephews and godsons. His wife will miss the smile that made his eyes crinkle with joy and sometimes mischief. Steve was the person people went to for his ability to listen without judgment and stand with you through any storm. He gave the best hugs. Steven had a wicked sense of humor and quick wit. He loved animals and always had a special voice for each one. If ever Steve was missing, you could find him nose-to-nose inspecting a tide pool, rocks, bugs, or any small thing that piqued his interest sparked his imagination. He is remembered especially for his ability to be silly and his laugh. Steve was everyone's best friend and he offered something special to each relationship he had.
Steve's passing on June 30, 2023, was sudden and unexpected. He will be missed by all. Everyone that knew him would agree that they were better for having known him. A celebration of life is being planned and will be announced in the near future.
He is survived by his wife Laurie, daughter Ruby, cats Toby and Boris, parents Juanita and Ron, brother Joe (Cate Massman), sister Megan, sister Rachel (Chase) Merritt nephew Nolan, in-laws Debbie and Bill Hoffmann, in-laws Rick and Linda Aronstein, sister-in-law Kelsey (Josh) Harman godsons Ezekyel, Samuel, Judah, Zion, brother-in-law Russell (Stephanie) Donily godson Owen, grandfather David Traxler in addition to many uncles, aunts and cousins and friends who loved him. Especially his uncle Jim whom he thought of as his second father.
Please remember Steve in your hearts for the great man, husband, father, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend that he was.