Stephen Bert Gilliland

It is with sadness that we announce that Stephen Bert Gilliland, 69, of Nederland, CO, passed away June 13, 2018 at Boulder Community Hospital after a short illness. Steve was born in Michigan on August 22, 1948 to Harry Wayne and Onalee (Amway) Gilliland and joined his older brother, David Wayne Gilliland, at home.Steve grew up in Michigan and moved to Colorado in 1974. When first arriving in Colorado and seeing the Rocky Mountains he knew immediately that he had found his forever home. He spent the last 44 years of his life living in cabins outside the towns of Gold Hill, Ward, and Nederland. He loved the mountains and mountain life and never lost his appreciation for the beauty and wildlife that the nature surrounding him in the mountains had to offer.Steve's family also reached far beyond his immediate family. It included many of the friends and loved ones he met on his journey through life. He was deeply spiritual and was devoted to an ever unfolding consciousness. He was passionate about introducing and sharing his discovery of the spiritual realm with all his friends and family through spiritual discourse. All the people who made an impact on his life, and whose lives he impacted, were all considered family by him. Steve always had a nugget of wisdom to share and loved talking about the ˜truth' with everyone. He always tried to inspire everyone to do better. We can't list all the names of the people Steve considered family but they know who they are and that would have been enough for Steve. For many years Steve worked as a custom woodworker. Woodworking was also his hobby and he crafted many beautiful custom pieces throughout his life. His talents included working with other mediums also, such as stone, but working with wood was his favorite pastime. While relaxing he enjoyed music, including the beautiful and soothing songs of his pet canaries.In spite of all the obstacles that we all face throughout life Steve always tried to find the lessons to be learned from the tough times and he continued to grow and move forward in his beliefs despite any setbacks.For those of us who knew Steve well, we all knew he had a great sense of humor, a warm heart, an open spirit and a non-judgmental mentality and he will be dearly missed by all of us. We will miss his charm, his wit, his stories, and yes, his annoying quirks, and he will not be forgotten by any of us.Steve will be missed most sorely by his children. The sadness of having to say goodbye, the regret that there is no more time to be spent together, and the loss of his presence, will be felt enormously by them. He will, however, remain ever alive in their hearts and souls. He lives on in their spirits.Steve was a son, a brother, a father, a husband, a partner, a friend, a mentor and a spiritual being. May he go peacefully into the light.Share condolences at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com.