Steven Paul Vignere

Steve was born on a crisp fall day in Havelock, NC while dad, a career U.S. Marine, was stationed at Cherry Point. The fourth child and first son, he decided to make his entrance unexpectedly early, weighing in at just over 3 pounds. He was so small mom could hold his head in her hand and his entire body only spanned the length of her forearm!

Unable to articulate baby brother, Steve became Bubba to his three older sisters and a younger brother, a loving nickname that stuck through his entire life. When dad was sent to Viet Nam, the family moved from NY to CA in 1966 where Steve excelled in sports, particularly baseball. Mom had something special she said about each of the five children and no matter what Steve had done wrong and how mad she was at him he could always make her laugh – he loved to joke and tease!

With the two older girls out on their own, in 1976 the three younger kids moved from San Diego, CA to Weiser, ID – talk about a culture shock! Again, Steve thrived playing for the Weiser Wolverines, leading the team to many victories. One notable game on 3/31/1977 he not only ‘picked up the win from the mound’ as pitcher he hit two home runs and three RBI’s. Steve graduated with the class of 1979.

After spending one summer during high school bucking hay and setting syphon tubes, Steve started working for Leon at Home Dairies in Weiser. The dairy industry is where he spent most of his career and one that took him to CA and then to WA where he worked through several mergers of Darigold companies for more than 20 years. Starting as a driver, Steve was Fleet Manager at the time of his sudden illness and passing.

Throughout his life he worked hard, played hard and loved hard. Steve had three practice marriages, with one highlight being the birth of his son Grim, before meeting the love of his life, Shai Kilburn. Steve and Shai spent many years together and were married May 13, 2021. They loved to travel and visited Las Vegas often.

Steve is survived by his wife Shai Kilburn Vignere, Spokane, WA, and his son Grim (Jen) of Port Angeles, two precious granddaughters, Maddox, and Stevie and Shai’s children Nick Kilburn, Spokane and Sydnee (Tyler) Jacobs and granddaughter Paige.

Preceded in death by his father, Samuel Vignere in 1999, his mother Lou Barton in 2016, Bubba is also survived by his siblings Sharon (Phil) Montgomery, Meridian, Kathleen (Ben) Simko, Boise, Alexi Faucher (Meridian) and Mike (Peggi) Vignere, Spokane Valley.

Steve arrived on this earth two months before he was due and left us far too soon and way too quickly. He will remain in the hearts and memories of those whose lives he touched with his big heart and teasing nature!

A celebration of life will be held on October 2nd at 3 PM in the Franklin Park Gazebo.

In lieu of flowers, Steve would have loved it if you would make a contribution to your local food bank.