Steven L Chandler

A celebration of the life of Steven L. Chandler will be held October 9, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., in the Chapel at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. Steve died on September 30, 2010, after a courageous battle with cancer. He joins those who predeceased him: his parents, Harry (Hal) William and Helen Merrill Chandler, his in-laws James (Jay) and Genevieve Curtis. He was born in Salt Lake City, May 21, 1944, and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Steve is survived by Jaylene Curtis Chandler, his sweetheart, friend, partner and wife of 47 years; his son, Steven Curtis Chandler (Melissa) of Salt Lake City; his daughter, Merrill Chandler Sutherland (William), of Campbell, California; and his adored grandchildren: Chandler Anne, William (Liam) Sutherland, and Steven Cole Chandler. He leaves, his family: Bill & Connie Mueser of Moraga, California; Craig & Sharon Chandler of St. George, Utah; Doug & Ellen Chandler of Boise, Idaho; Don & Gayle Miller of East Wenatchee, Washington, and Nancy Curtis Birdsley of Sandy, Utah. Steve graduated from Highland High School, where he was on the wrestling and track teams and earned recognition as an All-State linebacker on the football team. He attended the University of Utah and enjoyed his life-long membership in the Crimson Club.

Family was the most important facet of Steve’s life. He was a dear, generous and loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. Steve fell in love with Jaylene in the 8th grade and shortly after high school graduation they were married. Their children, Steve and Merrill were the joy of his life until he experienced grandchildren. He loved to spend weekends with the family boating, camping or skiing. Christmas was a holiday of particular importance; Steve insisted everyone gather at his house for the special day.

In 1972, Steve’s father-in-law, Jay Curtis, asked him to join L. N. Curtis & Sons, a fire equipment distributor started by Jay’s father in 1929. Over the next 37 years he worked with passion and commitment to grow the company. He rose to the position of Sr. Vice President and Owner. He expanded the company into new regions and oversaw branch offices. But the most endearing element of his career was the friendships created with the many wonderful members of the fire services. He took great pride in mentoring young employees and seeing them develop into productive individuals. The people of L. N. Curtis & Sons were a big part of his family. Steve cared for them deeply.

Steve was an automobile junkie with a lifelong passion for cars. He bought his first car, a 1950 Ford convertible, using money from a paper route when he was 13 and hid it in the garage down the street, until his mom heard the “news” and sold the car. He bought cars; he sold cars; he fixed cars; he drove cars. He enjoyed antique cars, hot-rods, and vehicles of every vintage. One learned to never fall in love with Steve’s cars, because it might be gone by the next visit.

When Steve pursued an activity, he invested 100%. He loved horses and spent time as president of the American Saddlebred Association. He enjoyed skiing the beautiful Wasatch Mountains and trained to be an official for the World Cup and a gate judge for the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. He took up the game of tennis at the age of 40 and maintained a competitive level of 4.0 into his late fifties. He loved motorcycling with Jaylene and was able to ride through much of the United States on his Harley. His collection of scooters, boats, motorcycles, snow mobiles, tractors, and 4-wheelers were always the best, and meticulously maintained.

Steve spent his final years fulfilling a lifetime dream that was inspired by his father, ranching. He purchased the Lower Blacks Fork River Ranch in Ft. Bridger, Wyoming. He and Jaylene built a beautiful home that captures the peace of the plains and the serenity of the Uinta Mountains. He worked hard to clear brush, upgrade fences, and improve the grounds. He found a new calling as a cowboy and the “Jolly” rancher.

Steve Chandler approached life with optimism, energy, confidence and enthusiasm. He said, “I have a wife, two children, three grandchildren and a dog. What more could a man want?” He leaves a grieving family, immediate and extended; a legacy of an abiding work ethic, of love, compassion and integrity, and a multitude of friends and coworkers who were enriched by having him in their orbit.

We are grateful for the friends, and Doctors at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, and the kind care of Love Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Huntsman Cancer Institute, or The Shriners Hospitals for Children.