Steven Jerry Rice

What a richly-filled life Steven Rice lived! He tried to hide his huge, caring and thoughtful heart behind a sharp and witty sense of humor, yet it shone through. He made fun happen, recited love poems in German during halftime of U of O football games, drove his scooter madly around the neighborhood with hair flying and eyes gleaming, loved to dance – even with a walker! He thought carefully about situations people might be in and how he could help, used technology to control his environment, maintained a near-constant flow of goods and items from Amazon. A strong, gentle, empathetic soul, he allowed his life to intertwine with others’. He remembered names. People had meaning for Steven Rice. He was a presence.

Living in Munich, Germany, camp counselor at International Ranger Camps in Denmark and Switzerland, swimming pool Director at Tokyo American Club, German teacher, swim coach and student adviser at North Salem HS, counselor at McKay HS and Blanchet Catholic School, volunteer in the Governor’s office, award-winning photographer and photographer for the Salem Police Department and Pentacle Theater, camp counselor and more at Camp Ukandu, world traveler, private pilot, and trombone player in his high school band, Steven impacted and stayed connected with people of all ages from all walks of life throughout the world. His was a rich ground in which to grow friendship and love.

Steven was preceded in death by his former wife Pat before reconnecting with and marrying Karen Miller, his sweetheart from 65 years earlier where they were counselors at International Ranger Camp in Denmark. Karen and stepchildren Kelly Aicher (Nicky), Shawn Aicher, John Tunnell (April), Annie Browne (Matt), sister-in-law Kris Unger (Bill), brother-in-law Rob Miller (Jana), cousin Karin Vandehey (Brian), extended family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to be known by Steven are grateful. Those who love him miss him.

Steven died suddenly and peacefully at home on January 28th when he was 83 years old. A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 on February 8th in the auditorium of Capital Manor, 1955 Salem Dallas Hwy NW, Salem, OR.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to UKANDU (https://www.ukandu.org).

A celebration of life for Steven will be held Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Capital Manor, 1955 Salem Dallas Hwy NW, Salem, OR 97304.