Stephen Francis Lillegard

Stephen Francis Lillegard was born on November 29, 1946 in Hillsboro, OR. He was the only child to Frank (Francis) Lillegard and Mary Elizabeth Benson. He spent his childhood growing up on a farm in Scholls, OR. When asked about his early years, Steve was humble in regards to his service to our country. During his higher education he was enrolled in O.C.S for the Marine Corps. He had high aspirations of being a pilot, but his military career path led him to eventually serving in the National Guard.

Steve graduated from Portland State University with a degree in business. He initially started out in the corporate world working for an agricultural company and while working as a purchasing agent he hired an assistant who would be his future bride, Sheryl Rose. If there were such a thing as love at first sight, their relationship would define the term. After their initial meeting, 6 months later, on November 15, 1975 they were married, and began their life of adventures.

Steve and Sheryl welcomed their son Peter in 1980, son Aaron in 1982 and son Darren in 1984. Sadly when Aaron was 8 months old, he succumbed to a severe heart defect wrapping Steve and Sheryl in one of their darkest moments. With a gentle hand, his wit, simplistic nature and wisdom, Steve led his family out of darkness.

Approximately three years prior to their oldest son being welcomed into the world, Steve discovered a passion in construction, fitting since he is a problem-solver by nature and determined to get to the root of any issue. His passion and perseverance drove him to establish a career as a general contractor, both commercial and residential, eventually going into business for himself.

Steve and Sheryl initially founded their family in Durham and moved to Scholls when the boys were in grade school. His boys have fond memories of playing on their acreage where they could often be found occupied getting into mischief in the woods and the creek. While living in Scholls, his family developed their mutual love for the outdoors and Western lifestyle, ultimately leading them to purchase horses so they could enjoy equine adventures. With the limiting Willamette Valley weather and their eagerness to set out on horseback, they relocated to Central Oregon in 2000, settling at The Ranch in Tumalo, OR.

Steve was passionate from a young age about the outdoors, an avid hunter and fisherman, which continued to flourish once relocated to Central Oregon. In recent years Steve and his youngest son Darren started dabbling in fly fishing. His love and passion for the sport overflowed into building rods, tying flies and creating heirlooms for the people he loved. He treasured his time spent hunting with his oldest son Pete, whether it was trips to Treo for birds or traversing the mountains of the Pacific Northwest for a variety of game.

Steve was artistic and creative, an overall craftsman from delicate flies to architectural endeavors. His creativity was not limited to crafting, but an extension of his poeticism and his narration of stories from his youth and the interesting people he came across growing up in Scholls, as well as the escapades of his boys as they faced the trials and tribulations of their own youth.

Steve’s legacy lies in the heart of his family, especially his wife of 50 years. In life he was unequivocally and immensely proud of his sons and the men they have become, whom he deeply respected. He was humble, intelligent, strong in integrity, meticulous and the embodiment of grit. Steve is a man deeply loved by his family, who was doing what he loved with a beloved son and grandson when we said goodbye. He was a loving husband to Sheryl. A loving father to Peter, Aaron and Darren. A loving father-in-law to Pete’s wife Courtney and Darren’s wife Crystal, whom he loved and enjoyed. A loving grandfather to Emily, Macy, and Colt, Peter and Courtney’s children, and Cooper, Darren and Crystal’s son. All of whom he cherished.

Despite his strong and stouthearted outward appearance, Steve was a deeply caring, nurturing and an empathetic pillar of our family. He will forever be missed, and forever in our hearts.

Despite this season of sorrow, our family is grateful for having been blessed with a strong husband, father and grandfather who lived with grit, humility and an exuberance for life and adventure.

“Talk low, talk slow, don’t say too much” - John Wayne

A visitation for Stephen will be held Tuesday, June 17, 2025 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Pegg, Paxson & Springer Funeral Chapel, 4675 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, Oregon 97005.