Stephen Clifford Work

Stephen Clifford Work, affectionately known to his family and friends as “Big Daddy,” passed away on July 12, 2026, in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, at the age of 75.

Born in Denver, Colorado, to James and Marcella Work, Steve lived a full and remarkable life defined by family, integrity, laughter, curiosity, and adventure.

In 1970, Steve was 19 when he met and fell in love with a beautiful 18-year-old girl named Patty. They would have celebrated 56 wonderful years of marriage this November. Together, they created a beautiful life and a close-knit family that meant more to him than anything else.

He was a devoted dad to Shannon Whiteside and her husband, Nathan, and Clint Work and his wife, Amy. He was a proud grandfather to Cody Whiteside and his wife, Sydnee; Carly Whiteside; Colton Whiteside; Nick Work; Jake Gerd and his wife, Jenna; Josh Gerd and his wife, Sydney; and John Gerd and his wife, Brielle. He was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Addy Whiteside, Alivia Whiteside, Jaxon Gerd, and Jaycee Gerd.

He is also survived by his brother, Brad, and his sister, Janice. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Kathy.

Steve enjoyed a highly successful career in sales and upper management. His hard work, leadership, and natural ability to connect with people earned him numerous awards and recognitions, including all-expense-paid trips to Hawaii and Italy. He approached his career with the same determination and competitive spirit that he brought to every part of his life.

He had a larger-than-life personality and a wonderfully dry sense of humor. He would always offer thoughtful and honest advice whenever you needed it, and be there without hesitation when someone needed a hand. He was man of exceptionally high integrity who valued doing the right thing and encouraged those around him to do the same.

Steve had such an endless thirst for knowledge, travel, and new experiences. He earned the nick name of “Mr. Discovery Channel”, and he loved talking about history. He especially loved going on cruises (over 20) and traveling to several countries with Patty. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hiking, taking day trips through the Colorado mountains, painting, reading, and going “up the hill.” He enjoyed going to movies, dining out with friends and family, playing pool, dominoes, poker, and nearly any other game that allowed his legendary competitive side to emerge.

A lifelong Colorado sports fan, Steve loved cheering for the Avalanche, Broncos, Nuggets, and Rockies, whether he was watching from the stands or from the comfort of home.

For more than 50 years, he found great joy in maintaining beautiful aquariums, a hobby he proudly passed down to several of his grandchildren. He also loved playing ball with his chocolate Lab, Wynn, who brought him tremendous companionship and happiness, just as his beloved former Lab, Lucky, had before him.

Although Steve enjoyed countless hobbies and adventures, nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his family. He loved them deeply and took enormous pride in his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the growing family they created.

Steve will be remembered as a kind and generous man who lived fully, laughed often, remained curious about the world, and loved his family with his whole heart. His kindness, wisdom, humor, integrity, and unforgettable presence will be deeply missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

Steve’s family invites all who knew and loved him to remember “Big Daddy” as he truly was: a genuine man who always brought a smile to your face, never stopped learning or exploring, and loved his family above all else.