I just learned of Steve's passing and it made me sad. I was going to donate some Kitty toys to him for his fostering efforts. We could use a lot more people like steve. He had a kind and gentle nature. Steve was a neighbor of mine and we used to carpool to Sierra Club hikes.

I worked with Steven in the 1970's.  We worked for Dundas Anesthesia Co. He was a great person to work with. So sorry to hear of his passing.

Kristine Dundas-Rankin 

Steve,
You are missed .  the last time a lot of us so you was at Harry's birthday party July 2.  God bless
Jan & Harry

Steve was a special person with a huge heart. He will be missed❤️‍🩹

When Steve crossed the rainbow bridge to join his many furry friends, Earth lost an angel and I lost a friend.  He helped me set up Orange County ICO (Inner City Outings) in the early 2000s, co-leading many hikes outdoors for underserved and underprivileged kids.  He was kind, patient and giving.  He eventuality found his true passion - volunteering with animals.  I can picture his “enhanced kitty room,” a second bedroom he converted into a play room for foster kittens.  He took in hundreds, getting up an hour or two before work, just so he could give them extra socialization time.  He was able to keep them, love them, then let them move on to be adopted.  That was, however, until Rosa came along.  Fearing Rosa would have a hard time finding a home, Steve joined many of us who have become  “a failed foster,” meaning he kept that sweet, energetic three-legged cat.  Lucky Rosa.  Lucky Steve.  Such a dear person and lovely friend over the years.  

Our large cat transport... A memory that I look back on fondly... a memory that Steve may have wanted to forget!  
This photo is of Steve, just after having built 175 cat carriers and then having to REBUILD those same carriers using zip ties instead of screws, AND THEN having to put stickers on all four sides of each carrier. He managed to tackle this feat over several days and never gave up. So many cats were able to travel to find their forever homes because of his unwavering spirit and dedication to our shelter. 

Dawn, Steve and I at Volunteer Appreciation 2022

Steve I will miss you so much here at OC Animal care. I cannot believe that I have to do my job without you. I loved your faux grumpiness, your servant hearted outlook, and of course your love for all of the furries. A life will lived, my friend. Rest well.


Steven with one of his many friends at the OC shelter where he spent  so much of his time helping out. 

Steven's parents Rose and Max with his niece Lisa and late nephew David.  

Your family loves and misses you Steven.  You had a great sense of humor, you never spoke ill of anyone, you lived your life with compassion for all,  you worked hard at the OC animal shelters where you are dearly loved and missed.  RIP  Love always, your niece Lisa.  

Lisa and uncle Steven around 1968.  Steven was around 23 in this picture.  

To the Botan Family:  It is with a heavy heart that all of us in the animal rescue community who knew Steve now must say goodbye. Steve was a good friend to so many of us at the Orange County Shelter and among the rescue organizations he helped by giving freely of his time.  It won't be the same not seeing him at the OC front desk where he was a well-known, recognized and dedicated volunteer.  His presence will be sorely missed. He was a man of dignity, generosity, compassion and sincerity who I was fortunate to know in our joint experiences saving cats lives.  Most of all, the cats he gave unending attention to have lost a deeply caring ally.  So have we and his beloved cat Rosa.  Sincerely, Faith Rajac

OBITUARY

Steven Botan

November 14, 1944 – September 15, 2022

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