Stephan Richard Jonas

Born in Los Angeles in 1958 to Johann and Dr. Richard Jonas, Steve’s early years were shaped by a deep love for both music and the outdoors—passions that would define his life. While his first years were spent in Glendale, California, he spent much of his youth exploring the Eastern Sierras, particularly around the Mammoth Lakes area, where he developed a love for skiing, backpacking, and camping.

In 1965, the Jonas family moved to Newport Beach, where Steve’s life blossomed further. Over the next few years, he welcomed his two younger brothers, Chris and Jason. During this time, Steve’s musical journey began when he received his first guitar—a gift that sparked a lifelong passion for music. At Newport Harbor High School, he met many of his lifelong musical friends and became an accomplished guitarist. He started bands and wrote his first songs.

After graduating high school in 1976, Steve attended USC and lived in Humboldt, California. When the Jonas family moved to Laguna Beach, Steve returned to Southern California, where he opened a recording studio in Laguna Canyon and started his first bands, including the Trees of Mystery, which would evolve in various forms throughout his life. He also developed a talent for filmmaking and film editing.

Steve met Cristan Eckstein in Laguna, and the two married in 1982 at Sherman Gardens in Corona del Mar. They spent the next 42+ years of marriage in Laguna Beach, where they shared a 1920s cottage overlooking Bluebird Canyon. Many generations of cats became central characters in their lives.

Over the next 40 years, Steve wrote dozens of songs, edited many videos, recorded hundreds of records, and became an editor for CBS TV. He loved to travel, frequently exploring the Mojave Desert and the Sierras with friends. He trekked to Nepal with a friend in the Peace Corps and traveled extensively throughout Europe and the U.S. with Cristan and often with his family.

Steve is survived by his wife, Cristan Jonas; his mother, Johann Jonas; his immediate family; and many dear friends. The family has created a webpage where people can share stories and pictures of Steve. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, a cause for which Steve performed over 600 live music benefits in Second Life.

His legacy of laughter, adventure, deep friendship, music, and love for the natural world will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him and experiencing his brilliant mind and golden heart.