Stephen James Bouscaren

Dr. Stephen J. Bouscaren, 76, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on September 26, 2026, in San Diego, California, with his family at his side. A distinguished anthropologist, archaeologist, and educator, he leaves behind a lasting legacy through his scholarship and the many lives he touched.

Stephen was born in San Francisco, California, on November 8, 1949. In 1968, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served a tour of duty in Vietnam—an experience that greatly shaped the person he became. He later earned a B.A. in Anthropology, an M.A. in Archaeology, and a Ph.D. in Anthropology and Plant Sciences from the University of California, Riverside, and dedicated his life to studying and teaching human history, culture, and peace studies.

Stephen taught at San Diego City College for more than 30 years, serving as a Professor of Anthropology and Chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences. During those decades, he inspired generations of students, many of whom went on to pursue careers in archaeology and anthropology. One of his greatest passions was teaching the archaeology field class at Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve for City College, where students learned about the more than 8,000 years of human history there through excavation, preservation, and documentation.

His devotion to learning extended far beyond the classroom and across international borders. He helped organize workshops in Mexico that brought students across the border to learn directly about the cultural traditions and practices of Indigenous communities. There, they camped in remote villages and learned to harvest local plants and materials to make baskets, pottery, tools, foods, and medicines. He also organized binational meetings between students in Tijuana and San Diego to discuss culture and border issues, led clothing drives for orphanages, and guided immersive study abroad programs in France and Argentina. Through these experiences, Stephen encouraged his students to approach other cultures with curiosity, respect, and an open mind—helping them see the world not simply as a subject of study, but as a place to explore, understand, and appreciate.

Steve was always ready for an adventure and found immense joy in exploring the world around him. He loved traveling, sailing, writing songs, playing guitar, and camping and hiking wherever he could find a good trail—or make one. His adventurous spirit, quick wit, humor, and lighthearted nature were woven into everything he did. He approached life with an insatiable curiosity and a genuine appreciation for the people, places, and experiences that made each journey memorable. He rarely met a stranger, was rarely seen without a smile, and always knew how to brighten the moment for anyone in need of uplifting.

Stephen will be remembered not only for his contributions to archaeology and education, but even more so for the deep, genuine enthusiasm and warmth he brought to the people and places around him. His legacy lives on in the students he inspired, the cultural heritage he helped preserve, and the family, friends, and colleagues blessed to share a part of his remarkable journey.

He leaves this world wrapped in the enduring love of his incredible children: Sarah (Shane), Adam (Sameera), Danielle (Don), and Palu; his loving companion, Jennale; his siblings, Christine, Charles, and Peter; and his grandchildren, Ahaan, Alex, Chris, and Teddy. He is also survived by his uncle Richard, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a vast community of friends who became family. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Betty.

“Duermas con los angelitos,” Steve.

Sleep with the angels, Papi. We love you and we will miss you in your physical form, but we will never ever forget you and we will always carry you in our hearts. Thank you for being such a beautiful example of a human being and always living life to the fullest.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a tax deductible donation to one of Steve’s favorite charities listed below