Steven Garth Arveseth was born December 31, 1977 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of James W. and Renae Arveseth. He passed away peacefully in his sleep Friday, November 25, 2016 in his home in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
As the youngest of six boys, Steven was immediately adored by his brothers, parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Before long, he became known as "the favorite" - a nickname that sparked good-natured teasing, even after the boys had grown up. Steve was a happy child and loved the attention of his older brothers. From them, he learned the art of teasing and became quite the prankster.
Known for his quick wit and sense of humor, Steve could make anyone smile. When he was young, he would wrap Christmas presents in lots of boxes then watch with amusement as his family opened layer after layer after layer. Steve was infamous for "accidentally" spilling water on his brothers at restaurants, "volunteering" unsuspecting friends for crazy stunts like waxing their legs to raise money for charity, and switching his wife's Coke for Dr. Pepper.
Steve often had a grin on his face that made you wonder what was up his sleeve. His playful banter and ability to laugh at life endeared him to others. If Steven teased you, he loved you.
At a young age, Steve learned to waterski and knee board. Later, he bought his own boat and enjoyed taking family, friends, and co-workers out on the Susquehanna. In his earlier years, he loved backpacking, mountain biking, snowboarding, and hockey. He served on the Seminary Council for Wasatch Junior High, was an Eagle Scout, played hockey for Skyline High School and was a cheerleader his senior year. He graduated from Skyline in 1996, and served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo East Mission.
He married Hillary Lloyd Arveseth on May 25, 2000 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they had three children, Abi, Emma, and Jason. Steve was devoted to his family, and his children called him "the world's best dad." Some of their fondest memories are boating together, camping at the lake, singing along to Steve's guitar and dancing around the campfire. Steve taught his kids to try new things, to love all kinds of music, and to do well in school. He loved them deeply and brought great joy into their lives.
Steve graduated from the University of Utah, where he completed a Masters of Accountancy in 2005. After graduating, he worked at the FASB, PricewaterhouseCoopers in New York City, Merrill Lynch, and eventually Chatham Financial in Philadelphia. At the time of his passing, he was Head of Accounting Technology for Chatham and had become one of the most respected minds in the niche field of technical hedge fund accounting.
One of Steve's greatest gifts was his ability to teach. He could masterfully explain difficult concepts to co-workers and clients. He took time to explain things in meaningful ways and was a patient teacher at work and at home. Even as a teen, he taught friends how to water ski, rock climb, or play street hockey. Steve was adventurous and willing to try it all. And if you were his friend, he wanted you along.
An avid University of Utah fan, Steve loved his Utes and often wore a University of Utah shirt to work. As a tribute to Steve, many of his colleagues wore University of Utah attire to the viewing held in Philadelphia the evening of December 1st.
Steve was known to quietly reach out to others in difficult times with compassion, understanding, and a willingness to help. It is this heart, his humor, and that mischievous smile, we are missing most. We trust he was welcomed home by grandparents and loved ones who knew he was coming and are helping him make this transition. We are broken by his sudden departure, but grateful for every day we had to love him here.
Steven leaves behind his wife, Hillary Lloyd Arveseth, children, Abigail Mary, Emma LuJean, and Jason Daniel, his parents, James and Renae Arveseth, his brothers, Jim Arveseth, Scott (Kellie) Arveseth, Michael (Jill) Arveseth, Matt (Alisa) Arveseth, Doug (Catherine) Arveseth, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A visitation will be held Sunday, December 18, 2016, from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 East 10600 South, with a funeral service on Monday, December 19, 2016, 12 p.m., at the Butler 20th Ward, 1355 East 7200 South. Visitation beforehand from 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. at the ward.
