Steve DeVroom was a defier of death. That is of course, until he died last week. Indeed, his shocking and untimely departure from this life is made all the more dramatic against the backdrop of his former narrow escapes.
Gravity, a cruel mistress, tried to seal his fate one stormy afternoon in 1998. An ill-timed slippery step sent Steve tumbling two stories down off his own roof all the while thinking “This is gonna hurt.” Steve then attempted to drive himself to the hospital, broken pelvis, elbow, wrist, ribs, shattered femur, and all.
While his enormous heart threatened to betray him more than once, it was his greatest asset as it was the holding ground for his most tender gifts: unparalleled generosity, unyielding patience, wit and humor enough to enjoy this obituary, and a devotion to his family that spans generations both past and present.
Steve wove his proud heritage of his Dutch ancestors into family gatherings large and larger, including his infamous Sunday dinners and Christmas visits from Sinterklaus (who always left a chocolate letter bearing the name of each family member). Growing up immersed in the Dutch culture, he had studied Dutch for two years, including weekly lessons with his cousin, to prepare for a trip there this coming October. Amsterdam is all the poorer for his absence.
But it was the Sunday dinners tradition, perhaps, that superseded them all. A simple house rule of Steve DeVroom: Smakelijk eten!”, or translated, “Eat Heartily”.
Nothing delighted Steve more than feeding the friends and family who entered into his home. His dinners, held every Sunday for the last 40 years included an standing invitation extended to friends and family alike and sometimes boasted a guestlist of more than 40. In fact, shortly before he died, Steve extended his already massive dining room table to a staggering 20 feet long. He found it intolerable to seat his wife, 8 children, 18 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren at separate tables. Everyone needed to be together for dinner.
Steve DeVroom was a safe place for the masses. All were welcome in his home and heart. Steve had a way of making everyone feel special; to him they were. All 560 contacts in his phone were saved under “favorites.”
But back to death.
King’s Peak thrice tried to best the man. Hiking to King’s Peak with Steve DeVroom became a trial by fire for the nearly 100 scouts of the hundreds he served in his 30 years in the scouting program. And tending to a broken and battered King’s Peak-scaling Steve DeVroom became a rite of passage for the nurses in the Intermountain Health Care network.
The quadrennial 50-mile trek across King’s Peak – one that Steve forged himself – became one of his greatest opportunities for scout enlightenment. Once against the backdrop of a lightning storm, he taught selflessness as he led a group of young scouts out of harm's way, giving one the literal shirt off his own back and replacing it with an injured scout whom he carried for miles.
Once on the back side of the mountain, a misplaced foot taught another group of young men an intense lesson in miracles and powerful prayer. Steve stepped on a boulder, the boulder lurched beneath him, he fell and was trapped under the boulder with a broken back and a punctured lung. Boulders can be so dramatic. Steve managed to earn himself a ride on LifeFlight off the mountain top. His troop, however, was forced to hike out, and to this day remain bitter.
Yes, Steve DeVroom was a defier of death. Until last Thursday when on a kayaking trip with his son and three granddaughters. Just before his raft overturned, he told his granddaughter, “I love my family so much”, his last words. He was flung out of the kayak and his foot became trapped between two rocks.
Even in death, Steve once again did what he did best: Gather those of us left behind. He’d much prefer to be the one grilling at the barbeque surrounded by his loved ones with his famous ribs, hamburgers and towering assortment of chilled beverages – indeed, Costco’s profit margins may never recover from this great loss. But because he loved them well, his family will carry on his legacy each time they gather.
Steve DeVroom was a builder. He built his home in Sandy, Utah with his two hands. He built a company that employed dozens of family and friends who became family. He built the faith and fire of testimony of the young men to whom he ministered for decades. He built a family that will withstand this storm and all those that follow because of the foundation he gave them.
And those who were loved best by him will continue to walk through the white door of the grey house – without knocking, obviously (and pass the dogs) – where the Dutch flag flies high to remember the man whose rousing cry still rings in their hearts and echoes in his home: “Come, and eat heartily.”
There will be a Celebration of Steve’s life at his home, Saturday, June 6, from 6-8pm. Those concerned about Covid-19 exposure should contribute their memories of Steve on the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/271101550742430/ in lieu of attending. If you are attending, all COVID rules apply. We’d ask that those whose names begin with A through L attend from 6 to 7 and those whose names begin with M-Z attend from 7 to 8 to keep attendance under 50. Whatever your choice, we’d appreciate your contribution of your memories of Steve at the Facebook link above.
Marney:
My family whishes to express our sorrow and our condolence to you and your family for your loss.
Beem Family
Wished to Express my sympathy and condolences for your great loss. While I did not know y’all well I learned much about you from my family across the street. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
I sincerely extend my deepest condolences to the DeVroom Family. I am very sorry for your loss and departure if a fine man. I am sure he is still with you in spirit and you can continue to depend upon him for guidance and love. Celebrate his life and remember the best moments. They are precious throughout your life.
Jim
When I first met Steve DeVroom, I remember thinking what a "larger than life" person he appeared to be. And, indeed, he was exactly that.
I remember when my son David earned his Eagle Scout award that Steve was one of the scout leaders present at his interview. He smiled from ear to ear and was so pleased for David.
Steve had the "pure love of Christ" in his heart and he will be missed by my family and me. My condolences go out to Marney and his children, who will surely miss this dear husband and father. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest in peace Steve DeVroom until we all see each other again on resurrection morning.
Steve and I grew up two houses from each other. The thing I remember the most is when we would play chess in the basement apartment. Of course Steve was much better the I was and when I won it was by sheer chance . But the thing that I loved best when his Dad would come down and see us playing chess. He would always take my side which drove Steve nuts! I'm sure everyone remembers Bill DeVroom was a chess champion . Now my grandson - Nate Stoneman has become very good at chess. I don't remember watching him losing to anyone. I always hoped that Nate and Steve could have played chess someday.
Well goodbye my old friend - I'll see you and the other side
Love Bill
Dear DeVroom Family,
In this sorrowful time, please except our heartfelt condolences. We are deeply saddened by your loss. People like Steve, who touch the lives of so many around them while living, will be kept alive by the memories that we'll carry forward. May our Lord comfort you and your loved ones! May he rest in peace!
Sincerely,
Andrada and Cristian Colceriu (and their now three children)
My family gives our condolences, I have heard about the Family dinners and games from my mom Pearl and your your families open house of you are welcome anytime! I am just sorry I never got to experience the fun times first hand since I live so far away. (I know my mother has treasured these times with your family). Your family are in our hearts and mind and prayers during this time. Heaven is very fortunate to have such a loving sole returned to the fold. With all our love!
The Sparks Family
Ever Dear Marny: . So full a life! So good a life.
My heart goes out to the DeVroom Family. I pray your family feels the spirit of our Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ, during this heart breaking time.
I never saw Steve without a smile on his face. He has always been a great example for his family and all who ever met him. I know he has gone on to prepare a large home in Heaven and has the grill all set and is waiting patiently for you there.
We are sorry to hear about your great loss. Our hearts are with you❤️
While I did not know Steve Sr., I am very well acquainted with Steve Jr. and his family. The quality of Steve Jr.'s family attests to the quality of the Patriarch of the DeVroom family. I hope you can accept my sincere condolences for the passing of Steve Sr. It is hard to loose someone so dear and unexpected. But what a wonderful legacy he has left behind and I can imagine the reunion one day in Heaven. God Bless you with peace and comfort.
A friend of Steve & Kristal
Corbi and Bryan Van Wagoner
It is difficult to explain what a.good person Steve was but over the years our family interacted through our children as we watched them grow and be part of the Devroom family. We were invited to dinners and we enjoyed seeing what a loving family we had the joy of being part of. We thank all of you for having us feel like we were part of your family during the teen years. Our thoughts and love are with you.
Love, Paul, Kathy, Marci, Khader, Jeff
Steve you will be greatly missed, I always knew that when I gave your name to a client for contract work that they would always be treated honestly, fairly and with a smile.
I remember one of the first times I met you, at Steve Jr and Kristal's house for a family event and you brought sliced strawberries with the best tasting glaze id ever had, i spent the whole time trying to get you to tell me what you did. You just smiled and let me beg, in the end you told me your secret. I will always remember you and t g e example you were to me and your family.
May God bless you and your family
Dear DeVroom family,
We were deeply shocked to hear of Steve’s sudden passing.
The DeVrooms became part of our family when they lived next door to us on B Street for many years. In recent years, Steve built a new garage and patio in our backyard. He also remodeled both bathrooms inside our home. It was such a joy to get reacquainted with him during these projects.
We will deeply miss Steve, and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to all of you.
Herbert, Carolyn, and all of the Klopfer family.
Steve was a wonderful and kind man. Some of my earliest memories were of him teaching my Sunday school class in the early 1980’s. We all loved him and thought he was the coolest adult ever. He was definitely someone the youth of my age looked up to and he never disappointed. He will be missed but will always be in our hearts. We will meet again one day and I can’t wait to tell him how he impacted my life in great ways.
My condolences to the family. I have known Steve for a long time. What a great man he was. Great neighbor great friend. Always have a smile on his face. I would do anything for anybody. You are truly missed. You went way too early. Thank you for all you’ve done.
