Steven Gary Ramsey

Steven Gary Ramsey, 70, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, with his wife and daughter by his side.

Steven was born in Redwood City, California on July 23, 1955. He was adopted at birth by Vivian and Dustin Ramsey. Steven grew up in the Bay Area and had many hobbies as a child and young adult: baseball, cub scouts, quarter midget car racing, boats, and film making. Steven attended Awalt High School. In 1971, he met Liisa - his high school sweetheart, soul-mate, and wife of 50 years.

An autodidact, Steven’s intellectual curiosity and mastery of skills reflected a remarkably wide range of interests. From construction to poetry, culinary arts to investment portfolio management; flooring sales manager to award-winning dog trainer; harbor master to professional photographer; hair salon owner to fly-fishing expert; amateur sommelier to engineer; computer scientist to master gardener; world-class slalom water skier to genetic genealogist; world traveler to woodworking craftsman—he was truly a modern renaissance man. He loved exploring countrysides, road trips, going camping, fishing, music, cooking for friends and family, roasting coffee, and playing backgammon.

Steven’s personality was gregarious by nature, marked by quick wit, a sharp sense of humor, and a generous heart. He was never short on words, including his now-famous wedding speech—once promised at “five minutes”—that grew, memorably, far beyond that at his daughter’s wedding. He loved deeply and expressed his emotions freely and generously. Steven never shied away from passionate, wide-ranging conversations, especially about politics, history, philosophy, current events, and deeply held values.

Steven lived a principled life—literally. He was disciplined and reflective, revisiting his principles daily to ensure he was living in alignment with them. He often said, “At bedtime each day, reflect on what you have learned… if you can’t think of anything significant, get up and go learn something.” He was compassionate in a way that felt rare—genuinely interested in others, steady, and thoughtful. He listened deeply and offered sound counsel to anyone who sought his guidance.

Family meant everything. He was present whenever he was needed and cherished every moment with his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. Many vacations were spent all together - the most memorable being a recent sojourn to his ancestral homeland of Norway. He was our rock, confidant, sounding board, and source of unconditional love.

Steven is survived by his loving wife Liisa, daughter Erin and son-in-law Michael Kenway, two wonderful grandchildren, as well as siblings: Pandora, Derek, Dana, Steve, and Ward. Steven had the gift of a large extended family and lifelong friends with whom many memories will endure.

A celebration of life will take place in June with family and friends in California.