Book of Memories for Steve Chesley

Condolence From Wayne Daugherty

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 00:42:44 EDT

Had the good fortune to teach with Steve in Bradshaw when we were both young and starting out. Dude!...What happened to the shaggy hair, the thin-rimmed glasses, the cigarette and the funky mustache? (Yeah, I know, me too.) I loved Steve's happy, easygoing embrace of life, his infectious approach to teaching and cultivating an appreciation of art and creativity in young people in that small Nebraska town; coaching volleyball; and all the fun he brought to our small community of young teachers. There were three or four people who stand out in my mind from that time, and Steve stood tall! Good people leave good memories: Steve, you were the best!

Story shared: Many good memories.

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:09:17 EDT

Steve was my teacher in middle school (and to this day, I still want to call him "Mr. Chesley"...) He was solidly identified as "cool" by my upperclassmen friends who preceded me in his classes, and so he proved to be. As a math teacher, he made the subject interesting and approachable, which for me was a major accomplishment - math and I have never been friends! As an art teacher, he gave his students a chance to experience all sorts of media that, in retrospect, were a real luxury. He really took the time to not only encourage creativity, but to also explain the whys and wherefores of the methods and materials we were using. He helped me on my way to incorporating art into my career; I will always remember him as one of my favorite teachers, and a good friend.

Condolence From Cristal Martinez & Richard Lantz

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:25:04 EDT

MK, Tara and Brett - We're keeping you all in our thoughts, and sending much love.

Condolence From Barb Ackerman

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:02:21 EDT

M.K., you're in my thoughts. Love, Barb

Condolence From janet voigt

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:55:43 EDT

Dear Chesley family; I was shocked and saddened to learn of Steve passing. Please know that you are in our prayers and thoughts. May your memories bring you comfort.

Condolence From Klaus and Leigh Minter

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:07:02 EDT

MK and Family, My thoughts and prayer's go out to each of you during this tragic time. I wish there were words I could say that would help the pain to go away, but we know that there isn't anything to make that happen. Only time can heal, I know that it takes time for the pain to ease, but with the Love of God, friends, and family you will learn to go on and keep Steve's memory alive. God bless each of you and I wish you all the love and peace.

Story shared: To a Teacher and Friend...

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:16:16 EDT

My thoughts and prayers are with the Chesley family today. I am in York, Nebraska thinking of Steve and the blessings my family has received by having him as a friend and teacher. My 3 daughters (Lisa, Julie, and Rasa) were lucky enough to have his guidance in both math and art at Rifle Middle School. I was his student for many years at CMC where I learned from him the art of creating pottery on the wheel. His influence as an artist, teacher, and friend remains with me today. I have a studio in York where I teach adult and children’s pottery classes. Steve’s techniques, helpful hints and love for the art are being past on to everyone I have the pleasure of now teaching. In this world where we live, you can often feel that God’s eye is winking at you and He is in his Heaven enjoying the little coincidences He creates. When I moved to York from Rifle I was to find the world is truly a small place. I learned that this was the area where Mary and Steve began their teaching career. I was further amazed when I had the opportunity to work at the Bradshaw school in the Media Center as a librarian for this is the school where Mary and Steve taught. I have met many of their friends here who share their stories with love and laughter. Mary Kay, God Bless and Keep you and your family in His loving comfort.

Condolence From DONNA BATSON LEWIS

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:07:55 EDT

MY SINCERE SYMPATHY OF YOUR LOSS OF A WONDERFUL MAN! I HAD MR. CHESLEY FOR 7 & 8TH GRADE ART AND POTTERY, HE WAS THE BEST ART TEACHER I HAVE EVER HAD! HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED. I GOT TO SEE HIM A FEW WEEKS AGO AND OF COURSE TALKED ABOUT ART AND ART SUPPLIES. I HAVE A SON THAT HAS BEEN GETTING INTO DRAWING AND I NEED SOME ADVICE ON THE BEST KIND OF SUPPLIES TO GET. HE TOOK ME TO THE SUPPLIES SECTION AT THE STORE WE WERE AT AND HELPED ME GET THE RIGHT STUFF. HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A SWEET AND CARING PERSON TO EVERYONE! MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TODAY AS YOU REMEMBER HIM! GOD PLEASE WRAP YOUR ARMS AROUND THEM AND GUIDE THEM THROUGH TODAY AND AS THEY MOVE FOWARD. IN JESUS'S NAME! AMEN! TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS!

Condolence From Craig Parks

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 05:00:45 EDT

Dee and I are very sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I much enjoyed working with Steve on various school district math projects. He was a wonderful colleague and friend to share and discuss ideas. I admired his humor, vitality and love of people. He will continue to live on in our hearts and soul. MK, Tara and Brett you are in our thoughts and prayers. .....Craig & Dee Parks

Condolence From Kelly Iniguez

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:15:48 EDT

MK, I would like to share with you the last time I saw Steve. He was on Silt Mesa picking asparagus to make you a special dinner (his words) before you left to take care of your mother. Steve was sad about your being gone so long. He loved you dearly. What a wonderful husband. My sincere condolences.

Condolence From Dwight "Ike" Bartels

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:18:22 EDT

My thoughts and prayers go out to MK and the Chesley family in this time of sorrow. Even though I hadn't seen Steve and MK since they left Bradshaw I have always carried the memories of the times we shared so many years ago. Steve was a true free spirit and the best friend a person could have. He's in the hands of the Lord now. RIP old friend......

Condolence From Tommy Breen

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:29:29 EDT

In the bottom of an old pond lived some grubs who could not understand why none of their group came back after crawling up the stems of the lilies to the top of the water. They promised each other that the next one who was called to make the upward climb would return and tell what happened to him. Soon one of them felt the impulse to seek the surface; he rested himself on the top of a lily pad and went through a glorious transformation, which made him a dragonfly with beautiful wings. In vain he tried to keep his promise. Flying back and forth over the pond, he peered down on his friends below. Then he realized that even if they could see him they would not recognize such a radiant creature as one of their number. The fact that we cannot see our family or friends or communicate with them after the transformation, which we call death, is no proof that they cease to exist. Ours is a creative God, the maker of heaven and earth and all that lives on it. This God who is the giver of life most assuredly has a creative destiny for us beyond death . . . . Walter Dudley Cavert God Bless the Chesley Family . . . . from a friend and fellow hunter in Nebraska

Condolence From Cliff and Travi Ross family

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:53:29 EDT

Our hearts and prayers go out to all of Steve’s family and friends at this time. There aren’t enough words that express the shock of such news and the empathy that we wish to send to MK ,Tara, Brett, and all of Steve’s family and friends. I have known Steve since fourth grade, and we have been close friends ever since. Even though over the years there have been periods of time we might not have seen each other as often as we would have liked, you could always count on Steve to be that calm, understanding, genuine friend that would not only be happy to see you, but would open his home and his heart to you. It came as no surprise that Steve, MK and family made so many close friends in Rifle and everywhere they went. Although my family will not be able to be there for the services on Wednesday, please know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you, our thoughts of Steve will never fade and we will be there for MK and family, in whatever capacity forever. Sincerely, Clifton and Travi Ross Family

Story shared: Coach

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:54:15 EDT

I have such fond memories of Mr. Chesley as my volleyball coach and math/art teacher from 7th grade. There have been 2 teachers that have touched my life and Mr. Chesley is #1 on that short list. I have a clear memory of him cheering me on telling me" Common Shelly, you can do it! I have seen you. Keep it up!" I remember him coaching the individuals first and then the team! That is what I thought was so special about him. He saw you as an individual and coached to you, and then somehow put each individual together to make a team. He was one of the few teachers that knew you were dealing with more than junior high- he asked questions and listened to your answers with a kind ear! Never judging. I wasn't afraid to talk to him. Five years ago, he and Mr. Skinner came driving up in his Jeep to our 20 year class reunion! We were all so honored to have them come! He told me he was retired and I couldn't believe it! He looked too young to be retired! He also told me about this art store in Rifle that he was responsible for putting together with local artists. He asked me to go check it out and then give him my opinion!! I really wanted to do it, but never made it in! :( My friend tried to go get me a piece of his pottery yesterday, and they are not parting with any of it! Understandably! To the family- May you have peace knowing that your husband, father, grandfather had touched so many lives with his kind soul. I hope there are many blessings that come out of such a tragedy. My prayers are with you! Shelly Dix aka: Jenette Shelly Anderson

Condolence From Wendy Anderson (Reed)

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:56:59 EDT

My heart and thoughts go with Mr. Chesley's loved ones. He was a great teacher and a truly wonderful person. I remember him being a very patient and peaceful person and he definitely lived his life to the fullest. May his bright spirit and love for life inspire those who had the opportunity to know him. Rest in peace Mr. Chesley.

Condolence From Lorrie (Eckley) Yoshinaga

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:08:06 EDT

I'm very sorry for your loss. Mr. Chesley was one of my teachers in middle school. Over the summer I walked into the art studio in Rifle (when it was closed) and we started talking. I am now a teacher myself and have a love of math. We had a wonderful conversation about math and math programs. I was back in town and went to visit him only to see the notice on the art shop window. He will be greatly missed.

Condolence From Shiloh (Dale Sowers) Mowen

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:12:47 EDT

MK- I was so sad to her of Steve's passing and my heart is aching for you right now. I want you to know that you, Tara, and Brett are in my thoughts and in my prayers. I cannot imagine what you must be going through and I hope you find comfort in your friends and family and also in the memories you have with Steve. God bless you MK! With love, Dale

Story shared: His hands dance on...

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:10:57 EDT

My prayers are with the Chesley Family during this sorrowful time. I had the pleasure of meeting Steve when I signed up for one of his ceramics classes at CMC. I could have watched him on that pottery wheel for hours. He had the ability to turn a lump of clay into a beautiful image from his head. With such grace and skill, his hands danced with that wheel every time he touched it. I spent a few months producing lumpy cups and bowls, while Steve reassured me that they weren't nearly as hideous as I thought they were. He had more confidence in my ability than I did and when I left that class, he had helped me produce a few cups and bowls that are only good for sitting on a shelf. I laugh at them each time I look at them, but now I will treasure them more becuase he helped me in some way or another with each one of them. Steve was more than an instructor, he became a friend to each of us. He shared little stories of his family, he shared his healthy snacks, and he shared laughter with us. He taught us to see our accomplishments, not our weakness. I am thankful for having the oppurtunity to be instructed by such a talented and kind man. There is a potter's wheel in Heaven...where Steve's hands dance on...

Condolence From Jamie and Bob Darien

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:44:19 EDT

MK- Steve was one of the kindest men I ever had the pleasure to know and teach with. Truly a prince among men! He made such a difference in so many lives, in and outside of the classroom. The love you shared will last a lifetime. His legacy will live on through Tara and Bret, but the world will never be the same. Sending love and prayers.

Condolence From Kim St. Pierre-Scarrow

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:30:27 EDT

Mk and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. Chesley as a patient and kind math teacher I had in middle school. Through the years he has accomplished such wonderful things but the memory I have of him most is his patience with me in class and how at that time I needed just that. Steve is a wonderful human being. May God Bless your family.

Condolence From Rita(Melkus) Sargent

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:20:58 EDT

Dear MK and family, My heart goes out to you, Tara and Bret in the loss of Steve. What a wonderful person and what wonderful memories you will have. I know I will remember with fondness you and Steve on the ski slopes of Colorado with good friends having a great time in the snow back in our twenties...God bless and I am with you in prayers on Wednesday. Love, Rita

Story shared: IF THERE IS AN ART GOD - HE HAS A GREAT NEW STUDENT

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:28:45 EDT

I AM ONE OF THE MANY FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE SEVERAL PIECES OF STEVE'S WONDERFUL ART. I TREASURE THEM JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE AT THIS TIME. THEY ARE FULL OF LOVE AND GOOD VIBES. PEACE WILL COME TO EACH OF YOUR HEARTS AS THE TIME IS RIGHT . JUDY BEATTIE

Condolence From Taucher Family

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 01:57:31 EDT

MK, Tara and Brett, Words cannot express how very sad we are to hear of the loss of Steve. The world is missing a kind and creative man. We are thinking of you during this difficult time. With love and sympathy, Missy and Tom Taucher

Photo shared: Steve_Chesley.jpg

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:09:12 EDT