Dear friends, family, and kindhearted strangers,

My beloved brother Steve passed away on June 12, 2025, far sooner than we expected. In those final months, I was with him nearly every day — often beyond visiting hours — always with my faithful service dog, Lulu, at our side. We were there not only as family, but as his steady support system.

Steve and I had agreed that I would stay with him through the summer. We believed we had that much time left — time to be together, make arrangements, and prepare for what lay ahead. I had already been helping with his care and covering the costs of travel between Las Vegas and California, room and board, and storage for half of his belongings, which I’d been managing for two years.

Steve made it clear: he planned to cover at least half of those costs, and he genuinely wanted to relieve the burden. At one point, he even told me he wished he could fix my teeth — he thought $4,000 might cover it. When I explained it wouldn’t, I told him instead that the kindest thing he could do was help with the real, immediate costs of our time together. He agreed wholeheartedly. I told him I’d still do it regardless — but it would create long-term financial hardship. He understood. We simply ran out of time.

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When Steve Passed

Just hours before he passed, we had a gentle, meaningful conversation. Later that day, as I was reflecting on his face and the words we’d shared, Steve spoke softly to my heart:

“I’ll see you soon.”

There was contentment in his voice — a calm I hadn’t heard in years. He was no longer searching. He had found peace, at last, with our Lord.

When the hospital called early that morning, I arrived within the hour. He had already passed — but the moment I saw him, I was overcome with peace. His face was calm. The corner of his mouth turned gently upward, and a faint gleam rested in his eye. The fear that had once haunted him was gone. In its place: stillness, surrender, and a holy kind of rest.

He had made it home.

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What This Fundraiser Covers

Nearly all of the expenses — storage, travel, housing, and caregiving — were covered on credit, in faith that we’d settle things together before summer’s end. But now those expenses, totaling thousands of dollars, sit on very high-interest credit cards, and my emergency fund is depleted.

This fundraiser will help with:

• Storage and transportation of Steve’s belongings (past & current)

• Travel and housing expenses in California during his final months

• Cremation and basic final arrangements

• Preservation of his journals, music, and creative legacy

• Relief from the financial aftermath, so I can begin to heal and rebuild

• Related incidentals

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A Gentle Ask

Dearest loved ones,

I wish I could carry this alone — quietly, without asking. But I can’t. I’m doing this out of necessity, not ease.

If you can help in any amount, it would lift a weight I can no longer carry alone.

And if you knew Steve — or even if you didn’t — please consider leaving a final message or blessing to him in the donation note. A goodbye, a memory, or just a kind word to honor his spirit. I will carry those messages with me… and I believe he will too.

With deepest gratitude,

Susan Bash

(Steve’s sister, faithful companion, advocate, and witness)