Our family recently lost an incredible man, Stephen “Steve” Ecker, on July 24, 2026. Steve was a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, musician, and someone who never met a stranger. He lived life on his own terms, loved deeply, and believed in leaving the world a little better than he found it.

One of Steve’s final wishes was to become part of an Eternal Reef. Rather than a traditional resting place, an Eternal Reef incorporates a loved one’s cremated remains into a specially designed reef that is placed in the ocean. These reefs provide a lasting memorial while creating new habitat for marine life and helping restore our oceans—a beautiful way for Steve’s legacy to continue giving back for generations to come.

Unfortunately, creating an Eternal Reef is more expensive than a traditional scattering of ashes, and we want to do everything we can to honor this wish. If you knew Steve, you know he valued experiences, nature, music, laughter, and the people he loved. Fulfilling this final dream would mean the world to our family. If you are able to contribute, no amount is too small. If you’re unable to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser with others is another meaningful way to help us honor Steve. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this difficult time. Knowing that so many people cared about Steve brings our family comfort, and we are deeply grateful for every contribution that helps make his final wish a reality.