Steve Gant Memorial

We suddenly and tragically lost a great husband, son, uncle, brother, employee, coach, training partner and friend on Sunday.  Steve Gant was 1 week away from his 55th birthday and doing what he loved, training Jiu Jitsu, when he collapsed and never recovered after a lenghthy training session.  He had been out of training for almost a year.  His wife, Emily, told him that morning to take it easy at the training session because he had been off for so long.  He kissed her and said as he laughed, "If I die, know that I died doing what I love!" 

We will remember Steve for his dry humor and his permanent smile!  He was a knowledgable practitioner of the art of Jiu Jitsu.  He was a longtime member of Team Rodrigo Vaghi.  Steve started at California Martial Arts and moved to Team Vaghi when Rodrigo came to St. Louis in the 1990's.  He continued his training at North Broadway Jiu Jitsu in downtown St. Louis.  North Broadway is an affiliate of Rodrigo Vaghi.  Steve travelled the US competing and winning a number of major tournaments.

Steve pursued his passion until the very end.  In honor of Steve's dedication to the art and his team, the council of Black Belts has unanimously approved Steve's promotion.  Rodrigo Vaghi has officially bestowed the rank of Black Belt upon Steve Gant.  The belt will be presented to his wife in a private ceremony.

We have set up this GoFundMe page to support his wife, Emily, and family for the memorial and funeral costs.

Steve will be forever remembered and missed.