Steve Sander Memorial Bench & Sculpture, Wash Park

My brother, Steve Sander, worked passionately every day to make his home city, Denver Colorado, and the entire world a better place. Steve’s favorite way to start the day was to lace on his running shoes and go for a run. When traveling, he loved to explore the closest city park, a thriving art district, a lake front path, an ocean beach or a country road on his daily run. When he was in Denver, Steve’s all-time favorite was to meet his good friend Rachel and her Weimaraner Rezak for a run at Wash Park– followed of course by a visit to his favorite Starbucks. Absolutely no better way to start any day!

Sadly, Steve's life ended by suicide on October 16, 2023, three weeks before his 70th birthday. To honor Steve and help us remember his civic pride, generous philanthropy and sincere passion for the simple things in life – a morning run, a friend (with a dog), a favorite trail and Starbucks – I have asked my artist/sculptor/neighbor friend Josh Hatch to create a bronze-finished replica of Steve’s running shoes. With the generous cooperation of Denver Parks, these forever-lasting shoes will be mounted on a pedestal next to a memorial bench at the entrance to Wash Park.

If you care to contribute to the cost of this project, please use this GoFundMe page to do so. Once the sculpture is complete and the installation site ready, I hope to invite Steve’s family and friends to a dedication ceremony in Denver – but I get ahead of myself - one step at a time. Thanks in advance for your support!