If you know my dad, Steve, you know he’s the kind of person who makes friends everywhere he goes — the guy who’ll strike up a conversation with anyone, and always quick with a joke or a story. At 64, he has spent his life giving to others — as a proud U.S. Air Force veteran, an Elk River firefighter for 11 years, a hardworking painter and business owner of 45 years, and most of all, a loving dad and grandpa.

He’s built lifelong friendships in the Elk River community where he grew up — a small town full of stories shared among friends who have known each other since childhood. When he’s not working, Steve loves spending time with his grandson, Liam — playing hockey or football in the yard, fishing on a quiet lake or Mississippi River, strumming his guitar, or talking about music, especially Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and Steve Hackett. He’s also a familiar face around town, always enjoying good conversation at Pour Wine Bar, where I bartend.

Recently, our family’s world changed when Steve was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. The illness and treatments have made it impossible for him to work, and the medical, travel, and living costs have been overwhelming.

For the past five years, Steve has lived with me and Liam, joining us on many of our roadschooling adventures across Colorado, Oregon, Arizona, and beyond — creating memories we’ll cherish forever. I’ve been doing my best to care for him while raising Liam, but we could really use some help.

All donations will go toward medical and holistic care, travel for treatments, and household expenses — helping us make the most of our time together. Any amount — or simply sharing this page — means so much.

Thank you for supporting my dad, Steve, and helping us surround him with the same love, laughter, and strength he’s shown everyone throughout his life.

— Paige & Liam