Hey Everyone,

My best friend/sister Mayra Gutierrez and siblings have tragically lost their father on Monday. It was unexpected and sudden. I’ve known him and this family for 23years. He has always been there for his family and anyone near and dear to him. The letter written below describes the man he was and the hardships his children are now trying to navigate through. Any donation helps and is greatly appreciated. If anything you do please read all the way through. It’s important to be prepared for the future so you don’t leave loved ones having to go through more than just their emotions during an already difficult time.

“There are so many things I can say about my dad, Steve Privette. First off, I just want to say that I’m not good at this kind of thing. Being vulnerable and putting my emotions into words is not some thing I’m exactly known for.

My dad was hands-down one of the best men I’ve ever known. He was one of the funniest people you’d ever meet. Smart as a whip, & always cracking jokes & making light out of dark situations. He would do anything for his family and friends and showed us that every day. A lot of people don’t know this, but Steve isn’t my biological dad. But he’s the only one I’ve ever known since I was eight months old. He cared for me and took me in as his own. Even after my parents split in 97 he still kept me split in custody with mom. He’s even helped my moms other son son Arin throughout his life by giving him a home and a job and treating him as his own as well. He didn’t have to do that but he did. He had a rough childhood and because of it I think it molded him into the best family man and friend anyone could ask for. He wanted to be everyones Superman. He didn’t want us to have a childhood he had and he worked damn hard to make sure it was different for us. I had no idea how bad he was struggling until after his passing. I found the letter he had to write to the embassy to be able to bring my sister‘s mom back from Peru. And I was able to read a lot about his life and the struggles he went through.

On one part he wrote, “ I think I’ve just proven the old adage “sometimes things aren’t what they appear.” I try to be strong. Try to be positive and teach my kids right from wrong…

I grew up as a loner. I kept to myself, never really sure of how to interact with others, not knowing how to love, how to fit in. But, thankfully, I have four very beautiful children. Intelligent, outgoing, humorous (they get that from me!) and hopefully on their way to a fulfilling future. I try to show them that anything is possible if they try hard enough.”

Well, you taught us well dad. Your soul will shine through each of us and you always be remembered. I will work hard every day to make sure you would be proud. You really were our Superman.

My father had another heart attack while he was down on vacation in Mexico with my sister, Stephanie and her friend. My sister woke up from a nap to find him purple and unresponsive on the couch. It was the day after his 58th birthday. Since then it’s been like a walking daydream. We had to scramble to get two of my brothers down to Mexico as soon as possible to be able to get my sister from a neighbor who was with her. We had to put our trust in a neighbor over the government and CPS. My dad died in another country, and now I’m trusting these strangers with my 17 year old sister and her friend until Justin and Arin could get to them. That just Added to the stress. Now we’re dealing with the embassy to bring my dad back home.

Unfortunately, as amazing as he was he didn’t really plan for the future. He always said “ I don’t live to save” with a big smile on his face. Just like him, Always living in the moment. So of course, my siblings and I are in a very tough situation. He didn’t have a will,no life insurance, and no savings. Three of my younger siblings currently live in his home. Arin (21) Austin (20) & Stephanie (17). Austin and Arin worked for my dad for his electrical company,but now that he’s gone, they currently have no work. I’m grasping for straws trying to keep my family together. Stephanie only had my dad. Her mom isn’t in the picture, so she is my top priority, being that she is still under age.

Once again, I’m coming here to ask for help. There were a lot of unexpected expenses, and we are struggling and unfortunately my siblings and I need help. Please consider donating if you were able to do so. We are so very grateful for every donation during this difficult time.

With love,

Mayra, Justin, Stephanie, & Austin”