In Memory of Steven Vlahon (SarasotaRed)

It is with a heavy heart that I tell you that Steven passed away this afternoon.

I can't tell you what I feel, but that It is unimaginable that I will never be able to talk to Steven or share any time in our unending friendship. At this time I am in denial with the reality that I will not be able to see my dear friend ever again.

I myself thought of him as pillar of strength, a man with a positive attitude even when the news was not so great. I know he was a man of deep religous conviction and it was his faith that made him a person I would striive to emulate. He truly was a righteous man!

I remember Steven contacting me on this site and inviting me to a little get together he was having. I'm not really one that actually gets into the club thing and his get together was the same day as my birthday. As Carol and I drove up to Sarasota we debated whether we should stop or not, oh what the heck! We made the turn instead of going to the restaurant. That night was the nigth that sealed a number of friendships that is stronger than ever to this day,

Guy (LondonRam) I think put it most eloquently, "what started as a sports car club transcended into a long lasting friendship" Vivian, Steven's wife would go further to say that we are family and I for one am honored to be considered as such.

I am posting some pictures of Steven, I've seemed to have misplaced some of my pictures, but here are a few and if other members have pics of Steven at different events, please post them.

With regard to Funeral arrangements, I will post as soon as I hear more

Steven is on the left, I'm sorry that it's not that clear, but I will post more

Wow - so sorry to hear the news.
May God be with his family during this time of grief.

Sorry to here, I did not get to meet him I am still new I guess. Try to take peace in knowing he is in a better place.

Our condolences to his family.

I just emailed him on Friday to see if I could come visit. I hope he at least got my email and was able to read it.

I never met anyone that smiled as much as Steven. Always cheerful and never had a bad thing to say about anything. Always positive in his situation, just a great person.

Man, this is sad news. Please keep us informed of the funeral date/time.

01/31/05

May you Rest in Peace Steven. We will really miss you.

You fought the cancer bravely for 3 years and you were always full of life and optimism even when you had to endure such excruciating pain. Cheryl and I will remember you for your words. You always had a great way to express yourself and you wrote so eloquently. What a gift!

We too remember being invited to your home in Sarasota via the internet and we also were skeptical. So here we find ourselves, 3 years later, having bonded beyond a car with people that have become more than friends.

Yesterday, was a very tough day for sure. I trust in the next few days and months we will remember the good and sweet times.

Sweet dreams for now.

Cheryl and Guy

Man, I can't believe it. My heart goes out to Vivian. I'm sorry for her loss.

Steven was such a kind man. He always had a smile on his face. My condolences to Vivian and his family.

I am so sorry to hear this. May God be with Steven's family.
Don

Truly sad news. It should make us all look at our lives...we could learn a lot from Steven.

My condolences to the family. Sad to see a fellow member pass on.

Steven was the first member that I met from this coast. A year before we moved here, we visited for business. Steven and Vivian took us out for dinner to one of there local favorites and two other S2000 folks met us there. That was my introduction to this S2000 community and Steven. Even though we had only met through S2KI site he went out of his way to greet us. He had a smile and presence that made everyone feel welcome. My condolences.

J, Jennifer and Jack

I am very sorry to hear this. My condolences go out to the family.

Jerry

A couple more photos I found. I don't think I have anymore photos.

That is truly sad news. I was hoping and praying he would get better. Teresa and I really enjoyed talking to him and Vivian. Our prayers are with his family now.

Wow - I remember meeting Steven briefly last year in Tampa. Very nice man and sorry to hear of his passing.

My condolences to his family. We should have a S2000 meet in Steven's memory. I think he would like that.

I never got a chance to meet Steven, but my condolences go out to his family.

-Trung

Steven seems like a great person. I didn't have chance to meet him. May god be with his whole family through this tough time.

Hi all,

I know Vivian hasn't see this thread and I'll have to walk her through getting on to the site. I know she would love the pictures and all the great words of sympathy.

This is information on the memorial service sent to me from a friend:

the memorial for Steven will be at 7PM Friday at 2701 Rigsby Ln in Safety Harbor. It is right where 580 crosses 611 about 20 minutes south of their house.

Thanks Rich

Lisa and I will be there.

I was just reading through some of my old PMs from Steven. He was just such a great guy. I will truely miss him. What a great man....

Steven was a nice guy, alright.

Sorry to hear the news.

I went back to Steven's last post on December 8th, and I think that this just says so much about what kind of guy he was:
"What a surprise to see something about me on the board!

The cancer has been an extraordinary challenge, but has not yet defeated me or my spirit.

Just last evening I came home from Moffitt Cancer Center where I had been for almost 2 weeks. My recovery this first day home is very difficult, but I hope things get much better very soon.

Thanks for all of the good thoughts and prayers of those who have supported me in my struggle.

Last Saturday 6 different S2000 owners from Sarasota made their way up to Tampa to see me. That was very encouraging.

Take care -- and keep praying.
Steven"
He was always smiling, always positive, so sweet, so sincere...
I know Tidal got a kick out of ribbing him, because it seemed like every time we scheduled a meet, Steven was on a cruise.
Steven will be greatly missed in our S2K community...

This post has been edited by Reetzza on Feb 1 2005, 06:59 AM

Wish I had known Steven. He sounds like he was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. I will keep his family and friends in my thoughts. May all your happy memories of this man give you all comfort.

Hugs,

My deepest condolences.
I first met Steven a few years ago, we drove out to his house in Sarasota on a rainy sunday afternoon and he and Viv were two of the nicest people I have ever met.
I'm proud to have been able to call him my friend.

Steven, I'll miss you.





This post has been edited by Venom on Feb 1 2005, 02:26 PM