Stephen (Steve) A. O’Sullivan was born on Sept. 9, 1962. He was the first son of Linda Anderson and Con O’Sullivan. Mike, his brother, was born the following year. He was the eldest grandchild of the eventual four to Mildred and Al Anderson.

Close in age, his brother, Mike, and two cousins, Tamara and Jimmy Knapp, grew up across the street from their grandparents’ farm; also known as the Anderson Family Farm, as siblings. They played, wrestled, worked, traveled, etc. together as a foursome. You name it, they did it together. Their bond was strong, but their secret keeping was stronger. Many of which Steve and Mike have taken with them today and will only be known to the “CCC” — Cool Cat Cousins.

Steve attended school in Langley, Wash., and graduated with the class of 1980. Still to this day, he remained close friends with several classmates and treasured those who became family to him.

During his adolescent years, Steve established a love for riding horses. He was heavily involved in 4-H clubs, where his mother was a club leader.

After high school, Steve went on to work at Gene Juarez in Seattle, where he was tremendously talented as a hairdresser and teacher. There, he set the new up-and-coming hairdressers on a career path.

Steve eventually moved back to the island and followed in his mother Linda’s footsteps by getting into real estate. While working in that industry, he met numerous people and built countless relationships that he cherished for the remainder of his life. No matter the stress or time it took, he loved the people he met along the way. Between him and his mom, they were able to create a legacy in real estate on the island together.

He also had a strong ingenuity to write. It was one of his strongest attributes. He could put together a beautiful piece within minutes. However, oftentimes his words of expression and quick wit were downright hilarious, and you repeatedly had to question how he came up with such a thing.

In addition to having the skill of writing, Steve had a natural ability to make people feel loved and important. It didn’t matter how big or little you did something, he wanted you to know that you MATTERED. He did that with passion and his infectious smile.

Throughout his life, Steve had a very active role in the community. He was a generous giver to all and anyone who needed it. Everyone knew you could go to Steve; no questions asked. He had the biggest heart and never wanted anyone to struggle or go without.

Steve took on a lot. He was everyone’s rock, especially mine. The love of his life was his family. Although he did not have any kids of his own, he treated me as if I was his kid since the day I was born, and he cut my umbilical cord. He loved a handful of my friends as if they were his family too. When his best friend/brother passed, a piece of him passed too; but that didn’t stop him from supporting me in any endeavor I took on. He did whatever he thought my dad would’ve wanted for me. Steve taught me what’s important in life– it doesn’t matter how much you have; it matters how you treat people. One of his favorite quotes was, “Never explain — your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.” He instilled that into me and gave me that outlook on life, in which I value every day.

Steve also leaves behind several other beloved relatives: his beloved aunt, Dorothy; uncle, Jim; aunt, Cathy; cousins, Eric, Eileen and Lori; uncle, Steve, and aunt, Maria; Irish cousins, Michael, Mark and Maria; uncle, Aiden; sister in law, Janet; his partner, Todd; and he leaves me, his niece and “Lil Bestie,” Reilly. My second dad and, as I know and will always cherish, his “adopted” daughter as well.

He also leaves an incredibly large group of extended family members, friends and “adopted” family members he loved and cared for.

In lieu of flowers, Steve’s family requests donations to the Good Cheer Food Bank or a charity of your choice.

I would like to invite you to attend a Celebration of Life for Steve at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 at Bayview Hall, 5642 Bayview Road, Langley on what would have been his birthday weekend. Let’s celebrate the life Steve lived and all who love him.