Stephen Lewis Furches

I, Steve (Stephen Lewis, Jr.) Furches, left earth on December 9, 2024, hopefully to eternal peace. I was 80 years old. I leave behind nieces and nephews, lots of cousins, and countless beloved friends, especially Dave Alengi. Here’s what I would like my family and friends to remember, written while I was alive.

My teeth used to be white. My chest used to be near my arm pits. I used to have hair. I used to be young – and arrogant. Now my teeth are yellow. Now my chest is near my navel. I still have hair – but not much. Now I am old and am far more humble and far less arrogant.

God has been good to me. I have not been rich but have had a very rich life. I have been rich in experiences, and even richer in friends. I hope I have used my gifts for God’s glory and the good of his people. I have had as a lifelong goal to let people know that they are not alone in facing their lives, whether as a classroom teacher, a boarding school prefect, or simply as a friend.

If I have done recognizable good in my life, “To God Be the Glory”. If I have not done so well in any area, well, then blame the devil. I have given my life my best. I hope I have given the people in my life my very best.

My thirty years as a De La Salle Christian Brother had a deep and lasting influence on me, even thought I did not recognize it for a while. The founder of the Brothers said on his death bed that “I adore the hand of God that has guided me gently through my life”. Me, too.

I thank my parents, Steve and Miriam, and my Sis (Patsie of Pat) for their love and guidance while they were alive, and after. My greatest honor is having been their son and brother. My dad’s family has been in the US since 1700. My mom was first-generation American. What a rich combination and gift! They also gave me a deep love for the music of the organ and for the magnificence of choral music. I hope these are the music of heaven. I thank my cherished friend, Dave Alengi, for all that he has been and done for me.

If I tried to thank the friends who have been with me through so many years, you’d never get home. I borrow from Shakespeare when I say to you all… “thanks, thanks, and ever thanks”.

I borrow from Shakespeare again: “The good that men do lives after them. The evil is often entered with their bones”. So let it be with me. If I have done any good, to God be the glory. I have tried to live my life as a servant. You can measure the success of failure. In departing this life, I remain your servant, but God’s first.

Memorial Service will be at 3:00pm, Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Horan & McConaty Funeral Service, 9998 Grant Street, Thornton, CO 80229.

Steve’s remains will be sent to Statesville, NC where he will be interred with his parents at Oakwood Cemetery.