Steven John Taulbee

Steven John Taulbee left this world to join his heavenly father on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013. He was 63 years young. Steve wore many hats and nametags during his stay here with us: husband, father, minister, businessman, grandpa, railroader, yarn-spinner, mentor, horse-trader, anchor, scholar, advisor, guide and counselor, but perhaps most of all, friend. Steve filled all of these roles (and many, many more) during the time he gave to us.

Steve was born in 1950 in Caldwell. He excelled as a student and graduated from Notus High School in 1969. He attended college in Boise and Baker, Ore., (where he met his first wife and mother to his boys, Sharron Gatson), before finally settling at Preston Roads Bible College in Greenville, Texas, where he graduated as a Gospel Preacher. The Lord's call took him to lead congregations in Ferndale, Wash., Hood River, Ore., and eventually, Lewiston, where he would spend the rest of his life. Steve had a great love of Lewiston and its history, always loving to hear and share tales of its past and collecting vintage pictures of the valley and its industry. He proudly gave of himself to the Lewis-Clark Valley for more than 35 years, joining hundreds of joyous couples in marriage, as well as providing comfort to many families while officiating countless local funeral services. He was a vital part of the Walk to Emmaus and Walk to Christ programs and helped to rekindle a connection with God in everyone who attended these retreats. The Bible and his religious beliefs were very important to Steve, and his life served as an example of the joy that he felt inside because of them.

Steve left the full-time ministry in 1986, but never quit helping and serving his fellow man. He began another important chapter in his life, businessman, when he started Steve's Pawnshop (now a valley landmark) in the Lewiston Orchards. Having always been a horse trader, gun collector and "wheeler-dealer," it seemed only natural that he would have a store to serve as a hub for these interests. During this time, he met Etta Drewery, and when they married, Steve's only daughter, Jody, was added to the Taulbee family. Steve dispensed assistance, sage advice, fair dealings and many smiles from there until the end of his life, touching countless people from every walk of life. Many of the world's problems were hashed out over bottomless cups of coffee at the shop, and Steve served as ringleader to it all.

Steve was born with the railroad in his blood. Starting out as a boy with model train sets (which he continued to collect throughout his life), he was fascinated with all things train-related. Eventually the toys weren't enough, however, and he had to graduate to full size speeder inspection cars, from which he loved to see the scenery from the rails. He was very active in NARCOA, PRO and other railcar clubs, and had a special love for the Camas Prairie Railroad, leading numerous trips over the legendary trestles with his good friend, Jim Morefield. Steve married the love of his life, Susan Wenstrom, in 2002, and she was a constant source of strength and rock by his side. They enjoyed traveling and riding the rails together, and both of their beaming smiles could often be seen together on excursions throughout the northwest and Canada.

Above all, Steve left a legacy of love and friendship behind that could never be forgotten. He always had time for someone in need, and was a true friend to many - helping people through difficult times with good advice, gentle correction and a superb example. Steve was proof that the more of yourself that you give away, the more that you have to give. He always said that we should take the time and take care to treasure the time we have here, because memories are all we have in the end. Well, thanks to the glorious memories left by just one man, thousands of lives have been immeasurably enriched. You will be missed by many, Steve, but we all know that you're helping to make heaven a better place. Happy trails to you, good friend, until we can all meet again.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Wilma Taulbee, and brother Randy Taulbee. He is survived by his wife, Susan Taulbee; father Howard Taulbee; brother Danny Taulbee; sister Gae Frost; his three boys, Jason, Matthew and John Taulbee; grandson Levi Matthew Taulbee; and his faithful dog, Scamp. He also leaves behind a stepdaughter, Jody Drewery; two stepsons, Dana (Jennifer) and Drew (Laura) Wenstrom; bonus grandchildren, Danielle, Delainey, Jonah, Samuel and Jenna; and countless friends.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Valley Christian Church, 3215 Echo Hills Drive in Lewiston. The family invites everyone to come and share in tribute to a man who touched so many.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Congregational Presbyterian Church, St. Joseph Family Hospice or to the charitable organization of your choice.