July 24, 1949 – July 24, 2022
Steve was a fighter and one tough cookie who fought until the last second to stick around, but his most recent ailment, a broken neck, was the straw that finally broke the camel’s back. After battling various illnesses for years, his body finally gave out on July 24, 2022, on his 73rd Birthday. Because Steve was such a planner, we are not surprised that he planned his entry into the world and his exit on the same day 73 years apart.
Stephen Ralph Symonds was born in Boise, Idaho on July 24, 1949 to Harold and Alice Symonds. Harold and Alice had longed for a child but were never able to have one. Against all odds, while in their late 40s, they were blessed with an unexpected pregnancy, their miracle baby Steve. Steve was their pride and joy. Steve was an only child and his mother Alice doted on him.
Steve graduated from Grantsville High School in 1967 and later graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Steve played tennis on the tennis team at both Grantsville High School and Weber State University. While playing tennis for Grantsville, little did Steve know, that Coach Williams’ daughter would some day be his wife.
Steve was blessed with two children, Paul and Rhiannon, from his first wife Shauna. Steve loved both kids so very much. He enjoyed taking the kids camping, fishing, and on many adventures…….some of which included Rolling Stones Concerts.
Steve was an avid sports lover. He loved tennis, golf, skiing, baseball, and all BYU sports. He also had a passion for music. The Rolling Stones was his favorite band and he traveled around the country with friends to attend their concerts whenever he had a chance; the experiences and memories were enjoyed to the max! Steve also had a special room built in his home known as ‘The Lounge’. This is where he would showcase his state-of-the-art sound system because the ‘Stones’ deserved to be heard as they were in both presence and music………LOUD!
‘The Lounge’ is also the place where he hosted many parties and gatherings with friends. Steve worked with Jennifer Williams’ niece at Safety-Kleen and he was able to convince the niece to arrange a showing at ‘The Lounge’ with her Aunt Jenny. Steve and Jenny started their courtship following that event. They married on August 23, 2002 and were later sealed for both time and eternity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Salt Lake Temple on October 29, 2016. Jenny would lovingly call him Oggie (Ogre) and he called her his Pygmy.
Steve became very active in the Church for the last 6 years of his life and truly cherished his membership. Steve’s life was greatly impacted by the generosity and kindness of his ward family. It was through their loving support and continuous acts of service that Steve truly got to know and experience the pure love of Christ.
Steve worked many years out in the West Desert at a Hazardous Waste Incinerator and was able to use his skills and knowledge to do a fantastic job. Steve also always held active EMT and First Responder Certificates.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Alice Symonds and also the dog he shared with Jenny, named Tiki. Steve is survived by his wife, Jennifer (aka Jenny, Jen), and their beloved dog Bailey; his son Paul Symonds, daughter Rhiannon Symonds, and two step-children Michael (Pili) Green, and Akira Eisenbrandt; 14 Grandchildren, 8 Great-Grandchildren, many extended relatives, and close friends that loved him and he loved them.
Jenny wishes to thank her family, extended family, ward family, and friends for all the countless hours of support, the unending prayers, and all other forms of help given to her and Steve throughout the years and to the present day…….thank you all! We couldn’t have made it without each and every one of you.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the Grantsville 4th Ward Building located at 428 South Hale Street, Grantsville, Utah 84029. In lieu of flowers, due to Steve’s outstanding medical bills, donations are accepted.
Memories & Condolences