Steven Robert Kutsch

STEVEN ROBERT KUTSCH JUNE 7, 1954 - OCTOBER 9, 2016 Steven Robert Kutsch passed away peacefully on October 9th, 2016 at the young age of 62. He was born in Culver City, California, to Herbert and Rita Kutsch. Steve was the youngest of eight children and grew up learning unconditional love, a giving heart, and respect for others. His life was a picture of these traits. Steve graduated from Venice High School and attended Santa Monica College. The day after his twenty-first birthday, he drove his 1959 Volkswagen Bus up the coast and settled near his oldest sister, Mary, in Depoe Bay, Oregon. Steve had an extensive background in construction and became a plumbing contractor. He enjoyed designing and building several beautiful custom homes in the Hills of Salishan, where he resided until his death. Steve was a giver. He volunteered thousands of hours to his community over the years. Back in the 70's, he was the volunteer director of Lincoln City Surf Rescue and a volunteer firefighter with Taft-Nelscott-Delake Rural Fire Protection District. Steve was instrumental in developing surf rescue strategies and tactics, which are now used in Oregon and around the world. Steve was passionate about tsunami and earthquake safety long before it was widely known as a risk to our area. He developed the first Tsunami Evacuation Plan for North Lincoln Fire and Rescue. He also spent countless hours educating the community about these risks, which led to the Taft Fire Department and several schools being relocated out of the tsunami zone. Steve was an avid lover of nature and spent a lot of time outside. His friends and family share many fond memories with Steve hiking, boating, and going to the beach. He was gifted with a photographer's eye and especially enjoyed giving his picture memories to others. He always invested in his family and friends. He was positive, fun loving, adventurous and generous. Steve was an incredible gift to us all. He was predeceased by his mother and father Rita and Herbert Kutsch, his sisters Mary Calkins, Linda Redding, Nancy Smylie and his brother Jim Kutsch. He is survived by his sisters Susan Bird, Betty Johnson and Carol Ballanti. "Uncle Steve" is also survived by his local nieces and nephews Jane Arnold, Sue Graves, Kathleen Calkins, Craig Calkins and many other nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life Saturday, October 15th, 2 pm, at the Eden Hall in Gleneden Beach. Memorial gifts can be sent to Lincoln City Food Pantry at 1505 NE 6th Dr., Lincoln City and North Lincoln Fire and Rescue Water Rescue Team at 4520 SE Highway 101, Lincoln City, OR. 97367.

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Steven Robert Kutsch

June 7, 1954 - October 9, 2016