Steven Oel Spelman, Jr.
October 25, 1960 - August 13, 2011
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Steven Oel Spelman, Jr.
October 25, 1960 - August 13, 2011
Obituary
Steven Oel Spelman, Jr., 50, of Southern California, died August 13, 2011, at his Coto de Caza home.
Steven was born October 25, 1960, in Pasadena, California, to Steven Sr. and Carol. He attended Richard Henry Dana Elementary School, Marco Forster Middle School and Dana Hills High School. He continued his education at University of California Santa Barbara, where he earned his BA in Economics and was granted a fellowship at University of Southern California, where he earned his MBA. Steven competed as an Academic Decathlon student in high school and later supported the Orange County Academic Decathlon as an advisor to the students and helped to run the competitions.
He enjoyed baseball, surfing and volleyball growing up and continued surfing and volleyball for many years. He loved golfing with friends and fly fishing in Idaho and Colorado.
Steven is survived by his wife, Michelle; sons, Andrew and Michael; daughter, Hailey; stepchildren, Thomas and Sarah Trauger; and mother, Carol Rush. He was predeceased by his father, Steven Oel Spelman, Sr. He was the oldest of four and is survived by Janet, Laura and Mark.
He had an accomplished business career, joining Arthur Andersen as a CPA, followed by roles as Chief Financial Officer for Capital Pacific Holdings and President of Banning Lewis Ranch. He and Michelle purchased their own winery and produced award-winning Joliet Vineyards Zinfandel.
Steven was generous with his money and a strong supporter to his family. He was in the middle of putting four of five children through college, with his youngest starting next year. He was looking forward to grandchildren and was cherished by his young nieces, Brianna and Samantha. His older nieces, Ashlee and Kathrin, have fond memories of their uncle Steve and loved him dearly.
Services will be held at 2pm on September 3rd at Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club www.clubcorp.com/CotodeCaza and we welcome friends, family and colleagues. A small family ceremony will be held earlier that day to spread his ashes at sea.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Steven’s memory to the Orange County Academic Decathlon Association.
OCAD Association
PO Box 9050
Costa Mesa, CA 92628
Attn: Kristin Rigby
or online at http://academicevents.ocde.us/decathlon.htm
59 responses to Steven Oel Spelman, Jr.
Scott Farber says:
August 24, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about Steve’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have fond memories of starting our careers and working together at Arthur Andersen. We worked on several engagements together, and he was always eager to learn and have fun. I was able to re-connect with Steve several years ago, and glad that I got to hear about his family and activities.
Suzanne Killmer says:
August 24, 2011
I am saddened by the news of Steve’s passing. I worked with him for many years on the Banning Lewis Ranch Development closings and he was a very kind and talented man. My heart goes out to his family. May the shared memories you receive provide you comfort.
Suzanne Killmer
Tena Spelman says:
August 24, 2011
We have a lot of memories of Steve, he always treated me and my kids, Ashlee and Kathrin as family. Steve was a man among men and always lived by his own rules. He will always be remembered as Uncle Steve and will be in our hearts forever. With sad thoughts and heavy hearts we will always remember the good times spent with him. Until we meet again your sister in law and nieces will always love you.
Tommy Apostolides says:
August 24, 2011
Michelle; it is with a heavy heart to learn that Steve has passed and gone onto greener pastures. Even though we only knew one another a very short time I felt we could have been good ol boys forever.
Angela Schiffman says:
August 25, 2011
Deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the wonderful family Steve loved and devoted his life to. As a caring, thoughtful neighbor and friend, he will be dearly missed and always remembered with joy and affection.