Steven Alan Gibson
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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Steven Alan Gibson of Olathe, Kansas, on February 22, 2025 at the age of 71. Steve will live in our hearts forever.
Steve is survived by his wife Sandra (Sandy Streff) Gibson. A love story that has spanned nearly 40 years since their 1985 wedding at Luce Park Rose Garden, Kansas City, Missouri. This union brought Steve the blessing, excitement and commitment of helping raise Jason (Carla) Williams of Topeka, Kansas, and Amory (Jeriah) Whitcraft of Spring Hill, Kansas. He was lovingly referred to as Papa Steve by his six grandchildren: Charissa, Richard, Emily, Kaylie, Hagan and Haylee.
Steve was predeceased by his parents Clarence (CB) and Lorraine (Lemon) Gibson of Salina, Kansas, and two brothers, Fordyce Gibson of Salina, Kansas, and Fred Gibson of Colorado Springs, CO. His sister, Louvae Dutton of Anderson, Indiana, survives.
Steve was a member of the 1971 graduating class of Salina Central High School. He was a self-taught guitarist and went on to fulfill his dream of playing in a rock-n-roll band. He was the lead guitarist and vocalist for the band Plain Jane. March 2010, the band’s success earned them the honor of induction into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame. It was a most memorable reunion for the band with a fanfare celebration at Liberty Hall in Lawrence, Kansas, shared by family, friends, and groupies.
Steve graduated from Johnson County Community College in 1985 with an Associate of Arts degree. He shared his love of math by tutoring other students in the JUCO math department. In 1990, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas.
He was recruited by the Intel Corporation while still a student at KU. Upon graduation, he and Sandy left Olathe, Kansas, for Folsom, California, where Steve began his engineering career at Intel. He served in several positions throughout his twenty-four years with the company.
In 1997, Steve’s work with Intel brought he and Sandy to reside in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment”. Steve truly considered this “home” for twenty-eight years.
Steve was an accomplished musician, engineer, and pilot. He and Sandy owned a Mooney M20A airplane with two of Steve’s Intel friends. Some of the places they flew to were Kansas, Arizona, Idaho, Kerrville, Texas, and Colorado Springs and Walsenburg, Colorado. His passions were flying, riding his motorcycle, hiking and biking all over New Mexico.
In 2022, Steve and Sandy (The Gibsons), just as Kansans do, returned to Olathe, Kansas where it all began, to be closer to family. His love of family included his many nieces and nephews, and the greats too.
Steve did not wish for a service but for his ashes to be spread back in New Mexico where he truly loved living.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Olathe Family YMCA located at 21400 W. 153rd St. Olathe, KS 66061 where Steve was an avid swimmer.
Steve,
Your memory is a keepsake from which I’ll never part. God has you in his arms, I have you in my heart. My favorite place in all the world was next to you.
All My Love,
Sandy
Dear Sandy,
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Steve. I can honestly say he was one of the most coolest people I’ve ever known.
Steve was incredibly smart and easy to work with. He truly cared about people and his presence made working at Intel not only more productive, but also a much more enjoyable place to be.
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. If you decide to have a ceremony here in New Mexico, when spreading his ashes, please let me know, I would like to attend.
Oh Sandy I am so sorry to hear this news. What an amazing life he led and your many years together. Sending you my sincere condolences, love and a hug.
Sandy we are so sorry to hear of your loss and we extent our most heartfelt condolence to you and the family.
Sandy: you have written a beautiful tribute. I was so lucky to be able to work with Steve for so many years. He taught me so much. I will miss him greatly.
Jeff
Dear Sandy,
I can never thank you and Steve enough for looking out for my Dad in Rio Rancho. Steve was such good company for my Dad while enjoying their Friday beer tastings. I sure hope they are together again. You have become part of our family and we will miss Steve very much.
Love, Sue
Dear Sandy, I am still in shock and admire your strength and faith guiding you through this difficult time. I cherish my Gibson SG that Steve sent to me in 1985 and play it always remembering Steve. I am grateful for all of the memories with him throughout my lifetime and always had a great admiration for all of his accomplishments. Love, Chris
Sandy, such a nice tribute to Steve. I’m very sad about his passing. I played gigs in many of the same rooms which he played in the 70s and early 80s in my band, the Kinetics. He will be missed!
Sandy, my heart goes out to you and your family. I’m sorry for your loss, and mine. We worked and played together for eleven years and then, sadly, let life get in the way and lost track. I remember the day you two met, it seems like last week. I’m glad you were in his life. Thanks for taking care of him all these years. I’m sure he’s looking in on you.
Sandy, so grateful to have known and worked with Steve during my years with Plain Jane. He was the easiest guy to work with and left me with a load of great memories. I am doubly grateful for our brief visit when you and Steve came to our home in Colorado a couple years ago. So, as Rick has said, your loss is our loss too. Thank you for being with him now and always.
Sandy, our deepest sympathy on the loss of Steve. I met him at Intel, we worked together and became friends, hiked and cycled together here in California. Steve had a calm, easy way about him, and a wonderful dry sense of humor. He went to my wedding to Laura and our son took his first steps when he visited our house years ago! We will miss him. You and he are in our thoughts and prayers.
In Memory of Steve Gibson: A Tribute to an Extraordinary Soul
Steve Gibson was more than just a colleague – he was a remarkable human being who touched the lives of those around him with his exceptional talents, quiet strength, and indomitable spirit. As a colleague at Intel in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, I was privileged to know Steve not just as a professional, but as a friend who embodied excellence in every aspect of his life.
The Aquatic Maestro
In the pool, Steve was nothing short of poetry in motion. His swimming was so fluid, so precise that we affectionately called him “coach.” Watching him glide through the water was like observing a dolphin – effortless, graceful, and breathtakingly beautiful. His flip turns were legendary, a testament to his athleticism and dedication to perfection. During our lunch breaks at Defined Fitness, Steve didn’t just swim; he transformed swimming into an art form, inspiring those around him to improve their own technique.
A Renaissance Man
Steve’s talents extended far beyond the swimming pool. An incredible engineer, a skilled private pilot who practically crafted his own aircraft, and a talented musician – he was a true Renaissance man. His musical journey included playing in PLAIN JANE, a band that left its mark on the local music scene. Each of his pursuits was characterized by the same meticulous attention to detail and passion that defined his professional and personal life.
The Quiet Depth of a Gentle Soul
Those who knew Steve understood the truth of the saying “still waters run deep.” His quiet demeanor belied a profound, soulful nature. Always kind, always wearing a warm smile, Steve had a way of making those around him feel valued and understood. His presence was a calm in any storm, a quiet strength that spoke volumes without saying much.
A Life Well-Lived
The shock of losing Steve – a man of such vitality and health – is a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability. Yet, his legacy is not defined by the length of his life, but by its incredible depth and breadth. To his beloved wife Sandy, may the memories of your happy years together bring comfort and peace.
Steve Gibson, you moved through life like you moved through water – with grace, precision, and an effortless beauty that inspired all who were fortunate enough to know you.
Rest in peace, my friend. Save me a spot out there.