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Lester LeRoy Steers
06/16/1917 — 01/23/2003
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Rhonerville, California
Lester LeRoy Steers
Les Steers went to be with the Lord on January 23, 2003. He was born in Rhonerville CA June 16, 1917. Les will not only be remembered for his world records set in the high jump, but for his love for his family, especially his wife Marjorie to whom he was married for 62 years. Les was preceded in death by his brothers, John and Sam; and grandchildren, Joshua Oja and Brooke Zachow. Les is survived by his wife Marjorie of Richland WA, sister Alice Wentworth of Paducah, KY, son Les Steers Jr Phyllis, Camas WA, daughters Carolyn Sargent Fred, Richland WA, Jane Minckler Michael , Bend OR, and Susan Howell Dean, Tigard, OR and 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Les is survived by grandson Greg Sargent Kristen of Canton OH, and granddaughters, Katie Grant Brad and Emily Gebers Boyd, both of Kennewick.
Les Steers could have been the world's first seven-foot high jumper had not World War II come along. Steers, a University of Oregon athlete set two world records in 1941, first going over 6'-10 3/4'', then on June 17 clearing 6' 11'', a mark that would stand for 12 years.
The family is asking for any donations to be made to the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame Eugene, OR
Listening to Les talk about all his memories of touring Europe and being able to remember all the athlete’s names and what they did. In his last days, he was slow because of several strokes he suffered about 4 years ago. But, I listened to him talk to someone who had called who remembered him when he was high jumping and he went on and on talking about everything that happened way back then. It was incredible to listen to him. He was an incredible athlete!!
May the God of all comfort be with you and your family.
The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells in the sand
The sun goes down but gentle warmth – still lingers on the land
The music stops and yet – echoes on in sweet refrains
For every joy that passes something beautiful remains!
M D Hughes
I am sorry for your loss. Although I never met him I was an admirer of Mr. Steers. I followed his track career with great interest. He will be missed.
He was a man of few words. A man of great humility. My grandpa loved life. He loved people with his whole heart. Everyone who met him instantly liked him. They liked his gentle smile and his wonderful sense of humor. He didn’t have to say the words “I love you.” You just knew he did. His actions and his sincerity were words enough. He was a man of great strength. A man who achieved more that most of us could dream; but he didn’t dwell on that. He didn’t boast; he wasn’t prideful. He was caring and loving. He always made sure we were safe, always concerned about others. I look at my grandpa’s life and I see an amazing man. I will always remember him for his laugh and for that twinkle in his eyes. I will remember his big hugs and all the jokes he made. I will never forget my grandpa. He is an unforgettable man.
~I love you, Grandpa, and miss you!
My heartfelt sympathy to the family of Les Steers. I’m glad to have known him over the years.
Dear Marge,
We have definitely entered into the modern world with this way of expressing our condolences!
Our hearts and our prayers are with you and your family at this time. We hope that your good memories, loving family, caring friends and the passage of time will help ease your sorrow.
Fondly
Jackie & Stan Constantine
In loving memory
Les was our neighbor in Tigard for 8 years. When we moved away we both missed he & Marge like our own parents. He was a wonderful man with a heart of gold and we will miss him more than we know. He was our neighbor, friend and so much more. Our sympathy goes to Marge& her family for her loss.
My thoughts are with your family at the moment, particularly Les and Phyllis. Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss.
It was with sadness that I have learned of Les Steers passing. I remember looking at the sports clippings which Carolyn showed of his great accomplishments as an athlete and learned what a good father and grandfather he was to his children and grandchildren. My condolences and sympathy to the family.
I did not know Les, but he was a presence in much of my life. I said hello to him on the occasion of his induction into the Track and Field Hall of Fame some years ago. And I witnessed some of his athletic achievements. Among them: Competing for the San Francisco Olympic Club against Stanford while an eighth-grader at a Palo Alto grammar school; winning the NCAA meet in 1941 in the Stanford Stadium with a jump close to his 6-11 world record set a few days earlier. I was four years behind him at Palo Alto High School, and he was already a legend three times state champion among other things! by the time I entered high school in 1939. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Bill Allen
Listening to Les talk about all his memories of touring Europe and being able to remember all the athlete’s names and what they did. In his last days, he was slow because of several strokes he suffered about 4 years ago. But, I listened to him talk to someone who had called who remembered him when he was high jumping and he went on and on talking about everything that happened way back then. It was incredible to listen to him. He was an incredible athlete!!
May the God of all comfort be with you and your family.
The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells in the sand
The sun goes down but gentle warmth – still lingers on the land
The music stops and yet – echoes on in sweet refrains
For every joy that passes something beautiful remains!
M D Hughes
I am sorry for your loss. Although I never met him I was an admirer of Mr. Steers. I followed his track career with great interest. He will be missed.
He was a man of few words. A man of great humility. My grandpa loved life. He loved people with his whole heart. Everyone who met him instantly liked him. They liked his gentle smile and his wonderful sense of humor. He didn’t have to say the words “I love you.” You just knew he did. His actions and his sincerity were words enough. He was a man of great strength. A man who achieved more that most of us could dream; but he didn’t dwell on that. He didn’t boast; he wasn’t prideful. He was caring and loving. He always made sure we were safe, always concerned about others. I look at my grandpa’s life and I see an amazing man. I will always remember him for his laugh and for that twinkle in his eyes. I will remember his big hugs and all the jokes he made. I will never forget my grandpa. He is an unforgettable man.
~I love you, Grandpa, and miss you!
My heartfelt sympathy to the family of Les Steers. I’m glad to have known him over the years.
Dear Marge,
We have definitely entered into the modern world with this way of expressing our condolences!
Our hearts and our prayers are with you and your family at this time. We hope that your good memories, loving family, caring friends and the passage of time will help ease your sorrow.
Fondly
Jackie & Stan Constantine
In loving memory
Les was our neighbor in Tigard for 8 years. When we moved away we both missed he & Marge like our own parents. He was a wonderful man with a heart of gold and we will miss him more than we know. He was our neighbor, friend and so much more. Our sympathy goes to Marge& her family for her loss.
My thoughts are with your family at the moment, particularly Les and Phyllis. Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss.
It was with sadness that I have learned of Les Steers passing. I remember looking at the sports clippings which Carolyn showed of his great accomplishments as an athlete and learned what a good father and grandfather he was to his children and grandchildren. My condolences and sympathy to the family.
I did not know Les, but he was a presence in much of my life. I said hello to him on the occasion of his induction into the Track and Field Hall of Fame some years ago. And I witnessed some of his athletic achievements. Among them: Competing for the San Francisco Olympic Club against Stanford while an eighth-grader at a Palo Alto grammar school; winning the NCAA meet in 1941 in the Stanford Stadium with a jump close to his 6-11 world record set a few days earlier. I was four years behind him at Palo Alto High School, and he was already a legend three times state champion among other things! by the time I entered high school in 1939. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Bill Allen
An idol whose feats inspired my efforts as a high jumper. Although we never met his influence in the community of high jump and track and field, was beyond what many including Mr Steers may have thought.
I love you and miss you, Grandpa! You have meant so much to me!
Hi family! I love you!
Carolyn and Fred:
Our heart goes out to you and your family. Your father lived a full and memorable life. I enjoyed reading about him and his accomplishments. And, seeing the faces of people we have been praying for means a lot to me. It is a blessing that he did not suffer. It is our prayer that your mom’s transition will be a smooth one and that the Lord will comfort you all during this time. God Bless You.
Dave and Patti Milton
My deepest condolences to all the mebers of Les’s family. U of O and USA Track and Field has lost one of its all time stars as well as a very nice gentleman.
Randy Huntington U of O alumni
USATF Sports Science Technical Coordinator
USATF Master Coach-Jumps
United States Olympic Training Center – San Diego
2800 Olympic Parkway
Chula Vista, CA 91915
Guestbook for
Lester LeRoy Steers