Hey / Vicki Elmore (sister-in-law)
Hey,
 This time last year we'd just returned from California. I can't tell you all just how fortunate we were to have made that trip. 
 We had never expected to have the best days with Steve and our family that we'd ever had...but it sure turned out that way.
 Actually, we hadn't any real expectations for the trip at all. But something just clicked and the days went by oh so fast but oh so nicely. It felt like we'd returned home from a long trip away. That ol' comfortable feeling set in when our feet entered through the door. 
 It reminded me of a time when Steve and I sat down in our living room and he asked me a question about a song. ( Sharon, it was that summer when you guys moved in with us in the house with that damned ugly rainbow stripped shag carpet, that smelled bad,  all through that long living room and the rest of the house. It was the house inside of a trailer park. Remember ? ) Anyway...
 I found that Steve shared a love for music similar to my own. ( All family members can attest to my passion for a variety of music. As I told Steve, anything but opera. Why not opera ? They get soooo testy if you try to sing along ! Shhheeeese !)
 We must've spent a couple of hours just talking about which songs had the most meaningful lyrics...who wrote it...etc. He was surprised to find that the members of Buffalo Sprngfld was a who's who list of major players from other major bands. ( They did " For What It's Worth ", and has that stricking unforgetable & always recognizable intro of just about any song ever making the top 10 ) I was so totally delighted to find that Steve knew so much about it. Here we were in the same family and I hadn't known how into music he was.  That placed him high on my list right then !  It set up an ease of talking with him from then on. He made it comfortable.
 But ya know, I think Steve had so many talents that will keep him in our memory forever.  If you never entered his home...it's a shame. It's a place where you will never feel like a stranger. Everyone is made to feel welcome and glad that you stopped by. 
 Steve taught that warmth by example. The whole family is like that. Sharon is one sister that makes you feel like family. The kids, Sherry and Kurt may have their sibling fights, but they too care so much.  It breaks my heart to share our broken hearts now over such a loss of such a great man.
 Steve may differ from many but he never allowed that difference to seperate you.  He held people in high respect.  Always with dignity you could actually feel.  And whatever he had ... you had.  I'd rather share a hot dog with him than steak and lobster with a King.  Trust me, he could make you enjoy the time it takes to eat one hot dog.
 His sense of humor was fabulous. Just as many of the Elmore boys... he could repeat the ol' days stories in a way you'd never get tired of hearing.
 Sharon, it wasn't just Steve either. You had the coolest parents. I can remember them driving hours to Banning then getting back in their car for another hours drive to come hear me sing at whatever club I was at that night ! Now how cool is that !
 And by the way... that summer we shared that house together... it's also the time you taught me how to make better sausage gravy. Remember that ?  Man that damned electric stove in that lil kitchen would keep it hot in their for hours ! I can honestly say, I still make a mean skillet of sausage gravy ! Larry likes my chicken gravy the best though.
 Ya know, I think Steve was the first Elmore who gave me any credit for knowing how to cook anything. Of course when you compete with Mom... ya loose ! ha ha If I could only get her pie crust down....grrr. That's just a lost cause for me. So, we eat more cake ! : )
 Sherry, do you remember the 4th of July that Uncle Larry and I took you and Kurt to Disneyland with us? Wow, what a fireworks display.  Your Dad must've thanked us for including you two 5 or 6 times. But it truly was our pleasure.
 Thanks for such a great time last year. We're so grateful to have had such wonderful days to say good-bye to such a great guy.  I don't think we'd have forgiven ourselves if we hadn't of gone and seen him for that one last time. And what about that spirit he had !  Up to the end... he never lost that. Such a gracious man indeed. They can't take that away from us. It will forever be in our hearts.
 We may be scattered across the many miles but don't you ever think we forget you or don't pray for you.  You'll never know how much you all are in our thoughts.  You are family that we do love and appreciate  having. I sure wished we all lived closer to each other. Especially since this is one of the earliest and coldest winters on record.
 Know that your Dad kept the past alive with his love of music. Did I tell you that I dedicated a song to him when I was still dj'n at the oldies station here ? I told him that last year. He asked if I really did !  Of course I did.  Then he asked which one. I was quick to tell him it was, " For What It's Worth".  :)
 I love the sight and I love you guys. Thanks again for last year. We did truly enjoy seeing all of you, having the time with Steve, seeing all in Oregon and getting to know Simone, our newest member.  I wish I'd been better company.  Heck, find me a stage and I'll do better !
 Please take good care of each other. Know that your Dad isn't far.  He's right here with each and every one of us.
 To all our family that we miss... have a Merry Christmas and know we're thinking and missing each of you. Oh, I almost forgot to mention... it was great getting to spend a lil time with Ken too. We always enjoy Vickie Lee but now it's so cool to have time to know Ken more. I hope we have more of that soon. Someone has to come our waaaaaaaaay ! 
 I gotta go. I've just been home from a hosp stay for 2 days now and I'm a bit tired. Don't worry... I'm doing okay. Just hate that it's a time when I have so much to get done.  You all take care and we love you much.

Vicki and Larry
Close

Steve came to the rescue!  / Jay Elmore (Brother)
Bro, remember the time when you and Monte came to Mine, Vickie, & Allen's rescue!?!?  On Hoffer Street in Banning!?!?  I was about 20 guys to 2, and both of you handled our business, and we had no problems after that!  I'll never forget that night.
Love you little big brother, & miss you too!
Jay & Simone Close

I THINK I FINALLY GOT MY WAY ON THIS SITE  / SHERRY (DAUGHTER)

Ok so it's been a year I have been trying to get the darn song "My Way" on here. Can someone please let me know if they here it also!!! I added a couple of pics to the site too.
Well my friend Dixie had an idea of us leaving a favorite memory or story of my dad, and I have soooo many that I wouldn't know where to start. So I thought I might jot down a few of his quotes I guess I could call them quotes, like this is one: "I'm as serious as a heart attack", "If I'm lying I'm dying", "Did you see that? it plumb retched all the way over there", or one I'm sure my brother remembers. "If I have to pull this car over I'm gonna whip both your asses, (the car never did get pulled over by the way) or when we needed to borrow money, "I'm gonna do it this time, but I'm gettin' tired of this" and the fondest one that my Dad told us quite often was "I love You" some may have seen him as a mean, unsociable man, but he wasn't he was just onery as heck, but had a heart of gold. I also want to thank everyone for the candles they have lit and the thoughts the many have shared it means the world to me and my family. I love you guys!!! and Dad I love you and miss you very much.

Close

We miss you  / Janice (sis-in-law)
Hey Steve: Today I thought not only of you but my sister, niece, nephew and your grandkids.  We all miss you very much, more than words can even say.  I know this year has been a tough one for all of them.  I try to ease the pain with my prayers for them and I pray that it has helped. I want to say thanks for love and memories you gave them (and boy are there plenty).  Thank u for my niece & nephew they are awesome.  I think my sister has picked up some of your ways, u know starting a million things at one time and not feeling like she is getting anywhere, LOL.  Steve watch over them they are so lost and lonely without you.  I know if u could you'd reach out and touch them it would help a little, so maybe I'll ask god to help u do that.  Know that there isn't day that goes by that you are not remembered.  We'll keep u alive in our hearts alsways.  Could you tell mom, dad, and mike that I miss them like crazy.  I only wish I could bring all of you back home to us.  So give us the beat sometime.  We love u.  Always Jan and Family Close

Steve I miss You  / Sharon (Wife)
Steve,
It's been a year since you left us. I just wanted to tell you how much I miss you and to say thanks for our years together. Thanks for our daughter Sherry and our son Kurt. We did a pretty good job with the two of them. Thanks for all the things we shared through the years. I have so many memories to help me through these times. So until we our together again, remember I will always love you. The kids and I will always keep your memory alive. Until later see ya.
Love you always,
Sharon Close

One year ago  / Sherry (Daughter)
Dad,
It's about 1am on 12-14-05. I can't go to sleep because I am re-living the events of last year at this time. Last year I still had you here. You might not have been up and around but you were not gone yet. I know you would not want me to be crying, but I can't stop the tears from falling. My heart hurts, really bad. I miss you so much it physically hurts. Sometimes I think I would be better just to be there with you, but then what would Mom do.
Speaking of Mom as I came over here to the computer I found a letter to you from her and I will write it for her, which is really hard to do. I know she hurts just as bad, if not worse than I do. Kurt, who know him, doesn't ever say much, but I know he hurts also as do the kids. Well Dad, we survived this year but it was very painful and we will keep going on because that is what you would want from us. I will always Love and Miss you forever.
Your Daughter,
Sherry Lynn Close

Happy turkey day  / Sherry (Daughter)
Dad
How much we missed you today you will never know. Uncle Donald was here and it made it a lil' easier because he is so much a part of you. I love and miss you.
Love Sherry Close

Happy Thanksgiving  / Sharon (Wife)
Steve I know you were with us today. I love and miss you sooo much.
Love Sharon Close

Hey / Andrew (Grandson)
just wanted to say happy ThanksGivin and i love u and i know u love me k..PEACE Close

Just doing a little updating  / Sherry (daughter)
Hey Dad..I'm here just doing a lil' updating and changing a couple of things on your website. Did you ever think you would have your own website? You know Dad when I come onto this website I feel like you are really listening to me. Who knows maybe you are..I like to think you are. I feel really close to you here, maybe its because I see your pictures and I see others write things and it helps me alot. I can't believe it's been almost a year since you have been gone. Sometimes it seems like it has been forever and some days it seems as though it was yesterday. Dad I might have said this before in one of my letters, but I remember you saying you hope that when you die that your memory stays alive forever. You know how we always talked about Uncle Earl, and you would say I hope when I die, I stay alive as long as he has. I know you meant his memory. Well if I have anything to do with it (there goes that whistler) you will stay alive as long as I am. I love and miss you so very much. Back to the whistler, you don't know how much Mom wishes she would of given him to you before you left, but it was a Christmas present and you know Mom she never gives in like me, HA! I just can't keep surprises. You know that.
Well I better go it is 2 in the morning and mom just got up, she has to be at work at 3am. Crazy huh? She hates this shift. Anyways I love and miss you and until we are all together again you better get that house built you told me you would have waiting for all of us, and I hope you enjoy all the fishing you said you would be doing while you were waiting on us. Again Ilove and miss you, Sherry Lynn. Close

Hey DAD  / Sherry (daughter)
Hey Dad
It's me again. I just wanted to say hi and see what was going on, on the website. I see Stephanie wrote you a note. See we are all thinking of you all of the time. I keep finding those dimes on the ground also.
Hey dad if you have in pull up there, give Michael and his mom a little strength these next few weeks. Bettie has surgery in the morning to remove both breasts and Michael is extremely worried. I will be there with them. I'll be making the Blythe to Indio trip in the morning. So hey if you want to take a ride jump in with me. I Love and miss you Dad. Close

Missing You  / Stephanie Elmore (niece)
I sit here and reflect on the past and all the memories of fun and happy times ....And I MISS YOU!! I MISS MY WHOLE FAMILY!!! I miss you,Uncle Steve, and I think about you all the time. And I miss you,Aunt Sharon and Sherry! I hate being so far from my Family....Us Elmore's need to stick together! Sherry, I wish I was there to keep you company!!Keep your heads up!! Don't forget about me...I'll be back in Cali someday soon.We miss you and love you all very much!!! Close

Sending a message to u all  / Janice (sister-in-law)
Hey Steve just thought I'd drop a few lines.  Can u let Mike know I felt him on the 4th and even after 10 years I still miss him like it was yesterday, and that I love him.  Tell Mom and Dad I miss and love them so much alsoooooo.  We all miss all of you so much, life is just not the same.  Give us a little beat sometime.  Our love to you always.  Jan Close

Hey Dad  / Sherry (daughter)

I thought I would write you a few lines to let you know that I Love and Miss you..I am sure you know that, but I need to say it anyways. I am having some rough days that I can't talk to anyone about. I keep them all to myself and it is driving me crazy...sometimes I just wish I could stay in bed all day long and not even face the world, but there are bills to pay. I can't let Mom do it on her own. I hate my job, well I really don't hate it, but...I can't even explain it to you, but writing this helps a lil' bit...I am going to look for another job, but in Blythe there are not many oppurtunities. I know I am a smart person and I can do better than I have these last few years...I just hate the rejection that comes along with looking for another job...Oh well I know I will survive this, but at the moment it just seems like everything is all messed up. OK..I  will stop making this sound sooo depressing, you know me though I take everything to heart and right now my heart hurts...I love you Dad......

Close

A NOTE FROM YOUR WIFE  / Sharon Elmore (Wife)

Steve,
I am having Sherry write this for me but these are my words to you, Hon.
I Love You and Life is So Sad and Lonely without you.
Love Sharon

P.S. I love and miss u too Dad, its not getting easier.

Close

Hey Dad  / Sherry

Hey Dad
I havent written in awhile, I have been down in the dumps again. I sure do miss you and I was telling mom the other night it still is not real to me. Why did MY DAD have to go. Not that I wish it on anyone else but why my dad? I was also talking to Michael and he feels bad because he says he should of known something was not right that night and he wishes he wouldnt have left the hospital. He says he thought you would be there when he woke up the next morning. We all did, you were always such the fighter, but I guess fighters give up sometimes huh? Mom says she remembers you saying that morning when you woke up that you were so tired. I'm so sorry there was nothing we could do that could keep you here. I love Dad.

Close

hey / Tori Elmore (grandaughter)
hey grandpa this is tori i love you
 and alot and you are still in are
hearts you will always be with us.
this month is going to be nine
months since you left us.



                                             love,
                                                     tori Close

Just dropping in to say hello  / Sherry

It's me again Dad. Just thinking about you and I thought I would check in and see if anything is happening on your website.
You are on my mind all the time. I never  would have thought you could think about a person as much as I do about you. Or that so many things could remind you of someone, but it happens all the time.
I guess I will go for now Oprah is on and I need to get some things done. I love You Dad. I miss you like crazy.
Love Sherry

Close

"Happy Anniversary"  / Janice (sister-in-law)
Steve & Sharon
"Happy Anniversary"  My thoughts are with you Sharon.  Even though you are not here in person Steve to share this day with my sister I know that you are right there by her side.  Just tiptoe across her heart so she'll feel you. I love and miss you a bunch.  Love Jan Close

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY STEVE  / Sharon Elmore (Wife)

STEVE,
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE YEARS THAT WE HAD. JUST THINK THEY SAID THE TWO OF US WOULD NEVER MAKE IT, GUESS WE FOOLED ALL OF THEM. I WISH YOU WERE HERE WITH ME STEVE, BUT YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART. I LOVE & MISS YOU. UNTIL I SEE YOU AGAIN TAKE CARE & DON'T FORGET ME. MY LOVE  & THOUGHTS WILL BE YOURS FOREVER.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY !
LOVE ALWAYS SHARON
GOODNIGHT STEVE
I LOVE YOU !

Close