I just found out that Steve Swor, one of my friends from the radio station, killed himself last week. They found him in his truck in a closed garage on May 15th. He was 38 years old.
I haven’t seen Steve since Annie and I left Ellensburg a few years ago, but we’d been keeping up on him through Eric and Jill. They would tell us that they’d just heard from him, stomping around in the jungles in South America, or visiting family up in Alaska. He had mentioned several times that he wanted to come through Portland to visit, and we were toying with the idea of doing another radio play with him.
I hope no one thinks this is disrespectful, but Steve will always be “Uncle Scotchy” to me. He got the nickname after splitting a bottle with me at a Robbie Burn’s night party at Eric and Jill’s one year. At the radio station, he was legendary for his deep, gravelly voice. I’m sure anyone else who heard that voice would agree that he had a truly sexy on-air persona. He always had a smile on his face and it seemed like he was constantly off to one party or another.
Here’s to you, Steve. You can be sure we’ll be tipping a glass in your memory every year.
Update: Steve’s sister just sent me these two extra photos of Steve. Thank you!
I'm a 30-year-old 
kat Says:
Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at 4:33 pm.
This is just horrible. He was such a neat guy, and seemed to outwardly enjoy life so. I feel terrible that he found himself in a place where hope seemed lost. We’ll remember the man that smiled and laughed and melted us all with his voice.
Janett Says:
Friday, June 1, 2007 at 10:08 pm.
I was once engaged to Steve,and I too,am so heartbroken that he found himself in such a hopeless place. I had just received an email from him that seemed hopeful, he seemed happy and looking forward to the summer.I can’t imagine what happened to make him feel this way. I can’t believe it. If you are interested, or might like to visit his ashes are buried here in Tumwater at the cemetary. (I can’t bring myself to go.)
Joy Says:
Monday, June 18, 2007 at 11:14 pm.
I am Steve’s aunt. I remember him as this extremely bright, funny little boy who loved to perform and was the delight of his family. I am so saddened that he was in such pain that he felt taking his own life was the only way he could find peace. All of his family is heartbroken for the loss of this much loved man.
Phil Says:
Friday, July 27, 2007 at 3:44 pm.
I went to High School with Steve. We were friends then and I remember sitting in my car one night during our senior year talking about what we were going to do with our lives. After graduation we drifted apart and I wandered around the world. We meet up again several years later in Ellensburg. We talked about where we had been and where we were going. I settled down not long after that talk and had always found a sense of happiness knowing that Steve was out there still wandering and wondering. I had always thought that we would see each other again further down the road.
Steve this weekend is our high school reunion and I had no intention of going, you know how I am. The meet and greet at a local bar is tonight and again I had no intention of going. I will go now. I will have a beer and think about the ones we shared, I will regret the conversation that went unfinished, and I will mourn the loss of our future meetings but I will celebrate the fact that you honored me with your time my friend, if I had only known..
Big Sister, Robin Says:
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 7:53 am.
Oh Evets, how I miss you!
I miss your quick wit
Sharing books
Discussing and arguing religion/politics
Payday pizza at the Palmer Hotel
Joking about Wal-Mart
Laughing at ourselves
Introducing you as Stevie and seeing you cringe
Oh sweet little tall brother
Your being gone has caused a chasm in my life
Oh Evets, how I miss you!
Debbie Burdick Says:
Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 10:51 am.
Hi Scott - Thank you for creating this blog. I had no idea
it was here until my sister Robin told me about it. I’m
Steve’s oldest sister Debbie. Steve’s death has left such
a huge hole and void in my heart. I loved him so much.
My family will forever, never be the same. I recently was
going through pictures to prepare a slide show for my
daughters wedding. Oh, I never realized I had so many picures of Steve…. so many happy times. He was such
a fun baby and smart, witty kid. When I was a teenager
he was a kid and we would dance to the music playing on
my stereo. The last time I saw him we laughted because
I had no idea he could remember me harmonizing to Grand
Funk,The Dooby Brothers, and Chicago. I think about Steve
every day, I can’t drive by the Memorial in Tumwater.
It’s too hard.
Oh, Steve, I wish I could call and chat…. The things
I want to tell you… Debbie
Lorelei Says:
Monday, November 5, 2007 at 8:29 pm.
I was friends with Steve when he worked at K-G Men’s store. We all just had the best times together - I adored him. I just found out what happened tonight and my heart is broken. I had always felt that he would work things out inside and get past his demons - I guess he couldn’t. It’s just so hard to believe. To all his family and friends - please know that my prayers are with you.
Kim Brock Says:
Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 7:32 am.
Every time I hear Cake and the Pixies, I will always think of Steve. He had a couple of theme songs that he rocked out to during the college days. During those days, Steve seemed to be a bit on the wild side but heart was always in the right place. I remember his enthusiasm regarding the Native American cause and his sarcastic sense of humor. He was no doubt the Trivial Pursuit champion of Ellensburg. Not only was Steve a smarty pants, he was sensitive too. He talked about how much he loved his family, especially his mother. He openly admitted to being a mama’s boy and was proud of it. I thought that was the sweetest thing I ever heard. A few years ago, I ran into Steve in Ellensburg and he told me about his trip to South America, this was the last time I saw him. Thank you for posting this blog, it was nice to see Steve’s smiling face. He was such a character and he will be missed dearly.
Bubba Says:
Friday, February 8, 2008 at 4:43 pm.
Here are some pictures I have of Steve. Doesn’t seem like enough. Follow the link of the page
http://www.myspace.com/lorenthomaspalmer