RIP… My Dear Friend
I’m in mourning today.
As I sit here in a small hotel room in Seattle preparing to emcee an event that celebrates life I mourn the passing of two great men. One you have come to know just as I have through the big screen, our television sets, and perhaps over a bowl of his own popcorn.
Paul Newman who once said, “If you’re playing a poker game and you look around the table and can’t tell who the sucker is, it’s you.”
The other once said, “If they need me, I’ll be there.” And he always was. Steve Stone was my very dear friend.
Steve and I worked together for over 12 years as host and co-host of the then popular Fox Sports TV show, Muscle Sport USA. We traveled all over North America together capturingamature and professional bodybuilding and fitness. We would often work until the wee hours of the morning editing and doing voice overs for the show.
One time we were in the studio until 5am which really wasn’t that unusual. Steve then generously gave me a ride to my Manhattan apartment where I planned to crash from exhaustion for the next 15 hours. Steve on the other hand was headed directly to the Tribeca High School auditorium where he would spend the next 15 grueling hours first setting up and then expediting some body building contest.
I asked, “Are you crazy?” His reply was as it always was, “I know, I know…but here’s the thing, they’re counting on me to be there, plus…” They always counted on him to be there and he never let them down.
Steve’s dedication to life and living it to the fullest meant trips to Vermont, Colorado and where ever the adventure would take him usually on his skis or mountain bike and always with his beautiful and loving wife, Andrea. His love, dedication and contribution to the sport of bodybuilding and fitness was only surpassed by his love for his wife. They were truly soulmates.
Steve died yesterday in Las Vegas after collapsing back stage at the Mr. Olympia contest where he was the chief expeditor. For many aspiring young bodybuilders and fitness competitors the “Olympia” is the pinnacle of success. For Steve, who’s life was devoted to serving others through his ability to help produce first class entertainment and keep the show moving without even a noticeable hiccup he too had reached the pinnacle.
Steve died doing what he loved– making a difference in the lives of those people he touched and I’m very proud to have been one of them.
Perhaps Steve and Paul are looking across the poker table at each other right now and thinking, “There’s no sucker at this table.”
RIP Steve… You too, Paul.
September 29th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
My heart grieves… I’ve known Steve for well over twenty-five years. To all who knew Steve, really knew him, I know you are profoundly mourning with me. He is a good soul, and a great man with talents only few knew of but many benefited from. He is truly a legend in this world of NPC, IFBB, Bodybuilding, Fitness and figure. Steve’s untimely exit from his life has left a hole in the hearts of many.
Whenever I attend, judge or help expedite any NPC or IFBB event and I look up at the stage, there will always be an element of Stone, in the wings, doing what he loved best.
God bless to all,
Denise H. Ponce
September 30th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Musclesport USA was one of my top five shows to watch.
The banter between Tom and Steve, the moments with athletes after the dramatic outcomes, the fitness tips, were moments to remember if not capture on VHS.
I hoped for a resurgence in the health and fitness community to bring bodybuilding (especially natural bodybuilding) to the forefront, but it looks like Buffet, Gates, and the other three thousand billionaires have smaller fish to fry.
I hope that the new Olympia champion will be the kind of ambassador to the sport that Steve was, maybe he and Jay could be the new Steve and Tom!
How strong is his wonderful wife, to be standing there the very next night? What a testament to his zeal.
May we all find such enthusiasm.
October 7th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Kevin M Says:
October 6th, 2008 at 10:59 am e
I was not involved in Steve’s bodybuilding world, but I always admired his great looks and youthful appearance. I was privledged to have Steve as my friend and neighbor for the past 12 years. Steve and his wife Andrea have been the best neighbors anyone could ever dream of. My wife and children adore them. Steve and I made easy friends from day one. His easy going personality and gentle smile made him one of a kind. We had alot in common. We both enjoyed working outdoors as well as creating many household projects. I could always count on Steve for a helping hand. I am going to miss him tremendously. In the summer we would take great pride in our landscaping. In the winter we worked together clearing our driveways of snow and Steve insisted on clearing all the neighbors driveways as well. We both had a love of dogs and many of our conversations were centered around his Bulldog Angus and My German Shepherd Shane. Because of our busy schedules some days in passing our words were brief. I would give him a “Stevo” and he would return with a “Kevo”. There will never be a another neighbor like Steve. He was one of a kind and once in a lifetime friend. My family will never be the same, but our lives are much richer because of him. Until we meet again Stevo I will miss you and love you…….Kevo
please feel free to post on my blog in Steve’s memory http://stevestone.blog.com/