I knew Steve through one of his dearest friends, Michelle Harkins, and I was always thrilled to see him when he came to Albuquerque. The first time I met Steve at Michelle's house, his outrageousness, frankness, potty mouth, and infectious laugh had me hooked...and in tears from laughter within about 10 minutes of our first meeting, more than a decade ago. In this photo of us, I'm certain he's missing the shirt he'd worn to Michelle's wedding because we were sweating to death from all the dancing. Steve didn't just embrace life - he squeezed it so hard it had no choice but to squeal a little and succumb to his wishes.

Thank you for calling a spade a spade (well, a F*&%ing spade, to be precise), for your laugh, for your whole-body smile, and your complete and utter lack of bull*&^$. Your spirit shines so brightly, I hold onto the hope we can all keep it burning within us for a very, very long time to come.