Stephen L. Drozda

Steve L. Drozda, 59, of Thornton, was born April 16, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away Tuesday, December 7, 2010. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Cathy, and their children Keeley, Ryan, and Shelly. Also he is survived by his brother Bill, sister-in-law Janet, and brother-in-law Phil Bujorian, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Steve created success in many areas of his life both professionally and personally. He was the owner of a successful business, Aquatic Resources, for 19 years. He never encountered a problem in his business that he couldn't solve to a customer's satisfaction – or beyond. He was a master engineer, troubleshooter, and down-to-earth salesman. Many of his clients and business associates stayed loyal for the two decades he managed and evolved Aquatic Resources. Prior to that, he was Aquatic Supervisor and Head Age Group Swim Coach for the North Jeffco Recreation District in Arvada for 14 years, where he produced some of the best young swimmers in the nation, region, and state. He also contributed his leadership and vision as Age Group Vice Chair for Colorado Swimming, and published several articles to further training and technique innovations to further the sport. Steve enjoyed his role as a mentor to many young professionals in the fields of coaching, aquatic management and developing high quality swim programs that produced champions. Countless families- parents and swimmers - were influenced by his dedication, expertise and passion as a coach . Friendships made over the years from Bishop Noll Institute in Indiana, Eastern Illinois University, the North Jeffco Swim Team, Colorado Swimming, Front Range Barracudas, Valley Pool League, and our neighborhoods all remained close and constant. If a life is measured by the friendships that endure over a lifetime, then Steve was a very, very rich man. Some of his hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping, cheering for Notre Dame, the Broncos, the Rockies, and of course his own children in their various sports (swimming, volleyball, track, soccer), listening to blues music, running, pool playing, all of which he pursued with passion at certain points in his life. Anybody who shared time with Steve knew a good story would always come out of it to laugh about for years to come. Steve was a competitor and fighter to the end, as many who followed his struggle against mantle cell lymphoma and transplant complications knew quite well. He displayed that indominatable will in his swimming career, earning NAIA and Division II college swimming All-American honors and becoming a Small College National Champion at Eastern Illinois University. Steve was also a VNEA pool player champion, and an avid hunter who frequently stocked the freezer with elk, deer, antelope, and even brought home what he termed his ""Make-A-Wish"" moose while undergoing chemotherapy last fall. Steve's dedication and love toward his family were evident in so many ways. He was committed to their participation in sports, travelling with them to out of town meets and competitions, serving on club leadership positions, and cheering them on from the sidelines. He instilled his love of the outdoors by taking the family camping, fishing, and hunting. After his first bout with lymphoma, he ensured that his family enjoyed special vacation memories on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. His pride in his children and family kept him focused on beating cancer and recovering enough so that he could continue to be a motivating force in their lives. In doing so, he became an inspiration to many to take on the long odds and never give up in the face of adversity and challenge. Steve's unique spirit and soul live on now in another dimension – through the legacy of his talented children, the memories of his lifetime friends and loving extended family, and the countless lives inspired by the fight for his earthly life these past 64 months. In honor of Steve – hug your children, be there for people, fight the good fight, pursue your passions, inspire the youth of today, give the world the best you have, and tell the people you care about that you love them every chance you get. In lieu of flowers, Steve had requested that a fund be set up for his children's athletic pursuits. Contact any Vectra Bank Colorado or mail to: Vectra Bank Stephen L. Drozda-Donation Fund 4151 E 136th Avenue Thornton, CO 80602 Additionally, a tax deductible donation in memory of Steve Drozda can be made to: The Nebraska Medical Center Oncology Patient Assistant Funds 987421 Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE 68198-7421 The family also plans a bone marrow registry drive in 2011 to honor Steve's courage and to give other leukemia/lymphoma patients the chance that Steve was blessed to receive through such a donation. Visitation will be held Friday, December 10, 2010, from 5-7PM, with Celebration of his Life to follow at 7PM, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 7577 West 80th Avenue, in Arvada, Colorado. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2010, at 11:30AM, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 11385 Grant Drive, in Northglenn, Colorado. Please share your memories of Steve and condolences with his family by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" tab below.