Stephen Blakley Memorial

Steve Blakley was born on June 2, 1951 in Corvallis, Oregon. He moved to Caldwell with his family when he was three years old. He attended Caldwell schools and graduated from Caldwell High School in 1969. During High School he was President of the National Honor Society, he received an award as outstanding music student, was a President of the Madrigals, and was a representative to Boy’s State. Steve attended Lewis and Clark College in Portland where he participated in the Overseas Study Program. He studied at the University of Hokkaido in Sapporo, Japan, the University Seminar House in Hachioji and the Asian Center in Akasaka. He also attended Portland State University where he studied Children’s theatre. After college, Steve moved to Los Angeles where he was active in television and screenwriting. His work involved travel to Africa and Rome. He later started an advertising copyright business in California, which he continued until his illness worsened. Steve was a loving, caring person. He has been memorialized by friends and family in song, poetry, and art as evidence by the following quotation: “Raconteur, gardener, host, artist, copywriter, confidant, wit collector, reader, cook, board member, singer, playwright, trick-or-treater. Steve was an adored friend to so many who were drawn by his compelling charm, highly developed sense of the absurd, and keen intelligence.” Steve Blakley died of complications associated with AIDS Friday, May 3, 1996.