Steven Robert Saindon

Steven Robert Saindon left this world on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, after a brave fight with cancer. Steve was born on October 5, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan to Jo Ann and Robert Saindon. He played baseball and was a Boy Scout, eventually achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Steve’s life was shaped by family to whom he remained close with throughout his life, including his sister Linda, cousin Jan De Armas, Uncle Howie, and Auntie Dot. Steve attended Michigan State University, becoming the first in his family to graduate from college, and would forever remain an avid Spartan fan.

After college, Steve joined the United States Air Force as a second lieutenant and traveled where duty called. He later transferred to the Air Force Reserves. In 1985, Steve graduated from the University of St. Mary’s School of Law and embarked on an esteemed legal career. He found his calling as a plaintiff trial attorney, taking great pride in helping his clients during difficult moments and zealously advocating on their behalf, particularly before a jury. He was a gifted orator, able to distill complicated facts into a straightforward and convincing argument.

Steve was humble, generous, and effortlessly likable. He made and maintained lifelong friendships through every chapter of his life—grade school, the Air Force, law school, his legal career, and retirement. Steve was a loyal and beloved friend who was there for his friends in good times and at their hardest moments, without a second thought. He jumped at the opportunity to help in any way he could, offer advice, or simply stand alongside a friend in solidarity.

Steve had three children: Michael, Christopher, and Kimberly, whom he shared with his former wife, Debra Barnes. Steve was tremendously proud of his children and took great joy in being involved in their lives. He was a constant source of guidance and support (“Hey troops!”), and his influence helped shape the people they became.

On November 4, 2006, Steve married Dolores (Dee) Calderon. They enjoyed a loving marriage of nearly 20 years, spending half the year in San Antonio, Texas and summers in Charlevoix, Michigan. Steve was welcomed by Dee’s large and lovable family, including Dee’s children, Bianca (Benji) Mulloy and Frank Ryan (Katharine) Humada.

Steve retired at 50 and pursued numerous hobbies and interests, including earning his pilot’s license and flying his Cessna, golfing at several famous courses, volunteering with the USO, and even playing the ukulele. He was also a political commentator to any willing listener. He loved to travel and visited numerous countries, most recently Iceland and Portugal last year. Steve loved his summers in Charlevoix and was at his happy place on Lake Michigan behind the wheel of his boat.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Jo Ann and Robert Saindon; and his beloved son, Michael Robert Saindon (“Michael boy”). Steve is survived by his loving wife, Dee; children, Christopher (Caitlin) Saindon of Bentonville, Arkansas, and Kimberly (Benedict) Volk of New York, New York; beloved granddaughter, Claire Lillian Volk; and his sister, Linda (Ted) Kolks of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Steve will live on in the hearts of his friends, family, and the many people whose lives he shaped. A celebration of Steve’s life will be held in Charlevoix, Michigan, next summer, where family and friends will gather on Lake Michigan to honor his memory and scatter his ashes. Details will be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Steve’s memory.