Stephen Michael Bridges

Stephen M Bridges served in the Army during Vietnam and spent another 20 years in the NAVY before becoming a professional artist and entertainer. He is survived by one brother, two ex-wives, many kids and grandkids. His last wife did not outlast him.

Steve, as he was known to most, was a character. He told grand stories, most of the facts of which were even true. Growing up in a Marine household and spending decades in the military his humor was both dry, macabre and a bit twisted. It was also funny.

Steve loved life and living. He enjoyed people watching. He loved his plants. He delighted in seeing his turtles grow and finding baby turtles in the fall. Strangely in 2024 we found hatchlings in the spring. He habitually shot with his son and grandkids at the range on Sunday mornings and fell asleep watching movies on Sunday afternoons. He discovered a love of running after leaving the military and spent many a Saturday getting sweaty and sore at races around Florida.

When he was diagnosed with lung cancer early in 2024 he did appreciate that his family in California came out to visit before the surgery, especially his youngest daughter. He did not always have the closest relationship with his kids. At the end of his life there was a bit of healing.

Steve was many things including flawed, like all the rest of us. He died peacefully in his sleep at home surrounded by his family and critters he loved. It was a good death. He sleeps till Christ returns.