Stephen Antonio Alfaro

Ode On The days Following Stephens Passing NO, no, no were the first words passed my lips when I found out about the boy. No as if my unwillingness to accept this could possibly make it not be true. And then my mind raced toward my youth and to an edge where I once stood And in a moment there was no need for further proof. Shakespeare referred to death as the bare ruined choirs where the sweet birds sang. What these words do to convey absence they do not to describe the pain. And how could they-words? Words to express such pain, they could never And thus would not attempt what wails and tears do in vain. Oh and I could write an ode on how things will never be the same. How a child will go without a father And how mothers will deal with all the blame. And how friends who didn’t notice will learn to cope But I would not do so in Stephens name. In Stephens name I would write an epic About a warrior who fought for his family; About a child who grew to be a good man Who gave at cost and died without an enemy. If I could write a poem in Stephens name It would be something gentle, compassionate and sweet. It would reflect all those things that it is hard for a real man to be. And it would confirm Stephens place In our each and every individual history In my poem I’ll pay homage to Stephens youth and inexperience; To how ultimately he taught us all a lesson which is To love your people like it is your last day to do so And to reach out to old friends to make amends. And it would end with our voices speaking in unison Simply saying Thank you Stephen. It is the profound sorrow of his family and friends that we announce the passing of Stephen Antonio Alfaro on, September 30, 2011 at the age of 22. Stephen was born in Spokane, August 30, 1989, but lived the majority of his life in Wenatchee. He passed away at his home in Wenatchee on Friday. His immediate family includes his Mother Stephanie Arleen Alfaro of Wenatchee, his Father, Luis Alfaro of Wapato. Stephen’s siblings were older Brother David Alfaro, youngest Sister Kalista Strickland of Wenatchee, and following him in order of birth was Sister Lilli Alfaro of Bellingham. Stephen was an active and loving uncle to his Niece and Nephew and was the proud Father of his 2 year old son Rylan. His Grandparents were Tom and Arleen Dull of Selah and Josifina Santa Cruz-Ledesma of Michoacan, Mexico and his beloved dog, Bruno. Stephen was preceded in death by Luiz Alfaro-Espinoza, his grandfather. Stephen received his education in the Valley. He attended Cascade Elementary and Sterling Intermediate School of East Wenatchee, before graduating from Eastmont High School in 2008. Throughout his years he amassed hundreds of friends and admirers. Stephen participated in the local sports scene. He wrestled with the Mat Cats in his youth and went on to represent Eastmont on the Varsity Wrestling Team his senior year. Stephen mentored junior wrestlers and went on to fight locally on the MMA scene. As a Mixed Martial Artist, Stephen used his wrestling background to achieve an impressive record of 6 wins and 2 losses. Stephen was a King of the Valley Champion. Stephen worked for Walmart at the time of his death. The community as a whole has lost a warrior for all that is good. A Barbeque is scheduled for family and well-wishers at Hydro Park this Saturday from 2-8:pm. The family has created a memorial fund for Stephen’s services at Cashmere Valley Bank in his Brother David’s name. A $10 dollar donation at the Barbeque will also go toward the Memorial Services to be held at Jones and Jones~Betts Funeral Home on Monday October 10, 2011. Stephen, you were a man who assumed a man’s duty. You fathered your child, loved your parents, increased your brother’s strength, and adored your 2 younger sisters. You made your family proud and you accepted people for who they were. We stand as many who loves you, to us you represented goodness of which we all still believe in. You offered your hand to help and never had a harsh word to say. Today, because of you, we are all thankful for what we have. Your loved ones now ask that you go with God though we wish that you would have decided to stay.

Tributes

Stephen Antonio Alfaro

August 30, 1989 - September 30, 2011