Steve Young... Mentor, Friend

The most influential teacher, collaborator and cohort I've ever had with me on my radio journey died suddenly today at the age of 55.  Although he was often on the road, I can't imagine tomorrow in the office without him.  Or the day after that.

[Please forgive me while I mix my past and present tenses.  It can't be helped.]

A client that we've worked together with for many years affectionately calls him "Shrek."  Steve's first impression was a big, blustery, intimidating presence.  He had a temper that was not to be tested and a tongue as sharp as any I've ever known.  He scared many people who didn't know him, some who did, and anyone who crossed him.  The truth was he was a great big, chain-smoking teddy bear who hated wasting time on anything but the truth... hope you're prepared to hear it!

Steve was all those things, but to me he was "Yoda."  (Strange that we both think of him as a green, animated movie character.)  He programmed his way in radio, literally, from Canada all the way to New York... including a stop at Seattle's KISW along the way, where he brought in guy named Bob Rivers.  He loved to tell the story of how in New York he went toe-to-toe with CBS's Mel Karmazin ("you think I'm afraid of _________?")

What I appreciated most about Steve was that there was never any pretense, you always knew exactly where you stood with him good or bad... and you never wanted to disappoint him.  He believed in talent over experience... and he built up that expereince by allowing you the freedom to make mistakes.  He expected the best from you.  Against all reason, he steadfastly believed in your ability to play at the next level and let you do so... which only inspired you to try harder.  He showed overwhelming confidence and trust day-to-day by sharing more of the inside, back story - far more than most managers would consider prudent - than any leader I've ever known.  He gave you context and opened the door to insight.  In eight far-to-short-years, whether intimidating or inspiring, his motivation never once wavered from his true North... the confidence that he had in you, that you were capable of more than you might dare dream for yourself.

Steve was the ultimate pay-it-forward guy.  He was eternally grateful for the many individuals he was lucky enough to cross paths with over his radio career and helped him along the way.  He believed it was his duty and calling to share his experiences with others.  I was fortunate to be just one of those people.

Because of Steve, it's now my responsibility to carry his pay-it-forward legacy into the future.  I owe him.  Many of us do.  All I ever wanted was an opportunity to show what I could do and he gave that to me.  Since I can't repay him I can only return the favor, and although I'm not sure I'm ready to do so without him, I know he believes otherwise.

Eight years with him was far too short and the end was far too sudden.  We shared many experiences that I'll never forget and he taught me more - about radio, life and myself - than I've ever learned from anyone else.  I'm not ready to move on without Steve Young, but since I owe so much of who I've become to him I better get started.  I'm comforted to be surrounded by so many others who feel the way I do about him.

I'll miss you Steve.  I hope you know how much.

Comments

[Kirsten Smith]

So sorry to hear of your loss Kris.

[Paul Johnson]

Amen, brother. Amen.

[Marlo Hiltz]

Hi Kris,

Steve (Neil) was my Uncle and I loved what you wrote. He was the nicest guy in the world and I will miss him so much. Even though he lived in Seattle he came to T.O. often and was always sooo good to me and all of us. I'm still in a huge state of shock and I can't believe he is gone. My dad is devastated:( If you'd like to keep in touch, please feel free.

Love,
Marlo Hiltz

[Marc Nathan]

I was on Facebook, and my friend Lenny Bronstein commented that he was mourning Steve's loss. All I could respond with was "WHAT????" - I am sad, I am shocked, and I am better for having known Steve for a couple of decades. We were in a hockey pool together at one point, and we both and many intersections in our respective industries. I LOVED that guy... and as my own mortality continues to slap me in the face, I am alive with the fact that I've had a wonderful life that has enabled me to meet so many great people. Now I know I'll get to look one up when I reach my resting place. Steve's one of a kind. R.I.P.

[Jodi Hiltz]

Kris, Steve young was my Uncle (my dad's brother) thanks for the video it was great to see and hear his voice again and to see how loved an respected he was. You can contact me at lifeisajourney@rogers,com. His funeral will be in Toronto at Benjamin's Memorial on Friday at 11:00am. We miss him terribly.

Jodi Hiltz

[DXC]

Steve was sweet and sharp and one of those people who was talented at just being a damn good person. I can't help thinking he and Bwana are swapping stories right now.