Stephen M. Loaiza- 12/19/1941 - 08/08/2017
Stephen's rich and profound life began on December 19th, 1941 in San Francisco, CA. Shortly after, his parents Wenceslao Francisco Loaiza and Alice Katharyn Loaiza and two siblings moved to Jennings Lodge, Oregon. Here he grew up on the Willamette River and attended high school at Oregon City.
When he was young boy his father passed away which left him bereft and always yearning for greater family connections. His drive would pay off later in life.
Stephen graduated from Portland State University. He worked in sales for Zellerbach for many years and eventually created his own sales company, WestWay Sales & Marketing.
Travel, The Portland Opera, classical music, rowing, fishing for salmon and genealogy were Stephen’s passions in life.
Stephen’s travels enabled him to row on the Arno River in Italy; Germany’s Rhine River; the Grand Canal in Venice and on the Hong Kong Bay, to name just a few. He coached for Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association, Bucknell University, Susquehana University, Willamette Rowing Club and recently Oregon Rowing Unlimited. His son Steve follows in his footsteps and continues the legacy of coaching on the Willamette River.
Some of Stephen’s life accomplishments are the Stephen and Sharon Loaiza Endowed Music Scholarship at Portland State University; The Portland Opera Chorus Manager from ’71-’78; the Executive Director for N.A.M.I (National Alliance on Mental Illness;) Advocating for mental health was one of Stephen’s greatest honors.
Stephen was instrumental in working with HUD to build 3 apartment houses in the area for people with mental illness. Because of that the affiliate, NAMI Clackamas, was given a housing award by the state of Oregon. He also did much work with state legislators and others to promote housing and funding for it, including three dinner auctions called Hearts for Housing. He organized and led a theater troupe comprised of people with mental illness, Mental health workers and family members called In a Different Light. Their many performances did much to break down stigma surrounding mental health.
Stephen also founded an Essential Tremors support group locally in Portland.
Recently, the drive to connect with extended family led him to Louisiana to find the Morells on his Father's Mother's side of the family and the Loaiza’s in Mexico on his father’s side. He was met with open arms on both sides which filled him with joy. These strong bonds of discovering new family members will remain and continue with Stephen’s legacy.
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming – WOW – What a ride! ~Hunter S. Thompson
Please join us in a life celebration event on Sunday September 24th, from 1pm - 4pm at The Foundry at Oswego Pointe. Drinks and Snacks will be provided.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to NAMI of Clackamas County.
Stephen M. Loaiza- 12/19/1941 - 08/08/2017
He is survived by his son Stephen Allen Loaiza, Brother W. Glen Loaiza and Sister Libby S. Tucker-Martin. Three nephews and nieces also survive, along with numerous cousins and great nephews.
