Steve Irvin Briles Dies

BRILES - Steve Irvin Briles was born on August 31st 1952. He was born with epilepsy and cerebral palsy, he fought through his early childhood to learn to walk, and never gained full control of the right side of his body. Even with his obstacles, he never uttered the words "I can't". He never once asked for a hand out and never accepted his limitations in life. He spent 30 years working as a custodian for Grand Rapids Public Schools, rather than receive disability. Steve cared for his elderly father through a difficult illness until the illness required him to be put in a long term care facility. He also spent much of his life caring for his handicapped brother who was dependent on him for most of his care. He remained independent doing all his own financial business, owned a home and cared for all of his own needs. He took in many people who had nowhere to go and gave them shelter and a warm friendly place to sleep. He would give the shirt on his back or his last dollar to anyone who needed it more than he did. He was truly an amazing man. On February 25th he suffered a devastating hemorrhagic stroke, with advice from his doctors, and knowing that Steve would not want to depend on others for his needs, his family made the difficult choice to remove life support. Within a few days, he succumbed to his injuries and left this world on March 4, 2011 . . . the way he lived his life . . . on his own terms. He is and always will be a hero to those who knew and loved him. Preceded in death by his mother, Anita Briles; his father, Gerald Briles; sister, Neola Briles, and brother, Dan Briles. He is survived by his sister, Ethel (Ron Sr.) Steenhagen; brother, John Briles; nieces and nephews, Terri Brower, Robert (Kristy) Shaffer, Ron (Deb) Steenhagen, Anita (Scott) Hicks; his very good friend, Eddie Mullian, many close cousins, and many great-nieces and nephews who loved him very much. Memorial Alternatives 2432 Fuller NE 363-3700