Steven Jeffre

Steven Albert Jeffre Ojai, CA Steven Albert Jeffre, 59, passed away on June 15, 2011 after a two year battle with cancer. He died in his lovely home in Ojai, California, surrounded by family and many friends. Steven was born on Sept 24, 1951 in Oakland to Raymond and Patricia Jeffre. He grew up in northern California and attended Del Mar Elementary, El Cerrito High and Contra Costa Jr. College in San Pablo. He inherited a green thumb from his great-grandfather Dominic Giampoli, which he brought to Ojai when he opened Full Spectrum Landscaping in the early 1980’s. Many of the beautiful landscapes and amazing gardens all over Ventura County were inspired and created by Steven. His acceptance of everyone without judgment, coupled with his gentle and jovial mannerisms, brought new friends to Steven daily. He was an international ambassador of peace and a global explorer. He welcomed everyone to his home for a meal or a swim. His fascination with the beauty and magic of nature inspired him to lead many treks into the hills of the Ojai Valley--full moon campfires at Piedre Blanca, road trips to water holes, and picnics on grassy hillsides. He loved to play, whether it was with a canvas and a paintbrush, building an art car for Burning Man, or dancing until dawn. He had a way that made you recognize your own dreams and then he gave the generous encouragement to make them happen. He is survived by his loving parents and three sisters: sister Susan and husband Chuck Schilling with niece and nephew, Sandy and Kenneth and their four children; sister Janet Blake; sister Nina and husband Tom Hedt and nephews Forrest and Michael and nieces Stephanie and Emma and her son; his brother-in-law Duane Estes, Scott Estes, and Jason and Josiah Everson. He is preceded in death by Margaret Ann Estes (his baby sister “Annie Babe”), brother-in-law James Blake, and all his grandparents. He leaves hundreds of friends who will miss him dearly and cherish the brilliant memories and open hearts he has gifted us. SERVICES WILL BE HELD SUNDAY JUNE 26 AT MORGAN'S MEADOW AT 4:00PM Steven would love everyone to be out in nature together, singing, picnicking, dancing and having fun. Please come join us in celebrating his life and the open hearts he has gifted us. Morgan has generously donated his wonderful meadow by the pond for us to gather. The formal celebration service will be at 4:00 in the afternoon. There is also plenty of open time on either end to connect with friends. Please arrive by 3:30 at the latest to park and get settled in time for the service. Cars arriving after 3:30 will be asked to park below and walk up. You can then move your car after the service. 2:00 Guests welcome to set up blankets, hang out, visit altar, love it up, picnic snacks. 4:00 Ceremony 6:00 Transition to open Mike – scheduled performances first, then open for others. (music, poetry, readings, any offering of love to Steven or the group) 6:00 Potluck 8:30 Drumming begins as fire being lit. Drum circle. Bring your instruments. 9:30 Fire Dancing Midnight – Thank you for coming. FAQs What should I bring? blankets, folding chairs Plastic plates, forks, your own cup snacks for the afternoon prior to service if you choose Potluck contribution for dinner Whatever you choose to drink (BYOB) Trash bags (Leave no trace, please clean up after your family) layered clothing (hot to cool after sunset) sunscreen Flowers to decorate the stage and sacred tent any gifts to present on the stage (song, poem, reading, love notes...) Open Heart What should I bring for Potluck? There is no available electricity, so bring something you can put in a cooler or set on the table and will be ok from 6 to 8. What if I can't be there the whole time? The scheduled Life Celebration on stage will be from 4 to around 5:30. Anytime between 2 p.m. and 11 p.m. is open. Visit when you can. How do I get there? Take Ojai Avenue and turn on Baldwin Road like you are going to Lake Casitas. Go past the left turn into Lake Casitas. Stay on 150 and go another 200 yards. Turn right on Santa Ana Road. Follow the road all the way to the end and look for directional signs for parking. Please drive slowly on the property and watch for parking attendants who will help you to park. Morgan has generously offered certain parts of the property, so please respect the signage and directions. How can I help? There are lots of ways. Please email Judy Gabriel at jangelgabriel@gmail.com. Of if you want to help with one of these areas, contact the team lead directly. Signage - Geri Grounds - Robbie, Dale Stage set up - Johnny, Robbie Sound - Johnny, Thompson Potluck/picnic - Natasha, Joann Sacred tent/altar - Dawn and Joann Program lineup - Jaye Program printing - Judy, Ben Communication - Judy Donations - You can donate anything for the service (rope, signage materials, printing costs, etc.) Just email. In honor of Steven's wishes to help the youth of today, please make a donation to the Help of Ojai Youth Counseling Program. They provide a counselor for each of the elementary, junior high and Nordhoff schools. These counselors help kids with family issues, eating disorders, drug and alcohol challenges and just the stuff that makes being a teenager tough. You can send a check to Help Of Ojai (Youth program), P.O. Box 621, Ojai, CA 93024 or donate online at www.helpofojai.org. Note that it is for the Youth Program in honor of Steven Jeffre. Spread the Steven LOVE. Thank you and we'll see you there! Assisting the family and friends with funeral arrangements is Ojai Valley Funeral Services. 640-3600