Loving life on the river, one last show goodbye.

Article/interview Q’s&A’s at the bottom. 

****UPDATE**** 09/28/24

(learning as I go here)

Steve Edward Woods sr 9/19/1965-9/21/2024

hi, I’m Nate… my father was a goofy guy, not too much to say bad about the guy other than he was struggling for quite some time now, but never too much to help someone in need. Alcohol was his main issue, a man with many dreams and a big heart. Sometimes got in the way of things lol…

The family and I are only getting by right now and didn’t expect him to go the way he did. His parents died when he was very young, traveling from California to New York on a journey to find his dreams. He loved the river, always wanted to be outdoors and could show you how to fish with out any gear or a pole. Sadly, he lost his life after being overwhelmed with people’s excitement/bribery to keep jumping off of the salmon river bridge he had quickly blown up for diving off from. Mr Steve wasn’t so lucky on his last dive In… he was taken by his love

9/19/1865-9/21/24

though my father was in and out of my life and who knows where/locked up for most of my time being, he was one of the funniest, most interesting/inspiring people I’ve to meet so far. For how much life kicked him down, and how bad things really were for the man he always found a way to put a smile on someone’s face or try and make someone’s day. I’ve learned a lot from his absence, and too much from the short times we did spend together. It’s a shame you had to go when you did and on the terms we last left each other on but in your heart and in mine forever, a father and son.. ❤️‍

We’d love to have a celebration of life, we do need money for the services, headstone, and all of the unexpected costs that come with laying our loved ones to rest. We weren’t ready for this to happen, no one is ever ready to lose a loved one. Wishing you all safety and comfort, and joy..

God bless you all.

Funds raised will be used to pay for cremation

cemetery fees

a headstone

to have a celebration of life for those who can’t make the (not yet announced)service; that want to come together and share memories/ grilling/ and a day of joy and positive spirits to rejoice

any and all unexpected costs during this time of grievance.

Any left over/excess pay will be used as inheritance between the boys that he had never built to leave behind. 

love and bless you all can’t say it enough!

(Melissa, Steve, & Jr)

(Nate,nate(Nash),Steve(Sr),Steve(jr)Wyatt

⬇️Nate,Nash,(Elle,Melissa,Jess)Steve Sr

Steve Jr & Wyatt

(Nate, Steve Sr, Steve Jr, Melissa

270$ towards Steve’s headstone today! Plenty of thanks to everyone who’s helped us get so far in reaching our goal during this confusing/difficult time. Today I did a couple interview’s and not everything I said was in there, so I thought I could just throw it in here, and on the main story to add some fresh reading. God bless you all and please keep spreading this story, it means a lot to our family!

 Questions: 1) how would you describe your dad? humbled, my dad was usually enjoying the natural gifts and wonders the earth has to offer. He was a very courteous, and determined man. Sr always eager to give a helping hand to anyone on sight, friends,family, strangers and even animals! All in return for the simple joy he would feel when making somebody’s day, or putting a smile on their face. Steve went out of his way to make a lasting, and remembering impression… usually a funny one. 

 2) what is your best memory with him? I have so many memories that in the moment of; would out do or surpass any other moment in their given/respective times. We have very similar humor, looks, and ethics such as being goofballs but also display that of a gentleman. I guess I could say I favor any time we would take walks, rides, or go out together. We would always find some “trouble” to cause or get into. Usually at someone else’s expense and our tears of laughter, but never intention of harming anyone. We wouldn’t be able to resist if it was something irresistibly punny. 

 3) can you talk a little about his fishing. did you guys go out together as well, when you were a kid and later too? we only took so many fishing trips together… unfortunately growing up I only got to see him when certain factors and time would permit it. He also grew up in Long Beach California and where since was a “fish-head.” My father knew more about fishing than I could have bothered to actually pay attention to. Whenever we did have the pleasure of spending time together… enjoying those moments as much as I could & holding on to them feeling they wouldn’t last for long. He enjoyed fishing with out tackle, and just with what nature has to offer… or even catch fish with his hands! Now, and ever since I was a kid I didn’t have the pleasure of having both my mom & my dad everyday. 

 4) what is one important lesson you learned from your father? trust your gut, your instincts, and to never worry about the things you have no control over in life. Just move on, stay humble, stay busy, stay active, stay clean and stay learning something new everyday. My father being in and out also taught me I don’t want to miss out on the chance god has given me to provide for, protect, and remind my son every day that I am there for him with a show of love and support. I always grew up in question/frustration of not knowing why I had to miss my father so much, why he had to be away so much in jail/prison. He’d only come back to find the same people impatient and excited to see him again.. we couldn’t hold someone we loved away for their own mistakes forever… sadly, only time can help heal those wounds.

 5) was he well known in his community/town? always befriended fisherman, locals, or people touring the area for salmon season. He would entertain a raw steak or a balloon with a face drawn on as if it had feelings. Spending most his time alone you need a way to vent. Joking, fishing, singing, or just being, genuinely nice guy, or the “dude with the hut behind tops” My dad was well known from more than just his time in Pulaski. He had walked many a mile that most could never.

 6) can you share a particular memory of a fishing trip with your dad? I do remember fishing during salmon season from the boating docks/railings with walkways along the ports of Ontario on Oswegos own Oneida Lake. I had just a kids fishing set up, nothing special… I had what I believed at the time to be an Atlantic salmon. My dad was so excited as I was reeling it in, he was holding his body up with just his legs reaching down toward the fish I was struggling to bring ashore… I got so nervous when the pole was bent 180 degrees and my arms were trembling trying to pull this big heavy fish in. I hear “it’s big one, son! . . . Oh wow this suckers huge!” My heart started beating even faster and harder but sadly the line was not up to the task. It snapped and the fish got away… it was the adrenaline that will keep that memory fresh in my veins forever. That and a time he hooked a catfish around the same area, and I peed myself laughing at him trying to unhook it!! Making jokes and insults to it as it flailed helplessly, smacking him in the face a few times! Had to have been there. 

 7) can you share a memorable moment of your life with your dad? whenever my father was doing good, staying sober, we had the best and most unforgettable times together and I cherished each one like they could be my last. Never knowing when the next time I could go a long period of time with out being able to see him..or when he would turn page back instead of forward, only to find the version of Steve we couldn’t be around. My father taught me a lot about himself and through that, a lot about myself as well. I could never be the man he was when he was gone, but I did learn sustainable values through any time of his sober presence. 

 8) can you talk about his struggles a little? what lead to his death? (only answer if you feel comfortable doing so. no must!) Alcoholism is a problem and I wish anyone the best who is fighting demons of any similarity the best and would love to help anyone see the brighter side of this world with out feeling the need for those things. There are more things far more valuable and important to be focusing on including ourselves. 

9) what are your thoughts about his death. what do you think of the people who were there with him and reacted the way they did? still, clueless and no response from authority… it’s sickening after so many days. The desire for closure, all I know is he jumped from an unusual spot and was being goaded into doing so. If no one was held accountable or could be, why haven’t I gotten a simple message or answer on the outcome. If this was your loved one, your older brother, your father, an uncle or just someone you knew had been dealing with any kind of mental illness/problems for quite some time now; would you have still been invoking his actions or trying to prevent them? Would YOU attempt what he was doing? Would YOU want your kids to see this? Would YOU want to record it while your kids are next to you? Would your children like to see that? Are they okay? I’m so clueless and I’m beyond frustrated and filled with anxiety from the gap in my mind and heart. I deserve closure on this matter, and so does the rest of the caring friends, family, and community. Everyone who has followed this and/or helping me raise funds we need and spreading this story. The entire family appreciates the support and we would love if we can lay Steve to rest deservingly, and how we would imagine. 

 10) can you talk a little about the fundraiser you have started, and about the coming service and gathering for your dad. the go fund me has passed over half way our main goal, we got so much support and it was so fast it was breathtaking. A sincere thanks and world of blessings to all of you that came full force and so fast in such a desperate time of need. The only way we can finish this story is if we get to our goal and ensure everything goes as planned for this unexpected tragedy. The links here if you feel bothered to donate, or could even just share this link to show us your support: https://gofund.me/cec0ec90 -the woods family