Captain Steve Bryant ~ 1983 - 2023

Captain Steve, a truly legendary being with a whirlwind of passion, love, and knowledge, set sail on his final voyage on this earth on November 17, 2023, leaving behind a wake of cherished memories and a legacy that will forever be etched in the hearts of all those who had the experience of knowing him. His buoyant laugh and beaming smile could brighten the stormiest of seas, an irreplaceable beacon of cheerfulness and hilariousness.

Born on July 30, 1983, Steve Bryant was a force of nature from the very beginning. He was so impatient to enter this world that he nearly arrived in the back of the car. Eager to kickstart his journey in life, he burst forth with undeniable determination. A true maverick who transcended the confines of all tradition, our Steve enlivened his surroundings with his humor, boundless imagination and relentless curiosity, captivating everyone around him.

With a larger-than-life personality, he was a mentor, friend, and confidant to all who sought his guidance or a well-needed laugh. He had a way of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary with hilarity like no other, sharing his captivating stories, knowledge, and vision freely. He became an amazing teacher, imparting wisdom in countless realms, and will forever guide us as a lighthouse of inspiration, urging us to embrace a life adorned with laughter and adventure.

From a young age, Steve was drawn to the water. Alongside his sister, Stacey, fond memories were created in their childhood backyard swimming pool. From riding their Big Wheels underwater down the slope to creating a makeshift “Citrus Marketplace” as they harvested hundreds of oranges each year by gathering them in the hot tub before boxing them up so their family could give them away. Steve also regularly led friends and family down to the creek where he encouraged exciting adventures like cliff jumping. His love for chasing thrills and gathering people around bodies of water was
present even in some of his earliest moments.

Although the list of his passions could fill pages, his love for his treasured wife, Lyndsay, was like no other and he made sure everyone knew it. Steve and Lyndsay, three words that are impossible not to say together. They created an incredible life with each other, full of affection and discovery even creating their own slogan: “Gotta Find Fun.” Steve’s abilities as a provider, especially as a fisherman, and survivalist as well as his Captaining and mechanic skills, allowed Lyndsay’s unique, world-traveling ideas and dreams to become a reality. They were a team in every sense of the word both in business and in all parts of life. Although the loss of her person in every part of this life is massive, we know Steve is always present (except when he is out there throwing sticks to Timber), guiding us with his humor, love, and light, while encouraging Lyndsay and all who loved him to live life to the absolute fullest.

Only second to Lyndsay was the love and devotion he showed towards their dogs, Timber and Meadow. To Steve and Lyndsay, there was no adventure that was out of bounds, and they joined them on the best of adventures. It is said Timber and Meadow have seen more places on Earth than many humans. We know that Steve and Timber are exploring boundless horizons together.

Then, of course, comes Steve's love for boating. Lake Tahoe was closely intertwined with his upbringing. Spending many vacations at the family condo in the Keys, his parents, Gary and Pat, started a tradition that developed within Steven, a deep-seated adoration for the lake that would guide his adulthood. Immediately after high school, Steven road-tripped from Rhode Island to Tahoe, where he soon met Lyndsay at Meeks Bay Marina – the place that allowed them to design the life of their dreams. Their shared passion for Lake Tahoe and boating ignited an undeniable spark. With that great passion and a determination to create a unique experience to show off their beloved lake, Steve and Lyndsay started Lake Tahoe Boat Rides.

Over the years, Lake Tahoe Boat Rides thrived under the unique leadership of Captain Steve, becoming synonymous with the passion, fun, and adventure that he embodied. His remarkable character and unwavering dedication transformed the team into a tight-knit family, radiating the same love, eccentricity, and zeal that defined our “crazy pirate”, Captain Steve. In the South
Lake Tahoe community (and really every boating community that he traveled to around the world), amongst boat professionals but also simply by friends and acquaintances, Steve was considered a resourceful genius about mechanics and boats. Many friends have even said that he was the one person they would want to be with during an apocalypse or any survival situation. A truly original personality and an independent thinker, he was a creative force that found solutions for everyone in need, while his personal community admired him as a unique and skilled mechanical mind in everyday life. His profound connection to the lake, coupled with his commitment to crafting unforgettable experiences, will forever leave a permanent mark on all who had the experience of knowing and boating with him.

Seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean. As we bid farewell to Steve, we send him off with wishes for adventurous winds and bountiful seas, for he deserves nothing less. Bon Voyage, our Captain Steve, for fair winds and following seas pale in
comparison to your spirited journey.

A Celebration of Captain Steve will be held on Monday, June 10, 2024, honoring his legacy with a boat “Roar Off” (all boat types and speeds invited) leaving from the Tahoe Keys Marina followed by memorial activities at the marina to celebrate his remarkable journey.