Stephen Markley

Stephen Jay Markley On May 14th, 2017, Stephen Jay Markley went to surfer heaven. Born September 29th, 1948 in Indiana, Stephen became hooked on the outdoors and fishing. His family moved to Florida where he finished out his teen years and enlisted in the Navy. He was transferred to Treasure Island and then to San Francisco where he fell in love with California. He later settled in Santa Cruz after he was out of the Navy. He quickly became an avid surfer, in love with the sea. He was known in the local surf community as Surfer Steve, Wildman, FB (Fat Bastard) and The Fridge; all affectionate names given to him by his surfing buddies. Steve moved to Salinas with his wife and kids in 1984 and lived there until 2014. While having a family ceramic business called "Wares of the Sea" for 20 years, he was able to work from home and be Coach Steve, Scout Leader Steve, and Captain Steve (at the Renaissance Faire). He shared his love of the ocean, fishing, and camping with his children, Sam and Stephanie. They made frequent trips to Moss Landing to surf and hang out at the beach together. Upon his retirement in 2014, Steve moved to Moss Landing Harbor and lived in a cute little popeye houseboat named "Olivia". He loved living on the sea water, watching all the wildlife and having access to explore the Elkhorn Slough with his kayak. He became very involved with the Elkhorn Yacht Club, where he recently had joined the board of directors after much urging from his friends. He found so much joy in cooking for the yacht club members and became a favored chef. Riding his last big wave on a beautiful Sunday morning at Moss Landing State Beach, his loved ones find peace knowing he was doing what he enjoyed the most when he was called to heaven. Perhaps the big guy upstairs needed surfing lessons from someone who was endlessly kind, patient and whose love for the ocean was unparalleled. He will be missed terribly by his children, Stephanie Markley of Gonzales and Samuel Markley of Santa Cruz as well as his soon to be son-in-law, Christopher Blomquist. He is also survived by his ex-wife Lynn Markley of Santa Cruz, his father, Jay Markley of S. Carolina and siblings Dennis Markley of N. Carolina, Tracy and Koni Markley of S. Carolina. His extended family, Laurie and Dan Hennig of Boulder Creek, Joanne and Warren Anglin of Idaho, Dana Machado of Roseville and many adoring nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his Elkhorn Yacht Club friends, as well as his surfing and fishing buddies from throughout the years. Steve's celebration of life will be held at the Elkhorn Yacht Club on May 27th starting at noon. A ceremonial paddle out will be beforehand, at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Elkhorn Slough Foundation