Steven Robert Mandell

Steve Mandel died August 25 at home in Eugene, Oregon at the age of 77. Friends and acquaintances will miss Steve's generous spirit and conversation. He was an avid and curious reader of philosophy and odd novels, which he often drew from in conversation. Steve enjoyed exploring the shape of life with others over a bottle of fine wine and a big salad. He had an expert palette and a deep knowledge of wine, which he shared enthusiastically. He brought strangers together as friends by organizing tastings and dinners. He was born in Los Angeles and moved to Palo Alto in his twenties. In 1976, he was one of the founders of Publisher's Group West, a company that distributes books for independent publishers. Steve moved to Eugene in 1997 where he quickly found camaraderie while acting in many community theater productions. He wrote plays, three of which were fully produced by The Very Little Theater. Steve will continue to play an important role in our memory theaters. Steve is survived by his long-time partner, Emily Buffon.