STEVEN C. BOS
JANUARY 16, 1959 - JULY 5, 2023
"He held the lantern high."
Steven Charles Bos, treasured husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend; sadly passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 in Reno, NV.
A MAN WITH INTEGRITY, HONOR AND A KILLER SENSE OF HUMOR
Known as Steve, Dad, Skaggs, El Jefe and Esteban de Pescador, he could command a room with his exceptional oration skills and leadership style, with speeches full of wit, humor and irreverence.
Steve inspired respect and trust in each of his listeners. He lived his life with integrity and expected that of others, often encouraging them to “treat people the way you would have them treat your children.”
IN THE BEGINNING...
Born in Texas to parents Roger and Rhoda, Steve was a Navy Junior. His father was also a navy pilot and the family moved often, residing in Georgia, Long Island, California, Florida, Italy and lastly Fallon, NV, where he went on to attend the University of Nevada, Reno in 1977. He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, and earned his degree in Civil Engineering.
FIRST COMES LOVE, THEN
COMES MARRIAGE
Always referring to her as his “bride”, Steve met Lynn during their freshman year of college and were instantly smitten. They quickly became inseparable, and married in 1981.
Throughout their marriage, Steve would have flowers delivered to Lynn at work on special occasions, addressing them to "Mrs. Wonderful," which would, of course, have made him Mr. Wonderful. Clever, right?
Steve was a proud and devoted father, welcoming Adam into the world in 1985, and Lauren in 1988. With a little discipline and a lot of love, he shared essential lessons with his kids, encouraging them to fly free while always giving them a soft place to land.
HIGHWAY TO THE DANGER ZONE
Immediately after college graduation, Steve joined the United States Navy to pursue a career in Naval Aviation. His flight training was done in Corpus Christi and Kingsville, TX, earning his wings in 1983. Many duty stations followed, including NAS Lemoore, CA, Yokosuka, Japan, NAS Fallon, NV, The Pentagon in Washington, DC, and Central Command Fifth Fleet Bahrain. He piloted the A-7 Corsair and the F/A-18 Hornet, and served aboard the aircraft carriers USS Midway, Kitty Hawk and Constellation.
His proudest accomplishment was as Commanding Officer of VFA-151 in Lemoore, a job he treasured and fiercely devoted himself to. He was a Top Gun graduate, and attained many accolades, including The Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Squadron Battle “E” Ribbon, and the Daedalion Award.
Steve retired from the Navy in 2002, fulfilling a proud 20-year commitment of service to his country.
RETIRED YET INSPIRED
Upon his retirement from the Navy, Steve relocated the family to Redondo Beach, CA. He began a second career in Aerospace, working for Northrop Grumman and Raytheon.
One of his favorite projects was helping to develop the revolutionary X47-B unmanned jet while at Northrop. Steve and Lynn enjoyed living by the ocean and spent 15 delightful years there.
Steve and Lynn then fully retired to Reno in 2017. Embracing the return to their home state, they enjoyed camping and getting reacquainted with old friends.
First and foremost, Steve was a devoted family man. While his jobs often took him on deployments or out of town, he didn’t enjoy traveling without his family with him - he preferred a quiet life and being home for dinner every night. He was an enviable grill master, loyal patriot, and hilarious punster full of dad-jokes.
His big and loving heart propelled him to seek out ways to perform random acts of kindness whenever possible. Steve was an accomplished swimmer (butterfly was his best stroke!) and was a member of several Masters Swim groups. He participated in a race with his brother Tom at Donner Lake one summer, and swam several Pier-to-Pier races in California.
Steve left us too soon and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lynn (née Campbell); son Adam, daughter-in-law Katie, granddaughters Emily and Lily; daughter Lauren and her partner Damien (Damo) Cole; and brother Tom.
SERVICE & RECEPTION DETAILS
Saturday, July 22, 2023
Service
St. Luke's Lutheran Church
3835 Lakeside Dr, Reno, NV 89509
11am
Reception
Napa Sonoma Grocery Co.
7671 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89511
12pm - 4pm
BUT WHAT DO I WEAR?
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Cool, breezy attire encouraged. (It is July in Reno, after all...)
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Tommy Bahama shirts welcomed.
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Colorful ensembles appreciated.
SHARE A MEMORY
Share a favorite memory, quote or experience you had with Steve by filling out the form.
Your submission will be used for a family project and cherished forever.
