A tribute to a man I so love… Steve Miramontes.

It is with great reverence that I write to honor the passing of a dear friend — to myself and to countless others: Steve Miramontes. Miramontes was a well-respected man among men, a leader among leaders, and a warrior among warriors. Steve’s life exemplified the masculine qualities, level of commitment, and service to others that we all should aspire to. In doing so, he modeled wisdom, courage, strength, integrity, and sacrifice; just some of the qualities that marked a life well lived. Steve’s life was lived to honor his Higher Power, Jesus Christ, and in service to literally anyone who was willing to receive it. Steve lived the last thirty-plus years being the man he always wanted to be, and the type of man the world around him needed him to be. Miramontes impacted the lives of so many people. He impacted many men though men’s teams and recovery work. He enrolled seventy-something of us into our “weekend.” The sound of his voice is forever etched into my mind, and I can still hear him call to me… “De Francisco. This is Miramontes. I’ve come back for you!” Only God knows how many people he read the Big Book to over the past thirty-one years. I was fortunate enough to have this high-school buddy give of his time and of himself to do both of those things for me. By doing so, he changed the course of my life and the lives of those I love and care about. Steve was instrumental in helping so many become useful to themselves and to others. Steve had a huge heart, and he allowed God to guide his heart and his life, which changed the course of so many lives. In his life and in his passing, Steve impacted me in profound and positive ways. Days before his transition to “enter into the joy of his Lord,” I was blessed enough to be a witness to how Steve met this unimaginable challenge. As so many gathered to honor and say goodbye to our beloved friend, he addressed us with the same courage and trust in God’s plan that he lived his life with. By the grace of God, Steve didn’t let any of what he went through change him. Well, maybe he did; but for the better. What I witnessed was what we in Men’s Work call being a “three-dimensional man.” He was the same man I’ve known for so many years. He maintained his sense of humor, joking with and then exhorting the men. In those precious moments, as with all the moments I witnessed throughout the second half of our lives, I saw a man living in gratitude. Steve’s life was lived in service to others, but it was his family whom he loved the deepest, they mattered most to him. He was dedicated to always giving his best to his family and to being the role model and leader who would make his children, siblings, and parents proud; that was so important to him. Miramontes got his wings this morning, but for several decades he wore a halo. Steve was a warrior-angel sent by God to so many and he wore that halo with poise, dignity, courage and compassion; even when it was what his men called “ruthless compassion.” I can say with confidence that Steve leaves behind family and friends who love him dearly and who are eternally grateful for the man he was, and for the legacy he intentionally built one day at a time… He accepted life with serenity, and hardship as a path to peace, taking life not as he would have it, but trusting that God would make all things right if he surrendered to His will. Miramontes, you did that! Steve, your impact was vast. The blessings that flowed through your life were many. Miramontes, I am so privileged to be one of your men. You are greatly loved, greatly revered, and you my friend will be sorely missed. I love you, brother! 
– David De Francisco