.201 Steve Mitgang

Steve is very much a second father to me. He’s known me my entire life and I have had the privilege to learn from him my entire life. I always admired him — from his extremely bright mind to his ability to make anything fun — but especially as I have gotten older have I come to really notice the specifics of what make him such an important role model to me.

Perhaps my favorite thing about Steve is his perspective on the world around him. He notices the little things, both the ugly and the beautiful, and he allows himself to be vulnerable which opens him to experiencing joy. He’s an unbelievably hard worker, again something that I have realized more and more as I’ve gotten older. Matched with his diligence, however, is his ability to take time to relax and enjoy himself, his family, and the life he’s worked so hard for. He’s incredibly smart, which makes every conversation such an enjoyable one, and he has always been honest with me, which has challenged me in ways that have always helped me grow. To put it simply, I don’t know a life where Steve isn’t around to give me some helpful advice, make banter with my Dad that inevitably makes me laugh, share incredible stories that are both captivating and meaningful, and inspire me with his unconditional love and connection that he has with Ellen and their family.

Steve, thank you so very much for always being so encouraging of me and my ideas. Thank you for your support that always comes with crucial thoughts and perspectives that I have likely not considered. Thank you for making me laugh and for giving me Lindsay, one of my best friends and lifelong fellow weirdo. Thank you for so many wonderful memories, from caps in San Diego to snowmobiling in Idaho. Thank you for our conversation at Casa Mono and for your wisdom. Thank you for being such an important confidant, friend, golf partner, and devil’s advocate to my father, and for being such a rock to my entire family. Thank you for being such a role model with your tenacity and your kindness. Thank you for being you!

-BD