KAUFMAN, Steven

Parker Pioneer, Parker, Arizona - Published Wednesday, February 17, 2010 - Steve died peacefully on Jan. 26, 2010, at home surrounded by his wife, children, mother-in-law and his Angels from North Idaho Hospice Helen and Sharon after a one year battle with lung, brain and melanoma cancer. Steve never gave up hope for a cure. Steve was born April 25, 1960 to James and Ruth Kaufman in Santa Monica, Calif. He attended school in Montebello, Calif. and graduated from Parker High School in Parker, Ariz. After high school he moved to Phoenix, where he attended junior college while working at Hertz Rent-A-Car and Bobby McGee's Restaurant. After one year in Phoenix he moved back to Parker and opened "The Famous Whimpy's River Burgers." Steve had a passion for cooking and was very creative. He created many signature burgers and sandwiches. In 1985 he met his wife Kelly and they were married Oct. 15, 1989. In 1990 they sold Whimpy's River Burgers and moved to California and opened Express One Hour Photo and Mailing, giving Steve the name of "Fuji." In 1992 their beautiful daughter Kelsey was born and in 1994 their handsome son Kyle was born. In 1997, Steve moved his family to Coeur D' Alene, Idaho for a better quality of life. Steve worked for Frito Lay and then became an independent truck driver. The highlight of his life was coaching and assisting coaching his children in all their sports. As a sports fanatic, the highlight of his sporting life was attending the 1992 Super Bowl in Minnesota. Steve is survived by his loving wife Kelly of 20 years; his daughter Kelsey and son Kyle and man's best friend, Tucker; sister Ronnie (Roy) Rice and brothers, Lee Robinson and Dale Moore; mother-in-law, Nancy Wright and father-in-law, Bill (Kay) Rountree; brother-in-laws Don (Jayne), Bob (Lisa), and Jason Rountree and sister-in-law, Kacey (Dave) Ziegenfuss. Steve was cherished by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and new godson, Nolan Jaxson Anderson. Steve was preceded in death by his parents. Send contributions in Steve's memory to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 North Government Way, Hayden, Idaho 83835. A celebration of life will be held in Parker at Monty and Donald Rust's home, date to be announced later.
Posted by mhenderson on December 31, 2010

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