November 28, 1969 – July 4, 2025
Steven Gonzales, 55, died peacefully in his Basalt home in the arms of his family on July 4, 2025. Steve left a life he loved to live. Born in California, he grew up surfing and loving music of all kinds.
Inspired by his love of the outdoors and his dog, Aspen, Steve moved to the Roaring Fork Valley to trade the surf for a snowboard. He worked in many roles, meeting dear friends from all walks of life. You may have encountered him as a flooring installer, bank teller, retail associate at Sam Goody, or nightclub DJ. (Steve would be tickled to know we redacted a number of his jobs, catchphrases and life experiences just to keep this printable. Don’t worry, Steve, your legendary tales, family-friendly and otherwise, will keep us laughing for years to come.)
A move to Denver brought him to his wife, best friend and eternal muse, Ada Christensen. Together, they returned to Aspen to settle into the lifestyle he loved. He put his carpentry skills back to use, making Ada painting panels from boards carefully selected for their unique grains, often after laying out dozens along the aisles of Lowe’s. They loved adventuring, riding motorcycles through Glacier National Park, seeing the redwoods and gazing at countless sunsets trying to catch the green flash.
Steve worked as a sound engineer for the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, which led him to become a school bus driver for the Aspen School District — a role he held for 20 years. Students will remember him as kind, approachable and just so effortlessly cool that you couldn’t help but like him.
In 2018, Steve became a father to Rook (6), and in 2023 to Iker (1). His pride in his sons was unparalleled. While no time with small children is ever enough, it seems particularly unfair that Steve himself would become the missing piece of their family so soon.
Steven is also survived by his parents, brother and sisters, nieces and all the other loved ones inevitably left behind when a treasured life ends far too soon. Since his March Glioblastoma diagnosis, Steve was grateful to reconnect with many friends and family members.
Details for a celebration of life will be shared when arrangements are made. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to support Ada, Rook and Iker as they transition into life without Steve at https://gofund.me/167c13a7