Obituary of Steven Leonard Laib

Steven Leonard Laib, 68, of Nampa, was born on May 14, 1951 and passed away of cancer on June 20, 2019.

When God called His faithful servant home from this earth, Steven Leonard Laib obeyed. Great in spirit, kindness, humor, and love, Steve was ever ready to help serve the Lord as well as his fellow man. This gentle giant of a man was loved by all who were blessed to know him.

Steve was born to Leonard and Genevieve Laib in Enterprise, Oregon.  The baby of the family, Steve grew up in a logging camp in Madras, Oregon with older siblings Dave and Sue. After graduating high school, he joined the Marines, of which he was very proud.  Steve had his beloved son, Chad, with his first wife. Chad says, “He was the picture-perfect dad.” Chad remembers with fondness, the fishing and hunting trips he and his dad would take. “He was kind and tough, and always true to his word.”

Steve worked as a developmental therapist at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for thirty-five years, serving children with disabilities and their families. He had a special bond with these children and impacted their lives in profound ways. The children he served would light up when he walked in a room; Steve was ever positive and knew that every child has the potential to be happy and find joy in life.

While working at the Department of Health and Welfare, Steve met Connie Drescher, who would become the love of his life, as he would become hers. Steve and Connie were married on August 14, 2004 in Caldwell, Idaho and shared an intense love. There was no question in Connie’s heart about his love and she knew that she could lean on him and he would take care of her. “I was pretty proud I had a guy that would protect me,” she says. In fact, she trusted him so much, she would do absolutely anything he asked her to--even when that led to her falling off the back of his Harley!  Steve loved to travel and be outdoors to experience nature. He was fun and spontaneous and would often just say, “Let’s go do this”, and they would. Connie recalls a cross country trip that led to camping near the gulf coast in Texas. One morning, they awoke to a majestic scene: there were deer all around the campsite bathed in the early morning light. Steve had such an appreciation for animals and the tranquility of nature--he just sat and revelled in the moment. Steve and Connie also shared a great love for dogs. His favorite “best friend”, Buddy, brought him great joy. They were like two peas in a pod--big, goofy, and full of love to give. Steve loved walking Buddy and watching him play at the dog park--truly a proud dog dad. Those who knew him well, know Steve had a great sense of humor and loved playing pranks. An excellent bowler, he once signed up for a tournament, and unbeknownst to her, signed Connie up as well. She was horrified to be playing against bowlers with 200 averages, when her own personal best was closer to 70!  Steve, of course, egged her on, and her frustration at the situation only led to laughter. Humor was such a central part of their marriage, that even through all the adversity, they could still laugh. “I think God put us together for that very reason.”

Steve was a devoted family man and person of faith. He will be missed and remembered with great affection by his wife Connie Laib, son Chad Laib, brother David Laib, sister Sue Turner, step-son Robert Drescher and wife Nicole, as well as step-daughter Anna Van Vliet and husband Brent, and grandchildren Annika and Hugo VanVliet, as well as numerous friends, and his faithful companion, Buddy.

The family is very much appreciative of the love, support, and prayers of each an everyone of you joining us today.

A Celebration of Steve’s life will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 11:00am in the Caldwell United Methodist Church, 824 East Logan, Caldwell, Idaho 83605. A luncheon will follow the service. Steve has requested that you wear happy bright colors to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Caldwell United Methodist Church or Meridian Canine Rescue, 501 Scenery Ln. Suite 100, Meridian, Idaho 83642. Friends can share a memory of Steve at www.flahifffuneralchapel.com