Steve was born in Ouray, Colorado to John and Betti Svaldi. He graduated class of 1970 from Ouray High School. He followed in his father’s footsteps working in the mines and mills around Colorado. He later went into the medical field where he started his career as an EMT, worked his way to become a paramedic, was operations manager for Paramedic Services, spent 10 years as an air life flight tech for St. Mary’s, a crash firefighter in Antarctica, Chief of the Ouray Fire Department, and was later brought on as Director for EMS in Ouray County. Steve was devoted to his patients and co-workers throughout his career and left a memorable legacy in Grand Junction and Ouray.

Steve was an extraordinary photographer, avid outdoorsman, enjoyed canyoneering, and held many other talents and gifts.

He is survived by his son; Michael (Maggie) Svaldi; daughter Summer Svaldi; grandsons Christopher, Garrett and Kristopher; mother Betty Horton Svaldi; sister Kathryn Svaldi; cousin Greg Jouflas; and niece Emily Miller (Sutton). He is preceded in death by his father, John Svaldi; sisters Cristy and Cindy Svaldi; brother Christopher Svaldi; and nephew Dylan Svaldi.

For updates and information for Steve’s memorial please see www.yumamortuary.com/obituary/Steven-Svaldi.