Date: Monday, October 21, 2024
Time: 11:00 am with a reception to follow
Location: Houston First Baptist Church – The Loop
Address: 7401 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024
Steven Randall Skiff, a resident of Houston, Texas at the time of his passing, met his Savior on September 24, 2024. For forty-nine years, Steven led a selfless and caring life that touched the many communities of which he was a part.
Steven was born on July 12, 1975 in El Dorado, Arkansas to Randall and Renee (Stevens) Skiff and their family was completed two years later with the arrival of his younger sister, Jami (Skiff) Swift. As a boy, Steven was often described as shy, but those who knew him best would say he was busy observing and watching out for those around him, especially his little sister. This was the start of a lifelong journey of caring for others, listening, and giving counsel.
In 1982, the Skiff family relocated to London, England for Randall’s job. It was during this phase of his life that Steven developed his love of sports including basketball, soccer, and volleyball. He attended the American School of London and was an active participant in scouts. It was also during these years that Steven joined a youth group and accepted Jesus as his Savior. He held Jesus in his heart for the rest of his life.
Ex-pat life meant there was a revolving door of people coming in and out of their lives and underscored the importance making new families feel welcome. Steven quickly developed skills for drawing new people in and his “the more the merrier” mentality was born.
The Skiff family moved back to the USA in 1990 where Steven quickly assimilated back into American life – enjoying high school football games and McDonalds with his youth group. Steven was popular at his new high school – everyone wanted a ride in his 1965 red vinyl-top mustang! Steven graduated from Mandeville High School (Louisianna) in 1993.
Following his high school graduation, Steven enrolled at LSU (Geaux Tigers!) and spent the next eight years in Baton Rouge, LA getting a bachelor’s in psychology, a master’s degree in counseling, and then working in the Dean’s office as a freshman counselor. Steven’s community grew tremendously during this time, as well as his skills in listening and mentoring. His time at LSU had a big impact on him and it was the start of a lifelong love for LSU sports.
In 2001, Steven changed course and started the full-time MBA program at Texas A&M University. In addition to expanding his network and inciting his love of business, it was while attending A&M that he met the love of his life, Heidi (Felix). Steven graduated in 2003 and moved to Houston.
New to Houston, it was time for Steven to start building another community and that started with buying a home in Candlelight Plaza in 2003, where he would live for the rest of his life. On July 23, 2005, Steven traded out his college roommates for Heidi when the two were married in her hometown of Steubenville, OH. In the early years of their marriage, the couple enjoyed travel, snow skiing, hiking, and hosting friends and neighbors at their home often. Between 2008-2013, Steven and Heidi grew their family with the addition of Rylie, Felix, and Valerie. Heidi and Steven were heavily involved in their community, volunteering in both the neighborhood and local schools. Steven coached countless sports teams, volunteered in the PTA, and even started a Dad’s club at Durham Elementary to pour fatherly love into the students there. Wherever he saw a need, he was quick to jump in and help.
He was an entrepreneur who had multiple small businesses and was always up for creating and brainstorming new and better ways of doing things. He was a shining example of what it means to be a great boss, co-worker, mentor, and leader. Steven was a “self-taught” handyman, but it is not clear if that’s because he liked working with his hands or if it was frugality at its finest. He was the “funcle” (fun uncle) to 17 nieces and nephews, was always the life of the party, and had a knack for creating silly games or competitions out of whatever was nearby.
Steven was a man of God who always put others first. He was the epitome of a servant leader. He will be greatly missed by many. His family will honor his memory on October 21, 2024 at 11a.m. with a celebration of his life at Houston’s First Baptist Church; all are welcome to join.
This is from Greg and Jennifer Peters. They had some techinical issues and asked me to submit it for them.
We keep your family in our prayers. Jerry & Helen Jeschke
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I’m a friend of Asa’s and he told me what a great friend, husband, father, son, uncle and just overall great guy he was.
Heidi, so sorry for your loss. It was a beautiful ceremony of life today! I am lucky to have known him.
Only good memories and eternal gratitude, was a really honor you have meet you. Diego
May the Holy Spirit comfort you all. Your family has always been good to us. We are here to support you in your time of need. Love The Cole Family
Heidi. I just heard about Steven and I am heart sickened. I am so sorry for your loss and I know he will be missed by all who knew him. He was a wonderful person, friend and neighbor. Always willing to help others in need. Please let me know if I can do anything for you and your family. I am here ready to return all the favors you and he did for me. May god bless you and your family and comfort you. I will keep you and family in my prayers.
Heidi, Reilly, Felix, Valerie and Family,
Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Nancy, Billy and Bobby
John 11:25-26
Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.
Heidi, Rylie, Felix, Valerie and Family,
Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Nancy, Billy and Bobby
John 11:25-26
Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.
OMG, I’m so very sorry for the whole Skiff family my heart is broken in pieces for the guy who was always doing for others and always honest and hard worker. Please except my condolences so many will grieve for such a great loss. Prayers for all the Skiff family to some day find peace 💔💔💔💔
I am so sorry to hear this. Orthopedics at ( Spring Branch) Medical Center for 32 years and many times I worked with Steve. I introduced him to my son Claypoole, who also worked for him. He was a great guy and my prayers are with you and your family.
Heidi, here to help. Stunned. Now is the time to be of any form of support possible. Please — when ready for help — of any kind — call or have someone close to you email or call if possible (I do not have your cell from so many phones ago…). Sending you and the family so much love.
Holding your hearts.
tgd
Heidi and family. We are so heartbroken to hear the sad news, literally speechless. Please please let us know what we can do. Thinking of you and the whole family. Prayers
I only met him once at a the Rumble taping at the brewery, but he was such a nice guy, and he genuinely looked like he loved being part of medicine man and its mission. Life throws us all kinds of curveballs, but as a wife and mother of 3 young children (11, 8, and 5 years respectively), I can’t imagine what your family is going through. Heidi, we have never met and I know words seem so hollow right now, but as a fellow wife/mother I hope you know that you have people praying for you and your children for whatever y’all might need, whenever you need it.
Heidi and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Steven’s passing. You are all are in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time.
If all of us could follow his example of community service, even 1%, the world would be a much better place to live. Comforter, Holy Spirit, be near to the Skiffs and extended family and all of us who are morning this great loss.
The home owners at Twin Hills Cove would like to extend our sincere condolences to Heidi and the kids. Our thoughts and prayers are with family at this time.
Skiff, man, I can’t believe you’re gone. We shared so many laughs, and we got into some deep conversations over the years. You met me when I was still a teenager, and we worked side by side until just recently. You taught me how to manage risk, how to save money, and how to plan for the future. But more than anything, you showed me how to approach life with a level head.
You always put people first, even when they didn’t deserve it. You’d check in, make time, no matter how busy life got. You were the one keeping the dreamers like me grounded, always crunching the numbers, making sure we didn’t lose sight of reality. But at the same time, you inspired us to dream big, to keep climbing that ladder of life.
You were always ready for a good time, the last one standing at any party, making everything more fun. A ‘do-it-yourself’ guy to the core, and at your heart, you were a YES MAN. Always open to new adventures, always down to try something new—especially when it came to business.
You were a friend, a brother, and a partner. When I hit rock bottom, you were the one who pulled me up, helped me see my worth again. I’ll never forget how much you believed in me.
One story I tell over and over is that time we tiled your upstairs bathroom. We decided to do a power hour in the middle of it, and that night turned into pure chaos. We got up to all kinds of mischief, ending with us being thrown out of the kitchen by the staff at Plonk. I’ll never forget it.
You will be missed more than words can say, mate.
Heidi, Reilly, Felix, Valerie, and all of your family—know that we’re thinking of you, sending you all the love and strength in the world. People everywhere are remembering Skiff and the incredible life he lived.
With all our love,
Cody, Katie & Zoe
I loved Skiff the first time I met him. His big smile and always cracking up. We worked together on projects for a long time. My only regret was not getting to know him even more. I don’t know his family, but you’ve got family in me. I will help you guys in any way that I can. Please reach out if you need anything.
I am heartbroken to hear of Steven’s passing. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends. I will always have fond memories of our time we shared at LSU. Although we lost touch throughout the years, I was able to follow on social media you and your beautiful family. May they find peace in the days ahead.
Oh goodness this is so sad. I knew Steven in college at LSU. He was such a good, upstanding man then and I am so comforted hearing all the wonderful stories people tell about him. I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family.
We knew Steven from Mandeville. We are so sorry for the whole family. Our prayers are with you all,
Beth and Charles Wadlington
I was close to Steven in college and LSU. We have so many memories. I wish I had reconnected with him in Houston.
It has been sooooo many years since I’ve see Steven for a brief few moments as a proud husband, and father, until that last time I remember Stephen as a rambunctious young boy in Eldorado, Arkansas. I knew then that he would be raised as a well loved and respected adult. One that loved his family and everyone around him. Steven will be missed so much by his family and friends. Rest in Peace and Gods love Steven. ❤️❤️
We grew up with the Skiff’s living right across the street. Mrs. Renee’ had quickly become my mom’s best friend & Mr. Randall became my dad’s best friend just as quickly. Even though Steven & Jami were a couple of years older than me- whenever they would have friends over or the family would have a get together or party, my parents would be there & Steven would try to include me by inviting me over to hang out w him & his friends. If I declined or was a no show, Steven would come to the house looking for me & would encourage me to come ‘join the fun’. Steven was a true gentleman, so friendly & very much the life of the party! I gave him the nickname Honky, and in turn he gave me the nickname Guru🥰. When my mother passed away 4 years ago, Steven flew into New Orleans the day of the service & Mr. Randall & Mrs. Renee’ drove from Florida to the NOLA airport to pick him up & after moms service they drove him back to catch a flight home bc I believe that same day was also one of his kids birthdays or at least the day of the birthday party. Steven went out of his way to fly in for the service & fly back in time for his kids birthday party. I remember being so happy to see him even though it was a very sad day. He was his usual upbeat self, but also kind & empathetic as was his nature. It was a great comfort for my sister & I to have our ‘second family’ there with us on that very difficult day. Knowing the lengths they had gone to to be there for our moms memorial was a perfect testament to the kind of family & friends they have always been to us. Even after so many years had passed, they were still there for my sister & I. My mom loved Steven & Jami as she loved her own children- sometimes maybe more than her own kids! I can still picture Steven driving Mr. Randall’s vintage, red Mustang convertible with a black rag top! Our family spent many Thanksgiving’s in the Skiff dining room & I will always cherish those wonderful memories from a simpler, happier time. Steven loved his family & friends unconditionally & being in his presence you could feel that. I was more of an ‘outsider’ but Steven would encourage me & look out for me like a big brother would. He was a loyal, devoted son & brother. As a teenager he wasn’t trying to ‘get away’ from his parents- but truly wanted to spend time with them & wanted his friends there to be a part of their family as well. I don’t recall ever seeing Steven angry, upset or unkind to anyone. He was always respectful of his parents & Jami. It was easy to see how much he loved his family & truly loved spending time with them. I will remember Steven as being my ‘Honky’ & I his ‘Guru’. My heart breaks for Heidi, the children & of course Mr. Randall, Mrs. Renee’ & Jami. I remember he & Mr. Randall being not just father & son but also great friends. He was always there to lend a hand or an ear to anyone at anytime. I pray that he is at peace in Heaven with my mom & my dad & that they are taking great care of one another, watching over all of us until it is our time to join them in Heaven. I am still in shock about his passing & I hope he knows that Guru loves him! I am praying for peace for all family & friends that I know loved him unconditionally as he did them♥️
Heidi- I am so sorry for your loss to your family. Lifting you and your family up in prayer.
We are SO sorry to hear the sad & heartbreaking news. Continous prayers & hugs for Hedi, his children, Mrs. Renee, Mr. Randall, Jami, Richard, friends & family. Oh the memories of Superior Grill & superpower parties. May God keep you & envelope each & everyone one of you, in his love. You all will remain in our daily thoughts & prayers. God Speed Skiff. Much love, Sheila & Bean Prejean
We are SO sorry to hear the sad & heartbreaking news. Continous prayers & hugs for Hedi, his children, Mrs. Renee, Mr. Randall, Jami, Richard, friends & family. Oh the memories of Superior Grill & superbowl parties. May God keep you & envelope each & everyone one of you, in his love. You all will remain in our daily thoughts & prayers. God Speed Skiff. Much love, Sheila & Bean Prejean
Remember the good times.
I’m truly sorry to hear about the passing of Steven. Although I didn’t have the privilege of knowing him very well, it’s evident from the comments and tributes that he touched the lives of many. The few conversations we had were always meaningful, and I’m grateful for those moments. My heart goes out to his family during this unimaginable time, and I hope they find comfort and peace in the love and memories they shared with him.
I have known Skiff since 7th grade at the American School in London. I moved there from Houston half way through the school year and had to make new friends mid year. Steven and I hit it off right away since we were both from the South in a school where most kids were from other parts of the world.
The Skiff’s were my second family and I spent a bunch of time at their house goofing off, watching movies and lowering the basketball rim so we could have dunk contests. Here are a few of my memories of Steven and the Skiff family.
-Sitting in the balcony at the American Church in London and my dad glancing back with a look that quite us down real quick. Hearing Charles Graham sing at the service today reminded me that he had sung at ACL as well.
-Eating Indian food for the first time and burning my face off with lamb vindaloo. Having peking duck for the first time. The Skiffs are adventurous diners and I blame them for my current foodie state. 🙂
-Kanukuk Camp playing basketball and volleyball and having a great time, but not winning the I’m Third Award. HAHA!
-hot rodding his classic Mustang one summer. (Please forgive me Mr. Skiff)
Steven was kind to everyone he came across, me included. His generous spirit will be sorely missed this side of heaven, but I take solace and look forward to seeing him again.
Heidi, both SB and I are are heart broken for you and the children. Please know we are here for you.
Love Helene