Arthur Steed

Arthur Steed (76) of Denver, Colorado, passed away at sunset at his daughter’s home in Denver on Friday, December 20, 2024. Arthur moved into home hospice just days earlier and was under the care of his wife, four children, and family. In his final act of fatherhood, Arthur timed his transition “home” in the presence of all four kids, his wife, nephew, and grandniece. He gave them one last earthly gift—waiting until they were all together—as he made his final journey. Arthur was surrounded by love and guided by prayer—it was a moment they’ll cherish forever.

Arthur, affectionately known as “Baby,” “Poo,” or “Papa Steed,” was born in his family home in Awendaw, South Carolina, on October 6, 1948. He was welcomed by his parents James Steed, Sr. and Estelle Manigault Steed, and twelve brothers and sisters—Richard, Letha, Hazel, Leon (Bill), James, Maxie, Delores, Edward, Ruth Mae, Elizabeth, Bryant, and Sherrold. All preceded Arthur in death except for his loving brother Bryant who still resides in Awendaw. Arthur was, in all ways, the baby of the family. Having grown up in a Gullah-Geechee community, he retained a love of that culture and would later get to share it with his children and grandchildren.

In 1967, Arthur graduated from Lincoln High School in McClellanville, SC. Soon after, he was drafted into the United States Army and sent to Vietnam where he served as a Combat Infantry Sergeant with the First Calvary Infantry with distinction. He was awarded a Bronze Star, ARCOMM/wV Device and the Combat Infantryman Badge. His time in Vietnam (May 1969 to April 1970) impacted the course of his life greatly and was an experience he carried with him always.

After being discharged from the Army, Arthur returned to South Carolina and took up the family trade of drywall finishing. In the early 1970s, he moved to Brooklyn, NY, where friends and family had moved—they were a part of the tail end of the Great Migration. While in Brooklyn, Arthur reconnected with a friend he first met in Awendaw, Kathleen Rohdy, who had worked there as a VISTA volunteer years earlier.

In 1976, Arthur followed Kathleen to Denver. They married, bought a home on Race St. in Northeast Denver, and settled down to raise their four children. He was a cherished father to Jonah, Emily, Anna, and Caroline, and a loving grandpa to Maxwell, Malia (11) and Elijah (1). Over the years, he was a faithful companion to many beloved family dogs Max, Shaq, Storm, Roscoe, Omar, Spike, Shiloh, and Miles. He also (easily) secured the title of adored father-in-law to his children’s spouses and partners, Isaam, Elisha, Molly, and John. His beloved nephews, Jeffrey and Patrick later followed their uncle to Denver to live and raise their families. A host of cousins, nieces, and nephews are also left to mourn Uncle Arthur’s passing.

Arthur was active and enjoyed softball with friends, bicycling around the state, weightlifting with his VA buddies, working on his house and big yard, and cheering on his children in everything they did.

In the early 90s, Arthur was injured on the job. After many years of drywalling, he could no longer work as before, but that didn’t stop him from being one of the most active citizens in his community. He spent years and thousands of hours volunteering at the VA hospital and in his inner-city neighborhood. When his kids were young, Arthur joined a group of concerned fathers called MAD-DADS whose goal was to deter crime and provide a strong paternal presence in the community. Through self-reflection on his time in Vietnam and through his volunteer work, Arthur hoped he could help others find meaning in their lives, or at the very least, lend a hand whenever needed.

The veteran community was close to Arthur’s heart. He was an enthusiastic participant in the VA Golden Age Games and attended competitions in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico, New York, and Texas. He won medals in various events including shot put, discus and horseshoes. Arthur also participated in many Outward-Bound trips with his fellow veterans. Having not talked about his service for years, these experiences meant so much to him as he reconnected with other Vietnam vets and began to honor his own service and enormous sacrifice.

But Arthur’s pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. Having grown up with so little, he did everything he could to provide a happy, safe home for his kids. He was immensely proud of the people they turned out to be. He was a deeply devoted and loving daddy and grandpa. Arthur was easy-going, cheerful, tolerant, and oh-so patient. He loved a little trash talk to keep things lively, but he greeted everyone with a big smile and laughed often and easily. He was the slowest eater you ever saw! He was also the greatest dad in the world.

In his golden years, Arthur loved spending time with family, long walks with the dogs, sitting on his porch with the sun on his face, listening to music in his impressively decorated man cave (if you know, you know!), and going on bike rides.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, January 14 at 3pm at Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church (1500 E. 22nd Ave, Denver, CO 80205). A repast will follow.

A private military burial will be held the following week and Arthur’s remains will be interred at Ft. Logan National Cemetery per his wishes.

Huge thanks and much gratitude to all who have reached out to offer comfort, support, and words of love and fondness for Arthur. Bless you all—he loved you, too.

In lieu of flowers or food, if you wish, contributions can be made to the Arthur Steed Memorial Fund. 100% of contributions will support Colorado veterans and their families.
https://www.5280opportunityproject.org/arthur-steed-memorial-fund

Contributions can also be sent via check to: 5280 Opportunity Project, PO Box 7401, Denver, CO 80207. Checks payable to: 5280 Opportunity Project, Memo line: Arthur Steed.