November 25, 1951—April 8, 2024
Steven Cary McCandless was born on November 25, 1951, to Richard and Barbara (Koehler) McCandless in Burlington, Iowa.
In the spring of 1954, the McCandless family moved west to Moab, where Steve grew up and attended school. Steve graduated from Grand County High School in 1970, then spent years working drill rigs for Ray Shumway and various other folks or climbing poles running cable in different areas. He even did his own small reclamation gig for a short time.
Sometime in 1976, Steve and Charme (Young) got together and were married on September 26, 1978. They lived in a small trailer park near what is now Dave’s Corner Market, raising Kelly Sheets. In 1979, their second son, Ryan, was born. Shortly after, they settled further out along Millcreek Drive.
Steve began working at the potash plant downriver from Moab in 1980, always saying they paid him to play with real-life Tonka toys. Steve enjoyed his career and made countless friendships throughout the 42 years until his retirement in January of 2022.
On the morning of April 8, 2024, Steve passed away unexpectedly. He is preceded in death by his father, his mother and his brother, David. He is survived by his wife, Charme; sons, Kelly (Samantha) Sheets and Ryan McCandless; his brother, Donald McCandless; sister, Pamela McCandless; closest cousin, Calvin (Fleda) Koehler; as well as six grandchildren and so many nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews and all the family back in Iowa.
Steve loved being out in the hills rockhounding, hunting, creek fishing or just gathering with friends and family and being able to connect the numerous people to families from the Moab area. He also really enjoyed pranking, harassing, and spending time with his coworkers, whom he considered his family as well.
The McCandless family would like to invite all friends and family to a celebration of the life of Steve McCandless on Saturday, April 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Old City Park. Food will be provided.You may send condolences to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com or www.SVMC.US.
