Obituary of Steve Bolen

Steven Ray Bolen went home to be with Jesus at the age of 66 Tuesday, May 21, 2019. He passed away at his home in Lake Oswego after a 35-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Some might say the disease won but those who knew him knew it only strengthened his determination to build meaningful relationships and live each to the fullest of God’s call on his life. His response of “Great!" when asked how he was doing was just an overflow of the true joy that lived inside of him. Steve was born on March 4, 1953 in Portland, Oregon to Malcolm and Dolores (Yandle) Bolen. He was the oldest of four siblings who all adored and looked up to him. He graduated from Rex Putnam High School in 1971 where he was a state champion wrestler, participated in football, was a part of Student council, attended and hosted Young Life meetings at his home where he would meet his future wife. Steve’s passion for learning kept him busy in school. He attended Oregon State University, where he was part of the SAE fraternity; and continued onto Westmont College before enlisting in the U.S. ARMY in 1973. Steve married the love of his life, Christine (Shindler) in 1975. He Eventually received his B.S from Portland State University and his Juris Doctor Degree from Lewis and Clark Law school. In 1980 he took his family to California where he achieved his LLM in Taxation from Golden Gate University. Steve was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1983. He continued practicing law until 1996 when the symptoms of the illness caused him to retire from his practice. In the years that followed Steve stayed busy encouraging others and sharing his passion for Jesus Christ. He wrote countless letters to family and friends, spoke at fellowship of Christian Athletes and Campus Crusade for Christ events, encouraged men’s bible study groups and could be seen almost weekly at Downtown Bible in Portland along with his home church of Lake Bible. His life verse was Philippians 4:13 which says “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me”. As his body weakened over the years, he was known for his life motto, “My Weakness … His strength “. Steve is survived by his wife of almost 44 years, Chris: daughter Nicole (Jesse) and son Caleb (Amanda); 5 grandchildren – Taylor, Brooke, Klaire, Ethan, and Blake. Also, by his mother Dolores; Siblings Kerry (Ava), Tim (Trish), and Julie (Wayne); many nieces and nephews; and many more family and friends. Though his time here on earth has ended we know he is with his Lord Jesus Christ praising Him in Heaven with a perfectly healed body. How wonderful it must have been when he heard his heavenly Father proclaim, “Well done good and faithful servant. Welcome Home! “ A celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 22nd at 1pm at Lake Bible Church, 4565 Carmen Drive, Lake Oswego, OR 97035. In Lieu of flowers, we would love for you to make donations in Steve’s name to the National MS Society, 5331 SW Macadam, Ave Ste. 290 Portland OR 97239