Steven Patrick Rose was born May 10, 1950, to Geraldine Patrick and Russell Rose in Santa Rosa California. He passed away after a long illness with his family by his side on March 18, 2025.
Steve was a family man; his family was his greatest accomplishment. Steve was an outdoorsman, he would rather be camping at the family property near Westwood or attending a mountain man rendezvous than anyplace on earth. He was a lifelong member of the Susanville Rotary Club, Life member of California Fire Chiefs Association, the Paiute Creek Renegades and a lifelong brother of the M.O.S.
Steve’s family left the Healdsburg Valley and moved to the Susanville area when he was five years old. They settled in Secret Valley and lived at the Cal Trans yard on Hwy 139, where his father worked as an operator. Steve, his brother Ken and sister Robin attended a one room school house in Standish.
Steve graduated from Lassen High School in 1968, right before the old High School was demolished. He was living on his own during high school and working at the Patio Store and often picked up small jobs around town to make extra money. He worked as a choker setter and bumped logs for Jacobs Logging and worked in the hay fields in Gerlach during the summers. He was always a hardworking dedicated employee. After High School, he was hired at the Post Office and became a letter carrier. From there he was employed by Lassen County as an apprentice surveyor and became a Volunteer Firefighter at the Susanville Fire Department in 1972- beginning his career as a lifelong fireman. He was hired as a permanent Fire Apparatus Engineer in December 1973 and worked through all the ranks. He was hired as Fire Chief in 1989. He has the distinguish title of the longest serving Fire Chief. Steve served the Fire Department, and the citizens of Susanville, 32 years. He retired in 2004. He was active in the floods of 1989 that saw the Susan River overflow its banks and flood the town. He was especially supportive during the snow emergency the winter of 1991-92; and was a valuable member of the Office of Emergency Services, planning for and providing critical service during these disasters. He was supportive and bold during 911 and was so proud to be a fireman along with his brothers and sisters who perished on that day.
Steve and Karen Claiborne married on April 7, 1979. They purchased their first home, where he remodeled the entire house, he was meticulous with his building skills, they made a lovely home. As the family grew that little house became too small, so they then moved to a larger home in Susan Hills where they have lived for 31 years.
Throughout his life, Steve wore many titles and was addressed by many names. None were more important to him than Husband, Dad, Papa and Friend. He had a keen ability to turn all events into a party. He loved to have fun and make people laugh with his crazy since of humor.
Steve leaves behind a large family to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy. His Rendezvous family of brothers and sisters held a special place in his life. His wife of 46 years, Karen was always by his side. Son, Gary Smith of Medford, OR., son, Paul Smith (Kristina) of Paradise, CA., daughter Kelly (Chris) Hill of Nampa, ID., and son Nicholas of Orcas Island, WA. His brother Ken Rose (Rochelle) his sister Robin Rose, his stepbrother and sisters John (Jacqui) Munson, Janet (Mike) Helmar, Deona (Paul) Horton and Dede Munson. Seven grandchildren; Taylor (Eli) Hemmert, Madeline, Reid, Carter, Magnolia, Colton and Emma. He is also survived by mother-in-law, Carole Claiborne, brothers-in-law Steve (Sandy) Claiborne, Robert (Caroline) Claiborne, sisters-in-law Cindy (David) Stroing, and Marlo Claiborne.
He will also be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, Steve was loved by so many. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00a.m., on Saturday July 5th at the Susanville Community Hall at Roop’s Fort.
