In photo at right, Steve provides valuable assistance during our annual "Blessing of the Animals" service.
In the prime of his life, "Doctor Steve", as he was known to many of us, was tragically taken from us. Steve and his wife, Sue-Ann, not only raised two beautiful daughters, Ellen and Jennifer, but during his brief time with us, Steve also touched the lives of thousands of other people. As kind and gentle with the animals as he was with everyone that he met, Steve always had kind and encouraging words for everyone.
Stephen M. Soloway, D.V.M., 53, of Lilburn died Wednesday, January 12. Dr. Soloway had been a practicing veterinarian in the Atlanta area for 27 years specializing in small animals and exotic pets. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Florida and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Michigan State University in 1972. He was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Greater Atlanta Veterinary Medical Society, Society of Avian Veterinarians and the Gwinnett County Veterinary Medical Association. He was a founding charter member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett. He is survived by his wife, Sue-Ann, daughters, Jennifer and Ellen, brother, Howard. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 22 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett, 12 Bethesda Church RD, Lawrenceville, Rev. Heather Collins and Rev. Frances West, officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the UUCG Endowment Fund, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett, 12 Bethesda Church RD, Lawrenceville, GA 30044 or the Morris Animal Foundation, 45 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, CO 80112. Wages & Sons, Stone Mountain, 770-469-9811.
This web page is intended as a way for us to preserve our wonderful remembrances of Steve and is lovingly dedicated to his memory. If you have a special remembrance or photo that you would like to share, please see the submissions information, below.
| Shannon O'Lear & Alex McKinney | My husband and I decided to visit UUCG on the day there was a Blessing of the Animals. As we walked into the foyer, a tall man greeted us enthusiastically, welcoming us and had us sign the guest registry. He introduced himself as "Dr. Steve" and said he did a little of most everything around there. What a wonderful first impression! Upon our next few times back at the church, Dr. Steve always seemed to pop up and tell us he was glad to see us back. Because of Dr. Steve, we felt immediately like part of the church community and that we would never be just faces in the crowd. Through meeting others in UUCG who have such a generous, warm spirit, I can only look back and think Dr. Steve set the tone for which UUCG would operate and what kinds of people it would attract. It is a place we are glad we found and in a recent prayer, I thanked Dr. Steve. |
| Rob Kohl | At the Sunday service following Steve's passing, I came to a realization about the kind of things I will miss, now that he is gone. He always provided such easy and considerate council. I am a father of two daughters a little younger than Jennifer and Ellen and it was always easy to use Steve as a source of parenting advice. He was a good "touchstone" who could give me a "been there, done that" story that was helpful. In true Steve form, it was usually given with a wistful sense of humor. I will miss that. |
| Katie Long | When we moved to Atlanta some 10 years ago, we met Dr. Steve at UUCG and he became our vet to our beloved cat, Leon. Shortly after Leon left us, Dr. Steve left a message on our phone telling us to go look at some kittens he knew would be perfect for us. I went to see them and came home with two, The Blues Brothers. I was a little apprehensive about selecting new pets without input from the whole family. Mark and Ben took one look at those kittens and said they would have to be sure to thank Dr. Steve. Dr. Steve was one to always rush up and offer a greeting at church. We looked up to him for advice about church matters, pet care, and guidance in raising our son to be as wonderful as his two daughters, Jennifer and Ellen. Also, we just enjoyed his company and his gentle spirit. He will be missed by our family, our church family and many others in the community. |
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