Stephen B. Oveson1936 2013Stephen Berg Oveson passed away Sunday, June 2, 2013, after a long struggle with cancer. He was 76. Steve spent his last days in mortality at home with friends and family, and he passed peacefully in the presence of his lifelong companion, Dixie. He is survived by her, by his brother Richard and sisters Joan Olsen and Mary Stoddard, by five of his six sons, and by 19 grandchildren.Steve was born on July 9, 1936, in Grass Valley, central Oregon, to Mal Berg and Merrill Mahonri Oveson. He graduated from Pendleton High School in Oregon, served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in northern Mexico, and earned a degree in Finance from Brigham Young University. He married the love of his life, Dixie Randall, on September 7, 1960 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. Their marriage was blessed with sons S. Randall, Brent, Mark, Richard, Jason, and Robert, and a foster son Arnold Begay.Steve spent his career in the hotel industry, where he and his partners built a successful hotel development, management, and franchising company, and in the process created the all-suite hotel market. As he neared retirement age, Steve was called by the LDS Church as President of the Buenos Aires South Mission in Argentina. He later served for six years as a General Authority in the Second Quorum of Seventy, and also as the first President of the Newport Beach, California Temple. Steve spent his life giving. To those who sought advice, he gave of his wisdom. To those who lacked ability, he gave of his talents. To those who needed assistance, he gave of his resources. To those who needed shelter, he opened his home. To those who wanted for attention, he gave of his time. To those who lost their way, he gave of his light. And to all who had the privilege of knowing him, he gave of his love.A viewing will be held at the LDS Edgemont North Stake Center, 4560 North Canyon Road, Provo, Utah, on Sunday, June 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, June 10, at 11 a.m. in the same location, with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the East Lawn Cemetery in Provo. In consideration of memorial contribution the family suggests the LDS church Perpetual Education Fund: PO Box 410778 Salt Lake City, UT 84141
