Stephen Paul Black Obituary
Stephen was born during the baby boom in Dallas, Texas. He lived an ordinary childhood for the time. In the summers he ran barefoot and caught horny toads with his older sister, Esther, and his neighbors Billy and Judy Scheibel. There was a 2 year and 2-month age range between the four. They were constant childhood companions. At this time, he was known as Buddy.
In high school, he fell in love with the theater. First, in his junior year, starring in his high school production of Calamity Jane and then his senior year learning theater production, lighting, and sound. After recovering from a serious car accident, he took a job as the spotlight operator at the Venetian Room at the Dallas Fairmont Hotel. He transformed the job into stage manager. There he worked with many stars. When Richard Harris (McArthur Park and Dumbledore) played the room, he hired Steve as his stage manager for his national tour, not knowing he was only 19 years old. This gave him a chance to really learn the business. When the tour ended, he went on the road as lighting roadie for Grand Funk Railroad, a hugely popular rock band. He then became the stage manager at the Crystal Palace dinner theater.
He then tried his hand in sales. Eventually becoming Vice President of Allen & Associates. This resulted in him moving to Houston where his sister lived. He, Esther, and Esther's husband Bruce Osborn , were constant companions, attending art gallery openings, weekends and parties at the ranch and many late-night, dinners. Bruce became the brother he never had. They traveled together for trips including Taos, N. M. where he learned to ski.
In the late 80's he followed Esther and Bruce to Jacksonville Beach, Florida to enjoy the beach life. He established a successful paving company and was there for the birth of his first nephew, John Claiborn.
After Esther and Bruce moved back to Texas, Steve decided to pursue another dream and move to the mountains. He spent many years in the Breckenridge area, skiing to his heart's content. Steve loved living in the mountains. He had several jobs that kept him outdoors and able to explore the natural beauty. He became a 'Mountain Man'. He studied Taekwondo, achieving the rank of second-degree black belt . He met his friend Rick Houston there, and they remained friends for the next 30 years. Many times, Rick and Steve shared a meal together and enjoyed a home cooked meal. Rick said that one of the things he truly enjoyed doing for Steve was cooking for him.
Steve was always very spiritual. He explored many aspects of various religions. He finally settled on Jehovah Witness. He was very involved with their community, especially his friend Gary Bocksch.
Eventually, he returned to his first love, and became the stage manager at the Vilar Center in Avon, Colorado. While at the Vilar he again worked with many celebrities, such as Ray Charles and on several occasions President Gerald Ford. He also produced outdoor concerts featuring such talent as Brooks and Dunn.
He always made time to visit his family in Texas. He spent many Christmases there. Once he even brought snow on Christmas Eve to Houston. He attended baptismals, confirmations, birthdays, 4th of July celebrations and sixth grade and college graduations. He developed a special bond with his nephew Austin, as they were both lefties. The Osborns also visited him in Colorado where he loved taking them hiking and exploring.
Eventually, his health failed him, and his final move led him to Glenwood Springs.
