Horan McConaty - Wadsworth
Steven Terlecki passed away just shy of his 69th birthday, having fought pancreatic cancer for almost a year.
Steve grew up in Chicago but headed to the University of New Mexico (UNM) in 1970 to study geology. There, he joined the mountaineering club, met his future wife, and spent weekends investigating new areas in the state: the mountains, deserts, mines, and exotic lands.
After UNM, he began a lifelong career in petroleum exploration geology working for or consulting with many companies in Colorado, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Utah and Texas. He was a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), Tulsa Geological Society (TGS), Oklahoma City Geological Society (OCGS), and Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists (RMAG).
In late 1978, Steve and Barbara moved to their home in Columbine Valley, started a family, and began their love affair with the Rocky Mountains. Each year, Steve planned outings for hiking, backpacking, elk hunting and skiing. He summitted all of Colorado's 14'ners, hiked the full length of the Colorado trail and did numerous back-country ski and snowshoe trips. Trips abroad included Africa climbing Kilimanjaro, Slovenia and Mount Triglav, Scotland and Ben Nevis, along with numerous hikes in Iceland, Norway, and England.
Steve's second love was ice hockey. When not outdoors, he could be found at a local ice rink playing hockey with the "old guys", where he formed incredible lifelong friendships.
Scouting also was a staple in his life. He volunteered as an adult leader in Troop 444 in Littleton. Many trusted friendships grew from scouting especially from high adventure and summer camps, later evolving into hunting pals with endless stories and fond memories.
Steve volunteered for various Homeowner's Associations also served as Street Commissioner on the Board of Trustees for the Town of Columbine Valley. But it was his calling in geology that motivated him to volunteer "rock talk" at local schools and scouts, spending time in the summers at Philmont Scout Ranch as a Geology counselor or at Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison.
Steve found great joy in family, especially the grand kids. It was the grandchildren who inspired Steve to play his most festive role. The beard he'd worn since college had turned white and he grew it out to play Santa. He practiced his role on the ski runs at Copper Mountain and basked in glory of Saint Nick while handing out candy canes to kids.
Steve is survived by his wife, Barbara, daughters Meredith and Jessica, son Ted, five grandchildren and sister Mary. Services will be held Tuesday, March 29th at 2:00 pm at Horan & McConaty, 3101 South Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80227.
In lieu of flowers, Steve requested you consider donating to any of the following organizations: Philmont Scout Ranch, 10th Mt Division Hut Association, or DAWG Nation Hockey Foundation.
Please visit Steve's online obituary at www.horancares.com to leave memories and condolences.
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