Primavera Expert Web Site + *Mt.Tamalpais Hiking

Steve Balok was a very popular Hike Leader on Mt.Tam having started leading hikes with MTIA in the late 90s. He had just returned to leading Saturday hikes,on October 24, 2009, after years of being a fast Sunday Hike Leader.  After leading this hike many of the Saturday hikers expressed how much they had enjoyed the hike and were looking forward to more. This writer included.

Tragically in early December 2009, Steve passed away very suddenly from a possible massive heart attack. He was in his early sixties and had recently retired.

Since the early 70s Steve spent years as a middle school math teacher, in the Novato, CA, public school system, known for his, take no prisoners attitude when it came to teaching math to middle schoolers.

Steve had moved to the Bay Area from New York City in the early 70s.

His memorial service in Novato completely filled the church. Hundreds attended the reception afterward.

His close friend and fellow Hike Leader and fellow New Yorker, Bob Willoughby gave a moving remembrance of his friend at the church service.  With a distinct NYC accent and with a soft Irish lilt in his voice, Bob's words touched everyone.

Steve will be missed by all who knew him and here at MTIA, by all who hiked with him.

Several photos here are of Steve leading an MTIA hike on Saturday, October 24, 2009.

On February 28, 2010, a memorial collage of photos and a copy of his funeral service program, were put in a protective plastic sheaf and placed at the Music Stand site, in his remembrance. (photos bottom and middle below)

The photos of Steve leading an MTIA hike were taken Saturday, October 24, 2009.

Bob Willoughby