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Stratford, Connecticut

Third Post/Last comment: I know many of you have been praying for him and we thank you for all you have done over these many months with donations and heartfelt get well cards. The card in Niagara that was signed by many hangs on his wall in his room. He keep staring at it and talking about it for weeks - that meant so much to him. I wish that part of him would return once more, but another step down to where he was last week, is another step closer knowing it will only get worse. I don't know how much more he can take. Thank you all for everything. I'm sorry I have been away so long from the site to fill you all in on his condition. I wish it was good news I could share. God Bless you all and don't forget those prayers. PS: My son hugged me Friday night after Steve finally got to sleep at 1:00 am in the morning, and he said, "Mom, bad things happen to really good people, and Dad is a really good person". I am glad he knows that!

6/20/2011 9:30:17 PM

sorry to hear this wish there was better news steve has many freinds in the pumpkin community and has helped so many in the past il awalys remember the good morning america show and alot more were steve was there

6/20/2011 9:37:56 PM

Stratford, Connecticut

He spoke highly of you Don always. He was like a kid when he was able to pull it all through for Good Morning America. It was a time my son will never forget! He was very proud of his Dad.

6/20/2011 9:41:36 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Very frighteningly sad news indeed. I never met Steve in person but feel as if I've known him for years and I really enjoyed covering his back during some very heated debates here on BP.com. Steve's convictions were plainly obvious and he is a true patriot.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Steve, you, and the rest of the family. I just doesn't feel right that a man like him should have to endure such a condition.

6/20/2011 9:42:50 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Steve and I didn't often see eye to eye but know this, we are a community and I have thought of him many times. He's a sharp guy and I wish I could have met him face to face if nothing else but to debate this and that. By his posts he is also a man of faith which will hopefully be a source of strength during this difficult time.

6/20/2011 9:49:00 PM

Pataskala,OH

Never knew Steve personally. He was one of the most helpful people on this website. Don't really know what to say except sorry to hear such bad news.

6/20/2011 9:51:06 PM

East Jordan, MI

Sorry to hear that he is taking a turn for the worse. Our prayers are still reaching out for him and you.

6/20/2011 9:55:44 PM

Muddy Waters

Sorry!

6/20/2011 9:58:35 PM

South Hero, VT

I am greatly saddened to hear the news. Steve helped me personally several times in emails and many more times thru his answers in these forums.

I can only wish you all strength and dignity as the days go by.

He is in my thoughts frequently.

6/20/2011 9:59:08 PM

Massillon, Ohio

We are praying for the whole family. I can't imagine the strength and toughness it must take to face this battle day after day after day.

6/20/2011 10:10:34 PM

Northern Cambria, Pa.

Very sorry to hear this. Not only is Steve a great guy but the knowledge that he possesses is truly amazing. He was always there, helping anyone in the pumpkin community that he could for as long as he could. I only hope everyone realizes what a loss his absence has been. He will be in our thoughts.

6/20/2011 10:22:59 PM

Cedar City, Ut

God Speed...and strength for all... Sue and Curt Saxton

6/20/2011 10:24:02 PM

Stratford, Connecticut, America

I honestly am not sure about what to say. For those who are not aware, I am Stephen Jepsen, son of Steve. I have been watching the progression of this disease on my father almost as if watching a film. I was told by a member of my scout troop, God will give those who are strong harsh lives, only because they are able to bear the pain, and those who aren't as strong are given more fortunate lives by Him. At this point, I know I wouldn't be who I am now if it wasn't for M.S. God may have done this because he felt that if I proceeded with the current lifestyle I had been living, I would have screwed my life up pretty damn good, so he set me right. I'm not sure about this at all honestly. I have been told sorry, and that it must feel bad by people, but I am most likely going to lose my Dad before I can drive, as well as wake up in the night to hear my father calling out my name, as well as my mothers. Most of the people who have told me these things do not know this pain. My father was respective, and now it hurts to look at pictures of how he used to be. Thank you all for giving support, as I know you all were a very important part of his life.

-Stephen A. Jepsen

6/20/2011 10:47:05 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Thunder... Kudo's to you & your Dad!!! It prbly won't help your heart for a while, but try & remember how much he was appreciated by folks on this site! One of the greatest contributors of information on this site, ever!!! Be Strong for yer Mom, and for yer Self!!! Peace, Wayne

6/21/2011 3:04:35 AM

Bethlehem CT

Thank you for updating us on Steve's condition. I wish there was something I could say that would help ease you and your families suffering. I am growing Steve's 853 from '07. Every time I go down to tend it I think of him and say a prayer for Steve and your family. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to help out. I am so sorry you have to carry such a burden as this.

6/21/2011 6:25:53 AM

Stratford, Connecticut

Big Moon - How about posting a picture or two. We would love to see it. If he only knew how much he missed posting, growing and talking to his friends everywhere...Damn, he doesn't even know how to use a cell phone anymore - my heart is heavy for his loss and what he's missed in everything. Thank you to my son for being who you are. Eleanor Roosevelt said once:"People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built." Stephen - Your character has been shaped so fine. Mom

6/21/2011 7:40:21 AM

Ontario

Thanks for the heart tugging update Lorraine and Stephen. I am very saddened to hear how things have deteriorated so rapidly. You are both incredibly strong people to be able help your husband and father, as he suffers through the late stages of this horrible disease. Even though I never met Steve, I think of him often when I go out to work in the patch and I continually count my blessings that I have my health. I wish you all the best...continue to be strong knowing that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bryan

6/21/2011 8:23:58 AM

Williamsburg,KY

Steve has touched many lives, he is a precious gift. May God give you strength in your time of need. God Bless You.

6/21/2011 8:33:26 AM

Team Munson

I am very sorry to hear about Steve's condition & wish there was more I could do to help. I miss my phone calls with him & working on our efforts in NYC I was always amazed at the contacts he had.

Stay strong Lorraine & Stephen I am sure he will want that more than anything. Please let him know Carol & I will keep all of you in our prayers and thank you for the update.

Dave & Carol Stelts

6/21/2011 8:53:41 AM

Wi

All my best to the Jepsen family. I'll never forget my conversations with Steve :) Thanks for taking the time to update.

Chris

6/21/2011 9:41:13 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Very saddened and sorry to hear the news regarding Steve's condition. Thanks for sharing the information regarding his condition. I remember how easy it was for Steve to offer help and information to anyone within our pumpkin community.....I wish too there was more I could do to help as Steve helped so many......May God bless Steve and his family....

6/21/2011 9:46:57 AM

[email protected]

I have been very fortunate to be able to call Steve my friend, If that's the only thing I ever gained from growing Pumpkins, then I'm a winner and always will be.
Steve be strong and may things take a turn for the better.
Eddy

6/21/2011 9:52:54 AM

SW Ohio

I'm so sorry to hear this news. You all will be in my thoughts as you go through this difficult journey

6/21/2011 10:13:51 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Steve was one of the first to welcome me into this growing community and welcome me and encourage questions using this forum and site.

I never met Steve, yet consider him a friend. An intelligent, well spoken, thoughtful and insightful man.

6/21/2011 11:06:55 AM

Massillon, Ohio

Steve was also the first one to welcome me when I joined BP. His influence on this hobby will be forever lasting. Stephen, with the genes you've inherited from your dad and the lessons and values you've learned from him, you will, no doubt, grow into a fine man. God bless you.

6/21/2011 11:47:29 AM

Somers, CT

I am very sorry for the hardship your family is going through and admire your strenght through this battle. Hang in there Steve. We are all praying for you. I also have had several discussions over the years with Steve as he was always friendly and more than willing to share any information he had with anyone who asked and I really needed help. Please let him know we are thinking of him and the best to you and your son.

6/21/2011 12:22:48 PM

Sharon, MA

Very sorry to hear of Steve's current condition. I have the utmost respect for him. His inner strength is strong. The last time we talked was at the CT Weigh-off in Oct 2010, and as the Top Pumpkins were coming up to the Scales we had a wonderful 1/2 hour discussion about family and the Sport he loves so much. He's a good man.

6/21/2011 12:27:04 PM

Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada

Very sorry to hear this news Lorraine and Stephen. We always enjoyed the whole family during our visits/times in Niagara Falls and we are pleased to hear that the card made it safely to Steve and that he was able to enjoy it. We will keep you in our prayers and hope for things to take a turn for the better.
Yours sincerely, Sally Hunt and the entire Port Elgin Pumpkinfest team

6/21/2011 12:32:40 PM

Midwest

Steve has never failed to be generous with his knowlege. He was even helpful to me even when I asked him for advise about replacing my front door! I am so sorry to hear about his condition. Stephen, be strong and we'll keep praying for your family. Thank you for posting.

6/21/2011 1:38:19 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

Lorraine, if you need anything, let us know, this is very painful to hear about a man like Steve going through this.
Stephen, your father was always very proud of you, anytime we spoke, he would always mention you, carry his name proud.
Steve is a very unique person, whether it was his spy tour to my patch, telling me "oh, I was in the area:"...an hr and a half from home...lol...or the hell ride to Niagara Falls that would have made any nascar drive nervous...lol...Don and Mike should remember that!..or trying to explain every detail about how and why a fertilizer worked, he is a good man, a good friend and deserves nothing less than respect.

6/21/2011 1:38:31 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Hearing about his worestening condition really makes me sad. Like most of you, I never really met him face to face, however we did exchange e mail and chatted on facebook and bp.com. He's a good man with a lot of knowledge. I'm sure that he appreciates all the kind words and encouragment. I will pray for a ease of suffering and encouragment for family.

6/21/2011 1:57:11 PM

Upa Creek, MO

First I'd like to say I truly am sorry, and hope the best for Steve and his family. I have spent hours on here searching backdated material and Steve's countless info he has shared on here is some of the most informative and well written for all us who share this hobby. I have printed out many of his posts as a reference. Thoughts are with you all.

6/21/2011 7:25:21 PM

Mastic Beach, New York

Sorry to hear about his condition(very sad)like everyone else years of emails and met him on the RI patch tour great guy!!!

6/21/2011 7:54:31 PM

Sparta, NC

Sorry to hear about Steves condition. He was always willing to help everyone with his unlimited knowledge. The family is in my prayers.

6/21/2011 8:30:54 PM

Roselle, IL [email protected]

Sorry to hear about his condition..He has helped me over the years with various disease issues in my patch. His input is missed here on BP. I had the pleasure of sitting with him a few years back at lunch in Niagara..A wealth of knowledge. My prayers are with you

6/21/2011 9:22:40 PM

Paradise Mountain, New York

I got to say just about everyone on here has hit the nail right on top of the head about Steve. Super guy, willing to do anything to help someone out. I never met Steve, but over the years any question I threw at him he would aways come back with a e-mail to tell me what to do and why. Sometime a question might of been a stupid question but Steve would take it like it was a serious one. Wonder man with a heart of kindness and givingness.... Our Prayers are with you Steve and your family.....Brian

6/21/2011 11:10:55 PM

Ohio

Steve Jepsen is a BIG name in the pumpkin growing world and he didnt even have to be a heavy hitter grower to be so recognized, and that right there is saying something about the person Steve is. I call him the professor of pumpkin growing, He always help anyone out that needed it.
I know he helped me out tremendously.

I sure do miss when I see a fertilizer/pesticide and disease question posted here on the boards by a grower and then you don't see Steve's nick name ''Tremor '' below with the answers.

I hope he gets a miracle Lorraine.

6/22/2011 8:48:37 AM

Stratford, Connecticut

I found out from Matt Luce, Steve was a member of "LawnCareSite.com" and of the years he was, he had posted 1400 times. I had no idea this site existed nor he was a member. Why did God choose a person of his intelligence to place such a burden for him to carry? He had it all and too shortly he was cut down to not even be able to think straight anymore. Miracles are needed badly at the Jepsen household Brooks!

6/22/2011 11:38:28 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

My prayers are that you will receive those miracles. It seems likely that you will find that Steve is involved with more than you know relevant to many things. It just strikes me that Steve is a man of many dimensions whether his family is aware or not.

6/24/2011 10:55:49 PM

virginia

very sad news. Your family is in my prayers,,,,greg

6/26/2011 7:15:25 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

sorry this is so late got on today and went back a few pages...but had to respond.

Thunder...met your dad in person on the first CT tour...chased him from one end of Ct to the other. He was the proudest father ..we spoke often because I had my son and you couldn't make it that day..Wow! You're dad is and will always be a passionate person.. Esteban...was always intense..factual, and while not always a believer that someone could grow a 1500 lber...was there to help..He pushed the science and I truly believe was a catalyst to our over achieving in this sport. be it fertilizer, insecticide, or just plain pushing ya..he was there... My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family... I love your dad! Hang in there Thunder...Our prayers are with you!
Chuck, Barb and Alex

7/7/2011 11:55:53 PM