When the word “unique” was first coined, no one could foresee that centuries later it would precisely describe Steve Eggiman. Whether holding court atop his favorite stool at the Goose Hollow or Roadside Attraction, enrapturing holiday guests with his hilarious evangelist take as “Reverend Eggi”, or splitting sides with a razor-sharp wit, Steve was one of a kind. No question, humor was his calling card and nothing or anyone was off limits; especially himself. As legendary designer Coco Chanel once said, “to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” As we all know, Steve is absolutely irreplaceable. And now it’s the angels who are understanding why.
Raised in Hillsboro, Oregon, Steve was the son of Theodore and Bernice Eggiman. He discovered early that he had a natural gift for selling. With the easy way he connected with people combined with his ubiquitously wry sense of humor, sales was a natural career path. As a kid, he had cut his teeth selling everything from apples from the family tree to garden seeds and Christmas cards, always with much success. The result was becoming a proud, lifelong Duck sports fan with his Marketing degree from University of Oregon.
Following graduation, Steve embarked on his sales career with commercial paper products initially replacing those Gravenstein apples; but results were the same. After several successful years selling paper, Steve’s career took an interesting turn when he seamlessly transitioned into selling financial products. Even though radically different from selling paper, he became number one salesperson within three months and remained a top producer for years. Steve’s accomplishments became recognized in many corners of the industry and in the early 1990’s he was recruited to become a trainer. This allowed him to impart to others his sales skills and extensive knowledge of financial products. It was another endeavor at which he excelled and not surprisingly, he loved it. Steve’s leadership skills were also applied to public service. This included his tenure as president of the Portland Kiwanis in 1979-80 and volunteering at the Northwest Children’s Theater.
Steve leaves behind his wife of 26 years, Barbara Harris; sons Derek (Julia) and Parker along with an absolute incredible number of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Roger Woolley. He adored his granddaughter Arabella and loved every moment spent with her. His most favorite moments were hanging out in Camp Sherman, family days at Rockaway, visiting his son in the Boston area, touring around Los Angeles, his pilgrimage to Israel and selling Catman Cellars wine. Despite his love of the Ducks, he faithfully watched Parker cheer and stunt at OSU games.
There are two other things which we are sure Steve would not want left unmentioned. Those two things would be his muscularly massive calves. Legend had it that a Mr. America once saw his legs at the Goose Hollow Inn and commented, “If I had those calves, I would have been Mr. Universe.” It’s a story Steve loved to tell, and we certainly have no reason to doubt it.
Steve, we are all going to miss you terribly, but it helps a little to know that sometime down the line, a smile will show up and then quickly turn into full blown laughter generated by one of so many great memories. Unique and irreplaceable you are. We love you Eggi!
A life celebration to honor Steve will take place later this year when it is safe to meet. Please send pictures, memories, and comments for the celebration to Steve’s memorial website at http://reverendeggi.wordpress.com .
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