| Graduation Year | Class of 1967 |
| Date of Birth | Jul 17, 1948 |
| Date of Passing | Dec 21, 2023 |
| About | Stephen Walpole Obituary Steve was born on July 17th, 1948, in Durant Oklahoma. Steve had one brother (John) and three sisters (Sherry, Sue, and Rosemary) who all moved to California as children. In his teenage years he met his one and only true love, Sandy Walpole, at Soquel High School. Steve married Sandy shortly after graduation and they were together ever since. In 2023 they celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary together.After graduating high school Steve began working full time as a plumber and volunteered as a Reserve Police Officer on the weekends for the City of Scotts Valley. He decided law enforcement was where his passion was truly at, so he ended his plumbing career and was sworn in as a full time Police Officer in 1972. Steve was a well-respected officer, who quickly rose through the ranks, and was eventually promoted to Police Chief of Police in 1986. Steve's guiding hand as a Chief of Police helped the city through many difficult times, including the 1989 earthquake, which required emergency assistance throughout the town and the state. Steve was given many awards for his work in law enforcement, including letters of commendation from Presidents George H. Bush and President Bill Clinton. Not only did Steve serve the town he loved as a police officer, Steve served his country in the Army National Guard for 6 years and was a trained tank commander. Steve was also a steadfastly religious man who routinely attended San Augustin Catholic Church in Scotts Valley. However, despite all of his accomplishments, Steve will be remembered for his personality and who he was. At his core, he was an honest, ethical, outgoing man with an infectious sense of humor and a quick wit. He will be greatly missed by family and friends alike. A private funeral mass will be celebrated at San Agustin Catholic Church. Details of a community wide celebration of Steve's life are being planned, so that all can share their memories and reflections. Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Dec. 31, 2023. |
