In Memory

David Stephen Sorensen - Class Of 1977

D Stephen 'Steve' Sorensen, much adored husband, father, and grandfather, died at his home in Santa Barbara on January 17, 2021. His sudden death from a heart attack leaves a gaping hole in the lives of innumerable people.

Steve was a man of action and lived a big life. He brought sunshine into every interaction, with a native optimism and seemingly boundless energy. He was a loving family member, a genius businessman, a passionate rancher, a caring community member, and leader in his church. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 6, 1960, the first of seven children of David and Verla Sorensen. The family moved to South Pasadena when he was a child. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Tokyo, Japan, from 1979 - 1981. On his return, he married his beloved Shannon Paulson in August 1982.

Steve studied accounting at BYU, and received an MBA degree from the University of Chicago. He put that training to work establishing and building a number of successful businesses. His interests and accomplishments ranged widely, but his staffing businesses were perhaps best known. Steve thought that his job brought dignity and a paycheck. He called his company Partners because he was a team player and wanted to give everyone opportunities.

In addition to his business success, he remained passionate about his family ranch. He was drawn to the land and the family heritage it represented - it was a link to the generations that came before him and the generations that would follow him. The same inclination to care expressed itself a hundred-fold in his interactions with his wife and family. Steve was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has served in a range of official capacities, most recently as the bishop of a congregation of young single adults. Beyond his formal duties, though, Steve has served as a mentor, counselor, teacher, and cheerleader for countless individuals in his church community.

Steve is survived by his wife, Shannon, and their eight children and 18 grandchildren; his mother; and six siblings.

Deseret News, January 2021