"After a long and valiant fight for life, Steve Dirksen, husband to Administrative Assistant Eileen Dirksen, passed away on Thursday morning at 5:45. 

"His family members were with him when his battle to beat the devastating Lou Gehrig's disease ended. 

"Steve's smile, as well as new poems he had yet to write, will be missed by all of us. 

"Steve was a prize winning, and well published Cowboy Poet, so I felt a need to offer this remembrance. "

Steve Dirksen 1944 - 2005

I read of a man who stood to speak At the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on his tombstone From the beginning to the end.   He noted that first came his date of birth And spoke the following date with tears. But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years.   For the dash represents all the time That he spent alive on earth And now only those who loved him Know what that little line is worth.

I read of a man who stood to speak At the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on his tombstone From the beginning to the end.   He noted that first came his date of birth And spoke the following date with tears. But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years.   For the dash represents all the time That he spent alive on earth And now only those who loved him Know what that little line is worth.

And be less quick to anger, And show appreciation more And love the people in our lives Like we've never loved before.   If we treat each other with respect, And more often wear a smile Remembering that this special dash Might only last a little while.   So when your eulogy's being read With your life's actions to rehash, Would you be proud of the things they say About how you spent your dash?

"Steve lived his dash with honor, pride, and dignity.  Rest in peace friend."

Redlands Fire Chief Mel Enslow