It’s with profound disappointment that the Haggin Oaks Golf Complicated household declares the passing of our expensive good friend and longtime advocate, George Steffes, who died at age 90 at UC Davis Medical Middle after a number of weeks of hospitalization following a fall.
George was a person of outstanding depth, outlined by each his decades-long affect in public coverage and his unwavering love for the sport of golf. Many in Sacramento and past knew him as a legendary Capitol determine—serving as Governor Ronald Reagan’s legislative and later coverage director, and as a pioneer within the lobbying world by way of his formation of one among Sacramento’s first multi-partner companies. Although President Reagan later invited him to affix the White Home in 1980, George selected to stay in Sacramento—a choice that in the end allowed him to dedicate the latter a part of his life to a different deep calling: the sport of golf.
There was actually nobody we’ve ever recognized who beloved golf greater than George Steffes. His ardour for the sport wasn’t fleeting or surface-level—it was a thread that wove by way of his whole life. After retiring from lobbying, he immersed himself in golf instruction, attending seminars across the nation, continually hungry to be taught extra and share that information with others. He grew to become a revered instructor right here at Haggin Oaks, not for the titles or accolades, however as a result of he genuinely needed to assist others uncover the enjoyment of the sport.
However George’s impression prolonged far past the tee field. Quietly and with out ever looking for recognition, George grew to become some of the beneficiant and influential supporters of space golf charitable work. Whether or not it was by way of The First Tee of Larger Sacramento, SAY-Golf, or the Morton Golf Basis, George gave his time, expertise, and fundraising efforts to higher the lives of youth, our veterans, and people with disabilities. He served on boards, raised crucial funds, mentored younger folks, and by no means missed an opportunity to do the precise factor when it got here to serving to others. The truth is, he stays some of the important fundraisers and advocates within the historical past of Larger Sacramento golf-related charitable giving.
He wasn’t only a philanthropist or an teacher—he was household. George had a presence about him: robust on the skin, wry in his humor, deeply principled and considerate in dialog. Beneath that outer shell was some of the beneficiant and real hearts we’ve ever recognized. His friendships have been actual. His tales—of Capitol politics, Ronald Reagan, and his life’s adventures—might fill 100 books. And his love of music (he beloved our Golf & Guitars Music Pageant) simply added one other layer to the gorgeous complexity that was George.
To Ken Morton, Sr., George was a trusted good friend of over 5 a long time—first in politics, then as a passionate golf scholar, then as a instructor and accomplice in constructing one thing lasting for generations of younger golfers. To all of us at Haggin Oaks, he was a mentor, an advocate, a teammate, and part of our prolonged household. His impression will echo by way of our fairways and foundations for years to come back.
We’ll miss him immensely. However we take consolation in understanding that his legacy—in golf, in service, and in friendship—won’t ever be forgotten.
With love, respect, and deepest sympathy to his household and all who knew him,
The Haggin Oaks Golf Complicated Household
