Stephen H. “Steve” Schott, 65 passed away suddenly Thursday, May 28, 2009.

Steve was born Oct. 29, 1943 in Ogden, Utah to James Dale Schott
and Miriam Hyde Schott.
 
He married Donna Jo Roth on Aug. 9, 1963 in Iowa. Steve and Donna settled in Plano, Texas, where they raised their three children; Mary, Patrick and Paul.

Steve was a member of the National Association of Broadcasters, served on the board of  Texas Association of Broadcasters.

Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his wife, Donna Schott of Glen Rose; brothers Jim Schott and Paul Schott, and sister Susan Schott; children Mary Johnson, Patrick Schott and Paul Schott; eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

He served as President of the Texas Old English Sheepdog Rescue, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Texas Old English Sheepdog Rescue
@ www.texasoesrescue.org.
 

Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2009

When I first met Steve, I was a cocky, young program director at KLIF.  Steve loved to spit out the “newbies”.  I remember the day that the Irving transmitter went off the air.  I ran to my office and dialed up the transmitter building and it rang and rang and rang.  Finally, it answered.  It was Steve on the other end of the phone.  I said “Steve…. How long are we going to be off the air”.   Steve, without missing a beat said “It will be about as long as it takes me to fix the transmitter PLUS as long as I talk to you on the phone”.

That’s how we began our “friendship”.  Hard to believe, but 40 years later, Steve has been one of my most treasured friends.  He and Donna and the kids (and grand-kids) always remind me of how important putting your priorities straight are.  Family, friends, and cherished moments. 

The NAB this year just won’t be the same without Steve.  I’ll miss you ol’ buddy.  Hope they got a big 50kW in heaven so that you can harass a few more of the “new kids on the block”. 

Jim Davis

From: jmcclure@cherrycreekradio.com
To: texasoesrescue@hotmail.com
Subject: Steve Schott
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:18:06 -0500

When I first learned of Steve’s death, I was calling him just to talk to an old friend as I often did.  I first met Steve about 19 or 20 years ago when I first got a job in radio.  I was just starting my carrier as an engineer and Steve was always there to just help me out with knowledge and advice.  Through the years we became friends and I considered him to be a friend more than a business acquaintance.  Steve often joked that I was the only engineer he could call that wasn’t a long distance call.  He was a mentor to me as I learned so much from him through the years.  I remember one time we went to a Rangers Baseball game and I can remember getting into his hair covered vehicle.  I think one of the things he enjoyed, if not more than his engineering, was helping rescue Old English Sheep dogs.  When I would visit his house in Glen Rose, he often had a new rescue dog and was always excited to tell stories of every day things that his dogs had done.  It was defiantly one of his passions in life.  A business acquaintance, a mentor, a role model, and most of all a friend!  A piece of me has left with Steve and I feel thankful that I had the pleasure of having my life intersect with such a great person and family.  My sympathies go out to Donna as her and Steve were one of those special couples that endured the test of time.  You will be missed my friend!

Justin McClure
Chief Engineer
Cherry Creek Radio Stephenville
KSTV-FM / KSTV-AM / KYOX-FM / KCOM-AM

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Steve Schott

I first met Steve and Donna about 9 years ago.  After both of my sheepies had gone to the rainbow bridge, I became involved in OES Rescue and was fostering a cute little 40 pound guy named “McKell”.  Little McKell (aka Mikey) was a boisterous handful and all puppy!   When I was informed that the perfect home had been found for McKell I was a bit skeptical…who could train this bratty puppy.  It was just a few weeks later that Steve, Donna & Samantha (their OES) drove down to Houston to meet their new puppy and take him home to Glen Rose, Texas.
 
                                  
                                           Donna, Mikey and Steve

Steve’s love for sheepdogs was obvious from the moment I met him.  He loved to talk and loved to tell sheepdog stories.  Steve’s demeanor was easy, friendly and open.   In his natural way he “sold” me on the Schott family as a great home for one of our rescue dogs.

It was a year or so later that Steve & Donna adopted Betsy Dale, a dear sweet older girl that I had fostered for several months.  Betsy Dale had come from horrible circumstances.  She had suffered severe neglect, was heartworm positive and fearful of men.  She also required daily medication for urinary incontinence.  Not an easy placement as most folks want younger, healthier dogs without “issues”.  Steve and Donna met Betsy Dale at our 1^st TxOES Rescue picnic held in the Dallas, Texas.  Betsy climbed up on the sofa next to Donna and flirted and gave her kisses.  When it began to thunder and rain a terrified and shivering Betsy Dale took refuge in a corner in the kitchen.  It was Steve who lay on the floor with Betsy and comforted her until the storms passed.

        
Steve on kitchen floor comforting Betsy-Dale       Betsy-Dale's first bath

        
   Betsy-Dale knows the way home.                Betsy-Dale, Cindy and Dalton

As Steve became more involved with TxOES Rescue his passion for rescue blossomed.  He thought nothing of driving hundreds of miles to help a sheepdog.  And, he didn’t help just the OES.  There are a few OES mixes and Great Pyrenees that made their way to the Schott home.  His enthusiasm was inspiring to me!  Steve wanted to help all Old English Sheepdogs in need not just the healthy easily place able ones.  With Steve’s support and encouragement I was able to bring back to health dogs such as Cricket, Petey, Thomas Quincy and Shamus.

The saying “there are no strangers, only friends we have not met” applies to Steve Schott.  He was a true friend to rescue and all whose lives he touched.  His contributions to TxOES Rescue are immeasurable.  Steve was a passionate, opinionated and headstrong man and I miss him terribly.  He will always be in my heart!

My thoughts and prayers are with Donna and the entire Schott family.

Cindy Funderburke
Texas Old English Sheepdog Rescue, Inc.
Houston, Texas

   
   Steve & Mikey TxOESR Picnic 2009                      TxOESR Picnic 2008

  
             TxOESR Picnic 2007                             TxOESR Picnic 2006
 

I cannot tell any of you exactly how I fell into the arms of the OES.  Many years ago the breed intrigued me but no one in Texas, that I knew of, considered owning one.  Destiny, fate, or some other circumstance led me to the TXOESR website one afternoon.  Two beautiful dogs were featured as being available for adoption and I, without hesitation, promptly submitted an application.

Steve responded to me quickly, citing my lack of experience with the breed and gently suggested I might not be the best forever home for two of these big guys.  I immediately accepted his request to foster an older dog that had not been treated well and was way beyond being a good adoptee.   I wanted to be part of something that mattered and I knew from Steve’s enthusiasm that every dog rescued counted.  Dyce lived with me for several years and I know I gave him the love and care that Steve was proud of. 

I have fostered a few since then but nothing in comparison to the service that Steve and Donna have provided.  I can’t imagine how many dogs were saved during his lifetime.

Random acts of kindness are blessings that we bestow upon others without even thinking. 

Steve, you are the epitome of those blessings not only to the wonderful dogs you rescued and loved but to those of us that have inherited your legacy to continue providing a safe place.

Diane Jones
Texas Old English Sheepdog Rescue, Inc.
Houston, Texas
 

In early 2001, we moved to Texas with our Old English Sheepdog Pumpkin.  Our children had grown up, leaving her without extra playmates or her pool.  She soon showed us how lonely she was, and Dee started searching OES websites.  She came upon the TXOESR and applied for a dog.  After completing the application and passing all the “tests”, we were hoping to adopt her. Steve and Donna Schott delivered Sophie, their first foster dog to us in Cypress, Texas.

Not only did we adopt this precious eleven-month pup but made lasting friendships with Steve and Donna.  They welcomed us into their home and their lives.  We spent many wonderful hours with the Schotts.  Steve drove us around Glen Rose and gave us hours of local history.  We watched them transform their incredibly beautiful land into a wildlife preserve.  They welcomed us with open arms many times into their home, had us stay over night, and prepared many wonderful meals.  We’ve had such a delightful time with both Donna and Steve over the years and shall miss Steve deeply.

When we had to put down one of our dogs, Dee became “down in the dumps”.  Steve and the TXOESR knew just what to do.  Soon came three sweet puppies for us to foster and prepare for homes.  This act of “puppy love” is thanks to Donna and Steve who’ve given us the strength to foster puppies and help give God’s wonderful creatures new homes.

Through the past seven years working with Steve on the TxOESR Board and the website has been an uplifting and enjoyable experience. We have shared many dog tales and experiences involving OES.

Losing Steve is a tremendous loss to Donna, their family, his community, and the Texas OES Rescue.  His love and dedication to all people and animals surpasses all others.  Steve is in a better place and we know that all those sheppies in the Rainbow Bridge are happier than ever that their faithful companion is there to love and play with them once again.  Steve, God bless you.  You’ve earned your place in heaven.

Dee and Walt Triebel
Texas Old English Sheepdog Rescue, Inc.
Cypress, Texas

Cindy,

Thanks for the call to break the news about Steve.  Even though we only met him a few weeks ago through phone calls and emails, his easy-going style and willingness to instruct put you instantly at ease.  He was so interesting to talk to and cared so much about his work with OES Rescue.  It was a blessing to get to know him and it felt like he had been a friend for years. 

Talking with Steve and you has turned out to be even more helpful than I expected—rather therapeutic.  Reminiscing about Gumbo has reminded me of the qualities that we loved about him and how special he was to us.  We are working through the thought that there will never be another Gumbo—and that is the way it should be.

Talking about new dogs also needing rescue and a home has reminded me that each dog will have its own unique personality that will make it special too.  You have also both reminded me the new dog will have a different personality and different needs.  Gumbo had been more energetic and mischievous in his earlier years and mellowed with time.  Talking about several of the new dogs has helped to remind me that a new dog may have a different energy level, may jump, bark, or need house training.  This reminds me how important it is to get a good match between dog and human, so that we can meet the new dog where he/she is and love him for who he is.  Steve was kind to reassure me that while there would never be another Gumbo, the qualities that we loved about him—intelligence, personality, loyalty—would come through as traits of the breed for whoever we were matched up with as our future companion.

Again, we are so sorry to hear about Steve.  I can tell how much he meant to the OES Rescue organization and to all who knew him personally.  He had a great heart to rescue and care for some of God’s most wonderful creatures.

Linda Baldelli

There is always a special place at Rainbow Bridge for those of us in rescue. I am sure Steve is there right now getting all the love and kisses he can stand. Steve was a special friend to me and my wife Deanna. Their home was always open to us and Donna and Steve were the consummate hosts. I have known Steve for 20 years both in the broadcast profession and rescue work. He was very passionate about rescue and all of our business conversations usually ended up on OES rescue or Irish Setter Rescue which I worked in for almost 15 years. Steve will be sorely missed by all of us in the Broadcast profession as well as the Rescue business. Our hearts go out to Donna and the family and the OES he leaves behind...may the Shamrocks fall softly my fiend Steve.

Mike Fields
Shadowfax Irish Setters
Oklahoma City

We join the many, many others in sending our condolences to the Schott family on Steve's passing.  We first came into contact with Steve shortly after our sheepie, Bailey, passed over to rainbow bridge.  Our hearts were broken and we contacted Texas OES Rescue to attempt to adopt another sheepie.  Steve was a rock during this hard time, sharing sheepie stores and committing his time to attempt to find us another family member.  He was always in contact with updates on the search, but really he was checking in on how we were doing.  A man we barely knew was holding out his arms to us as part of his family.  It didn't take long for Steve to call us with a "keeper", and we adopted MaggieMae in November 2007.  She is such a major part of our lives now and she is eternally grateful to "Uncle Steve" for finding her furever home. 

How can one express in words what an impact Steve had on so many lives, both two and four legged.  He surely will be missed and we can be consoled by the fact that Steve is now at rainbow bridge with his sheepies!

Rich, Cindy, and MaggieMae Santore

I have known Steve from when he was a field engineer for Collins Radio
('70's). I bought the first Continental FM transmitter ever sold from
Steve for Q-102/KTXQ in 1980, in Dallas. I bought three DX-50’s and five
Gates-5’s for Salem Radio, as his first sale when Steve went to work for
Harris.
 
Steve and Donna were at my wedding in 1985.
 
He was one of the nicest people I ever knew and the best radio equipment
salesman that ever was.
 
I will miss Steve.
 
Ken Fine

Steve has been a professional friend for many many years, I only learned
of his Rescue activities recently. I told him great minds seem to run
in like channels!
The world of dogs and the world of radio are darker places for his passing.
 
Johnny Bridges
Kuvasz Rescue
Chestnut Mountain, Georgia

It was with a heavy heart that I had to swallow the passing news of Steve Schott.  We adopted our Lucy on 7/07/07, to continue our love and passion for the Old English Sheepdog breed.  Steve Schott would call and talk to me often as we were closing in on our adoption.  I always enjoyed hearing Steve's stories, as he has had many experiences with life, dogs, and friends.  He was quite a passionate man. 

Throughout this week, I have been uplifted to receive the chain of emails written by many of us--OES "foster and adopters" who have been touched by Steve Schott. 

We lift Steve's loved ones up in our prayers, to give them strength from the loss of a great friend and companion, and offer the confidence to continue to make a difference in the life of our animals and others.

Sincerely,
Laura and Jack Teatsworth
League City, Texas

Steve  has been a friend of mine for many years. I got to know him mostly at Continental Electronics when we both worked there. For the past many years  ,I always looked forward to meeting him at the Continental booth at the National Broadcasters meeting in Los Vegas. We all respect his love of Sheepdogs even though  I did not know how deeply involved he was. He was always a greatly respected Continental employee plus the Broadcast Industry and he will be deeply missed.-- May GOD bless my Friend Steve and his Family---

Very special regards  Tom Yingst

I'm betting I'm one of the many people that never met Steve, but yet feel like I have known him all my life.

I am involved with Colorado OES Rescue, and my first contact with him was several years go.  It must not have been a memorable reason for the contact, but my conversation with him was certainly memorable.  We talked for a while, I felt like I had gotten a tour of his life, and he of mine.  Maybe it was the mutual interest in Sheepdogs that gave us common ground.  Over the past few years I have talked with him off and on about the various aspects of being in Rescue.  He was always sup portative and helpful.

He was not a regular contact for me, but was always there, and I will miss him.

Joe Olds
Old English Sheepdog Rescue of Colorado

When I found out about Steve passing I was in shock.  I just thought he would always be there, soft spoken, with a big heart.

I still can’t believe he’s gone, fully expecting to see him at the next OES picnic or there to lend useful advice on how to help turn around another foster.  I always thought I would have the time to sit down and talk about radio broadcasting or listen to stories about OES rescue.

Steve will leave a legacy in my heart forever, for every time I look at Wendy (our adopted OES from Steve and Donna) I will think of him.  

After reading some stories from others I think his legacy will also be felt by many.  I can see him walking up to  rainbow bridge clicking his clicker and watching the droves of sheepies he helped coming over the bridge.  He will always have, and deserves, all that unconditional love that only a dog can give and I am sure he will rescue a few more along the way.

Goodbye old friend, you left us all too soon.
George Schmidt

How do you say goodbye to a friend.

Steve once told us that the final decision in an adoption had to belong to the dog.   Trust the dog to know who’s right.  Our first adopted rescue dog Wendy (fostered by Steve and Donna) walked over to them as if to say “are these my new parents?”.  Then Wendy proceeded to walk over and climb into George’s lap.  Now when I meet prospective adoptive families, I remember Steve’s words, and trust the dog. To know what kind of man Steve was, was to watch the trust the dogs placed in Steve. 

Working his quiet magic, patching up rescued dogs and families grieving their lost dogs alike, making the world a better place, Steve was one of those rare individuals who radiated kindness and rescue dust wherever he went.

Loving home, family and all good creatures, he once said that he felt he was put on Earth to rescue OES.

How do you say goodbye to a friend?  By helping keep his legacy alive.

I’ll miss you Steve,
Margo Schmidt

So sorry, deepest sympathy to the family and all.
Joan Racywolski and Gang

Scott was a wonderful man who was so committed to finding good homes for the rescued dogs.  During our conversations about adopting Gabby, his desire that these dogs be placed in good homes was so evident.  Scott’s warm heart and caring nature will be missed by so many people.

Alicia Pounds

Laura and I were terribly sad to hear the news of Steve’s passing. We adopted both Timothy and Missy from the TXOES Rescue within a couple of months of each other. When we went to pick up Timothy, Steve opened his home to us and our OES Shiloh. He welcomed us into his home with just the knowledge of our desire to provide Timothy with a loving forever home. He showed us around Glen Rose and gave us an incredible amount of advice and information for the care of these noble animals. A few months later, Tina met Steve in Wichita Falls to pick up Missy. A four hour drive was nothing to him to insure a home for the oddball Papillon! In the next 2 years we would hear from Steve on several occasions to see how everyone was adapting to their new home. His love for each dog was apparent long after they left his care and his sage advice was a comfort for any bumps we felt in our adjustment. We will truly miss hearing from him and visiting with him on the phone. He inspired us both and reminded us how to open our hearts and homes to these dogs he loved so much.

God bless Steve Schott and his family.
Tina, Laura, Shiloh, Timothy, and Missy
Amarillo, TX

My thoughts and prayers are with Donna and the Schott family. My God just surround them with His love, comfort them, and bring smiles to their faces as they remember Steve.

Sherry Lucas

Like many others, Tonia and I were deeply saddened to learn of Steve's passing. I would have been honoured to call him my friend, but I only met him once.

However, at that meeting and in the telephone conversations and e mails that we exchanged it was clear that he was an extraordinarily gentle, caring and loving human being. Our first contact with Steve was a few months after we lost Hollie, the OES that emigrated with me from England. 

We knew, as did Sampson , our yellow lab, that Hollie had left such a big grey and white hole in our lives and hearts that we would lhave to fill that hole with another "bobtail" and that without question it would be a rescue dog.

So, almost by accident, or was it fate?, "Dixie" spotted us as we were checking out the available dogs on the website. The adoption process was started and as  fate would have it, "Dixie" was being fostered by Steve and Donna.

After numerous phone calls and e mails that one meeting with Steve took place in Huntsville Texas. During the brief hour or so of that meeting his passion and compassion was more than obvious. We felt especially honoured to be chosen as "Dixie's" new forever family.

Once we got "Dixie" home she changed her name to " Millie" and we provided Steve with regular updates by phone and e mails , especially on her "birthdays"/gotcha days.

Today, June 6th, is the anniversary of Hollie crossing the Rainbow Bridge. Sampson joined her in February of this year and we know that they, along with countless other OES, are already taking care of Steve in his new forever home.

The world is a poorer place without him but our loss is Heavens gain. 

Sincere condolences to Donna and family.

John & Tonia Harrison
Houston. Texas.

August 7, 2009

When my mom and I were first looking into getting another dog...we came across the TxOES rescue page… we wanted another sheepdog to keep our old man company, It all happened so fast in about a week we had Harley ..Steve brought Harley to us and from that moment on we became friends.. Harley had heartworm and a lot of issues and I was always talking to Steve.. He had a voice that could instantly calm you down and make you feel like everything was ok … He was always there for me ..like a grandfather. I had only had Harley 2 years when we were faced with a hard decision to put him down … he had cancer . I don’t know what I would’ve done if I didn’t have Steve to talk to threw all of that.  He was a great friend and an amazing advice giver…I will miss him so much .. and I am so so sorry. I just know that he and Harley are in heaven together.. My prayers and thoughts go to Donna and his family .

Love,
Jessica Payton