Steven Philip Charles O&8217;Leary died Oct. 26, 2007, unexpectedly in his home in Minneapolis. He was born Feb. 14, 1954, in Albert Lea to Robert and Mary Ellen O&8217;Leary. He attended Catholic schools in his early years, graduating from Albert Lea High School in 1972.

Steven was a wanderlust, working in the oil fields of Wyoming, sheet rocking in New Mexico, fishing in the Lofoton Island off the coast of Norway, and grape picking in France before traveling and living in Ireland, which became his second home. He was a social worker in a soup kitchen for homeless men and a minder for probation kids who were involved with &8220;the troubles&8221; in Belfast, Northern Ireland. His time spent in Belfast, Northern Ireland, was a breath of fresh air for many a people living there in the &8216;70s.

A peaceful person he was not known to fight but his bite was as strong as a snapping turtle and woe to the person who got in an argument with him. On returning to the states he was a legal aide for his brother John in D.C. and was most recently a painter at Walker Health Care Center.

He was a devoted and loving father to his surviving children, Siobban (8) and Robert (6). Surviving siblings are Pat (Trudy) St. Paul, Joann (John) Minneapolis, Dan (Peggy) Eureka, Calif., Sheila, Las Vegas, Nev., Mary (Donald), Arcata, Calif., Tim (Sarah) Arcata, Calif., Kevin, Greencastle, Colo., Donegal, Ireland, sister-in-law Judy Ramos O&8217;Leary, D.C.; brother-in-law, Adrian Clift, Minneapolis; 23 nieces and nephews; and nine great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents and siblings, Geraldine, John and Kate.

An Irish wake will be held at Carli Bailey&8217;s Tuesday at 5 p.m. with a memorial Mass at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Theodore Catholic Church.

Steve had the unique ability to communicate with people of all walks of life from beggers to bankers. He enjoyed music and was an avid fan of the Grateful Dead. He was a true Deadhead, blazing a trail from this planet across the universe many a time. A prankster at heart he was quick witted and never failed to humor the people round him or else scare them away with an equally barbed tongue. He was fearless in taking chances and would walk the tightrope of life without a net. He loved life in all its chaotic and tranquil forms. He was the unofficial family archivist and truly appreciated where he came from. His gift for writing, story telling, artistic ability, photography wit and personality will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives he touched on both continents. His ashes will be scattered in Ireland. The bells of heaven are ringing as Steve storms her gates. Such a long time to be gone and a short time to be here.