Steve Filipski dies at 66; national-class thrower was friend to many
Steve on LinkedIn.
Tim shared other memories:
From Scott Eriksson:
I wanted to get this out the Texas Throwers Community: I was told yesterday by a good friend of his, that Steve Filipski passed this last weekend due to a heart attack. I don’t have any details other than what I was told but I know there are throwers in the area who would want to know. As I hear more I will pass it along for any who may want to attend services.
I first met Steve at Lifetime Fitness almost four years ago and he recruited me into Masters Track and Field. Steve looked every bit the former football lineman, turned shot put and discus thrower, who still fancied himself a basketball player whenever his knees allowed. He was an oversized teddy bear with an energizer bunny motor and to cross his path, and shake his bear paw of a hand, was to immediately become his friend.
RIP and Godspeed, my friend.
From Ed Riewerts:
Scott pretty well summed up our buddy Steve, nice tribute. I reached out to Steve’s son regarding funeral arrangements and family wishes and when I hear back I’ll let you all know.
I’m still stunned by the news and am going to miss the big guy. Steve went in a couple weeks ago to have a large kidney stone zapped. I spoke to him the day before he had it done and as usual, talked and laughed and planned our next throw. Steve and I threw at least once or twice a month together. He was going to call and tell me all about it and we were planning a throw for this coming weekend if his back was up to it.
This wasn’t Steve’s first heart attack. It makes me smile remembering back to a throwing practice we had a couple years ago when he told me about it. Steve had gone in for something unrelated and the doc did a full physical and through it found out Steve had a mild heart attack two to three years before. He had no idea but nobody tells the story like he did so I’m not going to try.
It was however a wakeup call and Steve went about losing 40 pounds. Steve’s “home” is in the kitchen; he loved to cook and was exceptional at it. Our last conversation about the kidney stones was around just that — rich foods — and that he put some weight back on and was going to lose it.
I’m really going to miss Steve. He was one of the “good guys”
2 Responses
It was always nice seeing Steve at meets. He was a great guy and I loved competing with/against him. The last time was as the end of September, and although neither of us posted stellar throws, he was of course, his normal friendly congenial self. Picture someone you would love to have as your neighbor. That was Steve.
I am Steve’s sister. I was searching something on the Internet and came across this site and these postings. Steve’s passing came as a huge shock to the family, especially given his ongoing love of sports and activity. He is truly missed. It was comforting to read these posts.
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