KEY WEST, Florida (30 May 2008) — With her voice trembling, still emotional from her father's sudden death, 17-year-old Emily Hirst described him in one word: "awesome." Steve Hirst, Deerlake Middle School's PTO president, left Tuesday to take part in a business workshop in Key West. He died of a heart attack later that day during an underwater diving trip. He was 45. "He was a great dad," said his elder daughter. "Always there for us, always involved in our school activities." The avid member of the School Advisory Council and second-year PTO president will be missed at the school his younger daughter, Ara, attends. "He had a long-lasting relationship with the faculty and staff," said Principal Shane Syfrett. "And no matter how busy he was, Steve was always willing to do his part." The Florida State alumnus who worked for the Florida Association of Insurance Agents grew up on Jacksonville Beach, where he met his wife of 20 years, Elizabeth. "He always said he didn't get there enough," she said of the sea her husband had grown to love. Describing Hirst as a very involved father, outgoing and helpful, sister-in-law Laura Rogers said she is most concerned about his daughters. "They were always laughing," Rogers said. "They had a loving and fun relationship." Emily, a cheerleader and a member of the youth group at Trinity United Methodist Church, said she was at home with her mother when her grandfather, Sam Rogers Sr., came by to break the heartbreaking news to the family. "There's no way to describe how I felt at the moment," she said, sniffling. "I'm just going to miss him always being there." | | Sam Rogers Jr., brother-in-law and best friend for 22 years, said Hirst acquired friends wherever he was. "It was the little things he did to help people," he said. "He would help people move into their homes. He would help build the kids' playpen. Very friendly guy, very outgoing." The FSU football fan had no history of heart complications, Laura Rogers said. In his memory, the Deerlake family will plant a magnolia tree in the school's courtyard. "Deerlake is very sorrowful for his loss," said the principal. "He's always going to be remembered for being helpful and always doing something fun, like going skiing in Tahoe last winter." Hirst's funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Trinity. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORKSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba Forum |
