Steve Allen Rector

September 2, 1953 - August 26, 2021

On August 26, 2021, Steven Allen Rector passed away at home in Riverside, California. With optimism and hope, Steve had spent the last few years battling cancer that finally took his life. Steve was the eldest child and only son born in Long Beach, Calif. to Warren and Bonnie (Hart) Rector. Within 3 years, 2 sisters added to the family. During and after graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in La Palma, Calif., Steve worked in the retail grocery business, and later on in the printing industry. Starting at entry level, Steve eventually became warehouse manager at Hobby People in Fountain Valley, Calif., and retired after more than 30 years there. Steve recounted many stories over the years that were testimony to the appreciation that his employer and co-workers had for him. Steve's loyalty, honesty, and no-nonsense approach earned him their respect. Steve loved participating in and watching sports. He enjoyed playing basketball, tennis, handball, table tennis, and bike riding. Later in his life he played community baseball and competitive table tennis, and continued riding his bike. Steve and his dad enjoyed grueling table tennis matches and deep-sea fishing until Warren's death in 1980. In 1965 Steve's parents divorced, and Bonnie married Donald Leonard. This added a step-brother, step-sister, and the following year, a half-sister to his family. He enjoyed attending local family functions and visiting those who lived elsewhere. Later in life, Steve regularly spent time with his mom and Don watching sports, boating, and eating spaghetti! After retiring, and following Bonnie's death in 2014, he moved to the mobile home park where Don still lived, and made many new friends. Helping others and visiting with friends in this close-knit community enriched his life. They returned this kindness as his health declined. Steve was a good guy, enjoying basic things in life like family, friends, and of course clam dip! And not-so-basic things like the Raiders, and his digital camera and REALLY big prints. His sense of humor, mannerisms, and even the way he walked were unique - he was "Steve". He loved life even though it was rocky at times and had plenty of loss and sorrow. However the love of his life was Renee Campbell. They married in 1990, and together raised Renee's young daughter Alecia. Sadly, Renee passed away in 2002. Steve is survived by his daughter Alecia Campbell, sister Debbie Hurns (Paul), sister Laurie McNall (Mike), sister Kimberly Lopez (Danny), sister Linda Young (Jerry), brother Art Leonard (Jan), and mother-in-law Doris Weaver. He is also survived by aunts, cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews.