Obituary of Steven Craig Perkins

May 21, 1955 - April 6, 2023

Steven Craig Perkins passed away on April 6th from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, E.C.”Bud” and Mary Caryl Perkins, aunts Martha McCoy and Patricia Coles, uncles Stuart Coles, David Coles, John Perkins, and Ira Steele and father-in-law Galen Crowder. His cousins Jeffrey Steele, Dana Coles, and Jay McCoy, and a great niece Jade Perkins also preceded him in death.

Steve is survived by his wife Denise, brothers Don (Reiko) and Reed (Hannah) and sister Carolyn (Troy) Stumpf. He also survived by four nephews Craig (Danae), Brad (Emily), Cole Stumpf, Nate Stumpf, one niece Emma Stumpf, one great nephew Austin Perkins and ten cousins.

Mother-in-law Dalyce Due, two sisters-in-law Kimberly Griffin (Jerry), Christine Lukowicz (Stanley), two nephews-in law, Aaron Santistevan, Russell Santistevan (Nicole), three nieces-in-law, Rachel Bedford (Liam), Haley Lukowicz, Renee Lukowicz, two great nephews-in-law, Noah Santistevan, Zayden Santistevan, two great nieces-in-law Madison Harvey, Zya Santistevan

He leaves a large group of cherished friends and respected business associates.

Steve was a 3rd generation Colorado native, grew up in Littleton and lived in Denver. He was a proud Arapahoe High School graduate and maintained many lifelong friends from his childhood days.

In 1975, after one year at UNC, Steve began a career in the auto business. In 1985, he joined the team at Centennial Leasing & Sales, an independent automotive sales and leasing company. He became partner and owner and helped grow the business in Colorado, Arizona, and Oregon. Under Steve’s leadership Centennial Leasing & Sales was named the “Quality Dealer of the Year” not only in Colorado but Arizona as well. Steve was admired by his colleagues for both his business acumen and his integrity.

He was generous with his time and knowledge. Beginning in 1999, Steve served many years on the Colorado Motor Vehicle Board, twice as president. He was a coach and mentor to many as they entered and grew in the business. Steve himself greatly benefited from mentoring and was committed to paying that forward. As a teenager he caddied at a country club. The members he caddied for took him under their wing and through advice and by example taught him much about the skills and values he would need to become a successful businessman and leader.

In 2013, Steve was enjoying an active and happy life which became elevated and joyful in ways he hadn’t imagined when he reconnected with Denise Crowder Herner and she became the love of his life. They married the following year. Theirs was a beautiful connection of souls. They shared many passions; travel, theater, music, exploring restaurants, cheering on their favorite teams. They loved spending time with family and friends. Steve enjoyed playing golf and his golf outings with his longtime friends. Steve was a cherished uncle to both his and Denise’s nieces and nephews. All will miss this kind, caring, and thoughtful man.

As he did with all of life’s challenges, Steve dealt with this insidious disease with grace and dignity, never allowing it to diminish his spirit and continuing to live life to its fullest until the very end. Steve was surrounded by his loving family members when he died peacefully, at home, at 2:10pm. His family believes this time may not have been random, as it coincided with the first pitch of the Rockies’ home opener, an occasion he tried never to miss. Knowing the determination he had in life, they don’t doubt he found a way to be at the game in spirit.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 11th at 1:00pm at Cherry Hills Country Club with a reception immediately following. Please be aware that Cherry Hills has a dress code (includes no blue denim) and restrictions on cell phone usage. For full Guest Rules and Maps & Directions, visit chcc.com and click on the Info tab.

If you would like to make a donation in Steve’s honor, please send to The ALS Association Rocky Mountain Chapter, 10855 Dover St., Ste. 500, Westminster, CO 80021. Or link here