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Steve Drogin Memorial

Thursday, 07 May 2009

Larger than life, Steve Drogin, known to children of the world as GRANDPA STEVIE, was one of a kind. A best friend to many, he lived passionately putting his family first and the Ocean second. He lived life fully with no time to waste and friendships felt around the world. For me though, Steve Drogin was a familiar soul as I saw him come alive the most when he was able to reach children around the world. From the Kuna Indians off the coast of Panama to the kids in inner city schools across America, �Grandpa Stevie,� as he referred to himself brought children into the world he loved so much, our Ocean, through speaking, showing them films his submarine captured and by giving them hopes and dreams that they too could be future explorers.

With a vessel was named Destiny, he saw his life in this way, give to others and appreciate everyday. Many people received messages from Steve through email every week, big, bold and blue. During the past two years I received emails from Steve after he gave his presentations to children, here are some excerpts:

WE MADE SOME KIDS VERY HAPPY TODAY!
I GAVE THE CHILDREN HOPE THAT THEY CAN ONE DAY MAKE THEIR OWN ADVENTURES.
THEY LOVED THE FILM.
THEY LOVED THE BOOKS.
THEY LOVED GRANDPA STEVIE.

In one of his last emails to me, he was still dreaming. He wanted to make a documentary with his Grandchildren and his submarine because he believed that through a child�s view he could even reach more children. He taught us all that the only thing sure in life was there was constant change. And somehow I believe that all of us are Grandchildren of Grandpa Stevie because he has left a legacy behind and is proof of how one man can touch so many.

He passed away in a far distant village of India where all the children thought he was the Ambassador of the United States, but for me, Steve Drogin was the Ambassador of the Sea.

Steve Drogin spent his life exploring the world through the Ocean. Although he may have traveled to 160 countries in his life, it was the work below the surface that truly mattered in his life. One cannot even fathom the amount of people Steve Drogin has touched in his life through his generosity for exploration and discovery of our one Ocean.

I live with gratitude and thanks for knowing Steve Drogin.

For a more in depth article on his life:
Read More
To See Photos from his Memorial Service last week:
Eric Cheng's online journal