Steven Fancy, SCN co-owner, was devoted to family

Steven Michael Fancy, 53, of Traverse City, formerly of West Bloomfield Township and co-owner of The Spinal Column Newsweekly, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 19, at Munson Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

Steve was born on March 15, 1959 in Detroit, Mich. to James and Patricia (Perry) Fancy. He married Marisa Starling and together they lovingly raised four wonderful children.

He retired as vice president of a national medical/dental software company in Oakland County and moved his family to Traverse City in 1995.

Steve may have appeared to others as a very reserved and quiet man, but with those who knew him, they would tell you that he actually had a great sense of humor, a love of life, and was a rebel when the situation called for it.

His children would tell you that he was a man of honor and ethics, and he expected the same of them. That didn’t stop him from taking them on excursions with the understanding of “don’t tell Mom I let you do that.” He spent more time with his children than most fathers who have lived to 80.

His wife would tell you that he was devoted to his family and worked tirelessly to instill a sense of family in his children. In his words, “Sunday is Family Day.” Some of his greatest joys were time spent at Tiger games, family game night, playing racquetball with his sons, salmon fishing on the Boardman River, or jet skiing on Duck Lake. He was equally devoted to his relationship with his wife and most Saturday nights you could find them out on the town on their “dates.”

His parents would tell you that he was an unbelievable son, who gave selflessly of himself to them. When his father was seriously ill last year, Steve spent the majority of his time with his father in Oakland County, going back to Traverse City for medical appointments as necessary.

Steve is survived by his wife Marisa; children Ronessa (David) Butler, Jeff (fiancée Elizabeth Nelson) Fancy, Patrick Fancy, and Alex Fancy; grandchildren Lilliana, Aevryn, Zoe, and Madeline; mother Patricia, sister Susan (Tim Utter) Fancy; and many other loving family members and friends.

Steven was preceded in death by his father, grandson Zachary, and beloved dog Scooter.

A private family service was held Wednesday, June 20. Memorial contributions may be directed to www.ccalliance.org or www.chris4life.org. Please sign Steven’s online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.