Steven Harold Loomis Passes Away | Grass Valley Slow-pitch Softball

Rumors Abound

Brian Childers, a contractor friend of mine, told me his friend Steve Loomis died at the hospital during and operation. "Steve Loomis from Hills Flat?" I asked. He said "Yes." I did not believe him. Steve was too young.

Brian says he saw Steve every week at Hills Flat Lumber, a great guy and always there to assist. But he was not there the past few days and he found out he passed away on December 10, 2023. Steve was 86.

Mentor, Chief, Driving Force

I was stunned and saddened. I could not believe it. Steve was the driving force behind WNCSSA (Western Nevada County Slow-Pitch Softball Association) and someone I admired, respected, and looked up to. He helped me adjust to the rigors of umpiring in the league. Told me about how to handle certain teams, and certain players. He was always there to answer questions and solve issues when it came to rules.

In passed years I may have had some animosity toward him not standing up for me during my tenor as Coed President and giving into pressure from some of the darkside players, but I respected his league, as I saw it, and told myself, he if does not want to change, then, I cannot make him. Read about the grievances and joy I had during my time as a player and umpire with WNCSSA.

Steve Harold Loomis

reposted from obituary

Born August 20, 1955 and passed away December 10, 2023, at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 20, 2024, at Memorial Park, Grass Valley beginning at 2:00 pm.

Born to Marilyn Ruth (Waker) and James Thomas Loomis, Steve grew up in the San Jose area. His family also includes his younger brother Mark Loomis, his stepsister Debby Bell (Lettow), and daughter Lisa Loomis.

Steve was civic minded and proudly served both his country and his community. He worked as a craftsman cabinet maker for many years until joining Hills Flat Lumber Company where he worked serving his customers for over a decade. Steve was passionate about online racing. He was the team leader and driver of the #17 Chevrolet Camaro with Blackwater Motorsports.

Steve was well known around town. He served the recreational softball community for over 30 years. A player at first then he became Men's League President and ultimately Umpire-in-Chief and Commissioner for the Western Nevada County Slo-Pitch Softball Association (WNCSSA) and Western Nevada County Recreation Services (WNCRS). While playing softball he met his life partner, Tammy Watts. They were together over 21 years. Steve was a driving force in the development of Litton Field, turning a scratched-out practice field at the Litton Complex into a top quality lighted and fenced softball field.

When not at Hills Flat Lumber, he could generally be found at one of the various local ball fields, maintaining the fields, prepping for the night's games, umpiring, scorekeeping, scoreboard repair, cleaning public restrooms, and anything else that needed to be done. He wore many hats. Steve will be deeply missed.