Stephen “Steve” Williams Phines
February 12, 1955 - September 29, 2024

Steve was born on February 12, 1955 in Inglewood of Los Angeles County to Lela “Ilene”(Brant) and William “Bill” Phines. Steve grew up with his younger brother, Gregory “Greg” Phines, in Huntington Beach and San Clemente, California. He also had an older half brother Barry Brant, whom he didn’t get to know and an older half sister, Deanna Cole, whom he became acquainted with later in life.

Steve was a lifelong musician and entrepreneur. He was skilled and knowledgeable in many arenas. He was very intelligent and witty. He could always make light of a situation with a good joke. Those who knew Steve would describe him as an extremely talented musician. Steve was a member of several bands throughout his lifetime. His very first band was comprised of his brother, Greg and his two friends Jeff Marklein and Michael Tinholme while living in San Clemente. He was naturally talented and could play by ear. He could play the piano, guitar, and pretty much any instrument he got his hands on. He was also a good singer. His favorite role in his bands was being the bassist and he rocked it too, or rather rumbled. Most recently, he was a member of the Triple Tones band of Humboldt County.

In 1973, after graduating from San Clemente high school, he enlisted in the American Air Forces, where he served as a jet mechanic. He was proud to be an Air Force veteran. Throughout his life, Steve owned several different businesses which included, but not limited to, electronic repair, vehicle maintenance & repair, guitar lessons, pool maintenance and other handyman work.

Steve was social and enjoyed the company of his friends and family, especially when there was good food involved. He always knew where to find the best pizza, bacon cheeseburgers and beer. He even mastered his own techniques on how to recreate his favorite menu items at home and he would have his kids critique it. He was also a wine and coffee connoisseur and with his wild enthusiasm and excitement, he would have his guests sample his latest finds as he would put on a record of some underrated band or artist to introduce their greatness. He also loved to watch movies and would have the best sound quality, meaning tons of different speakers and they would be upgraded often. Steve was a gadget man. He always had some cool little gizmos for everything, some of which he created himself.

Steve moved to Del Norte, then Humboldt County around 2009 and lived out the remainder of his years in Humboldt County as he wanted to be closer to his children. He bonded with his two children as adults with their shared love for food and music. He and his son, Eric shared the same passion for electronics and cars. They could spend hours discussing the specs of appliances, gadgets or vehicles. He taught his daughter how to play the electric guitar and he enjoyed debating with her on an array of topics and shared the backup research to strengthen his argument.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ilene and Bill Phines, his paternal grandparents Katheryn “Kay” (Williams) Phines and John Constantine Phines, and his maternal grandparents Fern (Davis) and Jesse Brant, his brother, Barry Brant, his nephew Lige Phines and his great nephew, Derek Phines.

He is survived by his brother, Greg Phines, his son, Eric Phines (Ariel), his daughter Melissa Phines (Arlen), his nephews: Matthew, Josh, and Gregory Phines, his grandchildren: Dominic, Cireyn, Melody, Melia, Aaron, and Perseus Phines, Azalea, Zayne, Dahlia, and Kalina Doolittle, great nephews and nieces: Micah, Gregory III, Jt, Savanna, and Jake Phines, and great great nephews and nieces Macklin, Atlas, and Isla Ruth.

Steve leaves behind with his legacy of music hundreds of friends, family bandmates and fans.

A celebration of life will be held at the Moose Lodge # 636 located at 4328 Campton Rd., Eureka, on Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be an open jam session. All who knew Steve are invited to join us in commemoration through music and food.