Steven Jeffrey Karlin passed away on the morning of Friday, October 21st, 2016. The celebration of his life will occur from 3:30PM – 8:00PM on Thursday October 27th at the Ritz Charles (9000 W 137th St., Overland Park, KS 66221. 913-685-2600). Microphones will be available for speaking and performances. Some of Steven's favorite foods will be served. Afterwards, those who want are welcome to continue the celebration at one of Steven's favorite local spots, The Piano Room (8410 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO), where creative expression of your love for Steven is encouraged.
Steven was born on Earth Day, April 22nd, 1987. "My birthday is Earth Day" he used to sing, just in case anyone happened to forget. And his singing didn't stop there. The theatre called to Steven from an early age, and it was always a central part of who he was. He acted in plays, performed in musicals, worked and performed with Musical Theater for Young People (now called Music Theatre Kansas City), performed with the Heartland Men's Chorus, and many other musical activities. For the last several years, he was the accompanist for the choir at St. Teresa's Academy in Kansas City, MO. Steven was surrounded by song. And his voice will forever be missed.
Steven attended Stilwell Elementary School, Blue Valley Middle School, Blue Valley High School, and the University of Kansas, graduating with degrees in Journalism and French.
He loved to travel and explore; and lived part-time in Ireland, France, and most recently Belize.
Over the course of his life, Steven inspired countless others to pursue their passions of music, theatre, and wherever else their heart might lead them. He was a role model, mentor, teacher, friend, son, brother, and a magical glitter-covered unicorn, depending on the day.
No words can do justice to the loss and grief that those who knew Steven are feeling, but this lyric from one of Steven's favorite composers, Stephen Sondheim (Into the Woods) may offer some comfort.
"Sometimes people leave you, halfway through the woods...do not let it grieve you. No one leaves for good."
Steven would want us to remember he has not left for good, but is merely waiting in the wings, for intermission to end and the curtain to rise on the second act, where we can join with him again in joyful song and dance.
Steven is survived by his parents, Ron and Brenda Karlin, and Pamela LeGault; brother Michael Karlin; grandfather Norman Karlin, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends around the world.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Saint Teresa's Academy (https://stteresasacademy.org/giving) in Steven's name, to Music Theatre for Kansas City (MTKC) in his name (www.mtkc.org/memorial.html), plant a tree or flowers in Steven's honor, or donate to the local Wyandot Center (http://www.wyandotcenter.org/Donate) or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/donate/).
For more information on alcohol abuse, please see http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/alcoholism/print.html , or any of a multitude of other resources.
To leave a special message for his family or to share a memory of Steven, please click on the "Share Memories" tab above or scroll down below.