Stephen Dembski

Hello friends and family of Stephen, I had the pleasure of meeting Stephen an hour before he retired from UW-Madison. An email was forwarded to me from a colleague saying he had a few computers so old that our central support wouldn’t be able to assist him. When I saw what they were I dropped everything and ran down Bascom hill as fast as I could. I liked him immediately. There was something about his personality that was magnetic. After a few minutes of chatting it was clear that I wasn’t kidding about being able to help him based on my love for vintage computers. He let me into his office, which was overwhelmed by an entire career’s worth of documents. Not only did I take photos, but was allowed to take some other things with me. (Please contact me if you want to see what his office looked like!!!) I was able to get data off two Macintosh computers he had given me within a week. The NeXT computer, a fine rare machine I never once thought I would ever see working in real life, took several months to figure out how to extract the data off a failing hard drive. But persistence paid off. His machines live on in my office and have helped other UW Madison staff with legacy needs. We had a chance to work together on some other minor legacy technology things when he was in retirement. I’m glad he would occasionally drop me a question or to via email. News of his passing last week hit especially hard. I am very honored that Stephen saw the potential in me. I suppose that is what makes a great educator. The ability to size up where people are, what their motivations are, and provide them with the tools to realize success. I knew him only briefly, but he means something to me. Thank you, Ken Fager

What a fine human being Steve was. And what a shock to lose him so unexpectedly. I knew him from the 2nd of the two European tours he was on with the Antioch College Chorus, under the direction of John Ronsheim, and the reunions of that chorus. His departure is a huge loss for his family and close friends. [photo taken in France, 1975, with Steve in a cape]

I’m so very sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. I remember Steve well, always a calm voice and good friend to many. He found friends who shared his love of fine wine, of which one was my X-husband who passed 3 years ago, David. Steve certainly was a great man of caring and understanding. I will always remember him fondly. God bless your entire family. Rest In Peace Steve. Gael Deering

Steve was a valued colleague and friend. We will miss him dearly.

Professor Dembski will remain in my hearts forever.

Such a wonderful friend and colleague. I miss him a lot. And I’m so grateful for his constant support.