Kiski bank helps to ease family's loss

In a world where things negative draw the most attention, I felt I should share a most wonderful, positive story.

On May 16, my father, Robert Steim, died at the age of 84. Dad was that white-haired, white-bearded, one-armed gentleman who volunteered with the Kiski Area Marching Band for the past 35 years. The band and those kids were his passion, and the love and the pride he had for them was immeasurable.

The week after his death, we were going to have a memorial service for dad. I met with Kiski band director George Wozniak to see if an ensemble of six or eight students could play at the service. Unfortunately, the day of the service was Kiski's school picnic at Kennywood, but Mr. Wozniak was hopeful that he could get a small group to play. The next day, Mr. Wozniak called me to tell me that the entire band wanted to play at my father's service. Words cannot describe how overwhelmed I was to hear that.

The band arrived at Forks-Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday morning and formed an honor guard outside as our many friends and relatives entered the church. At the start of the service, they entered the church and offered two musical selections with the most grace and dignity imaginable. I am quite sure my father was smiling down from heaven with that approving grin of his and that special sparkle in his eyes as they performed just for him. The Kiski Area Marching Band was always a "champion" to Bob Steim, and they certainly did not prove him wrong that day.

The entire Valley should be so proud of these young people, and don't ever say there aren't some wonderful kids out there, because that band will prove you wrong. Thank you Kiski Area Marching Band from the bottom of my heart.

Glenna Stitt and the family of Robert Steim, Allegheny Township