Obituary: Richard Steadman

June 4, 1937 – January 20, 2023

Dr. Richard "Steady" Steadman, a world-renowned orthopedic surgeon, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Vail, Colorado on January 20th at the age of 85. He is survived by his loving wife, Gay, his sister Mary, his son Lyon, his daughter Liddy, his six grandchildren, and his four great grandchildren.
Dr. Steadman was known for his many accomplishments in the operating room and his contributions to research, but his greatest accomplishment was as a devoted husband, brother, son, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.
Dr. Steadman met his wife Gay on a blind date 63 years ago. Gay shared that "she knew the minute they met that she would marry him." They were partners in everything, and she was his biggest champion in everything he did. After moving to the Vail Valley in 1990, they built their life long home here. Despite his hectic schedule Dr. Steadman never missed an important event in his family's lives, and could often be found cheering on his grandchildren at sports complexes around the country. To the community, he was known as Dr. Steadman or Steady. But to his family, he was "Dad" and "Grandad." The highlight of his week was hiking the forest service road with his wife and dogs, while wearing his Wild Bill's Stetson hat. When remembering their father, his children shared, "We could always count on him to give us the best guidance. He was a strong, steady presence." His grandchildren cherish memories with him enjoying First Tracks on the mountain together.
Dr. Steadman's extended family includes all of the wonderful patients he cared for. He always said he never worked a day in his life because he truly loved what he did. Whether a super-star athlete or an everyday hero, each patient was equally important to him. He answered their calls, day or night, and encouraged each of them to achieve their greatest recovery potential. His unrivaled bedside manner and sage advice made him beloved by his patients and colleagues alike. But to his family, it's his light-hearted humor and compassion that will be missed most of all.
The family will hold a private service. A community celebration of life in honor of Dr. Steadman will be held on June 4, 2023, (which would have been his 86th birthday). Details will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI) in support of the important research he was so passionate about.
For more information about Dr. Steadman's career, we welcome you to visit – https://www.vaildaily.com/news/dr-j-richard-steadman-pioneering-orthopedic-surgeon-and-founder-of-the-steadman-clinic-dies-at-85/