Steven Michael Kayser

Steven Michael Kayser

October 4, 1957 – September 21, 2026

Steven Michael Kayser passed away on September 21, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by family, friendship, hard work, a fiercely competitive spirit, and an unwavering willingness to help others.

Steve was born on October 4, 1957, in San Francisco, California, to Kenneth Arthur Kayser and Barbara Lucille (Anthony) Kayser. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Kimberly Ann (Kayser) Brooks.

Steve met the love of his life, Lynn Maureen Polito, while they were students at San Jose State University during his junior year. They went on to build a life together that spanned 46 years of marriage. Lynn was at the center of Steve’s world, and the life they created together meant everything to him.

Together, Steve and Lynn raised their two children, Sara Catherine Kayser and Michael Thomas Kayser. Steve was a devoted husband and an incredible father who believed in preparing his children to take care of themselves and to plan for the future. Whether teaching them to change a tire, use power tools, tackle a project, or think ahead, he passed along the practical knowledge and independence that defined him. His family knew that when they needed advice, a helping hand, or someone to figure out how to get something done, Steve would be there.

Steve spent 30 years with Lockheed Martin, working as a director in aerospace. He and Lynn spent much of those years in Fremont, California, before making the Monterey Peninsula their home 23 years ago. They first lived in Pebble Beach and later moved to Pasadera, where they spent the past 13 years.

Retirement never really meant slowing down for Steve. He simply wasn’t built that way. At Pasadera, that meant far more than playing golf. Steve organized weekly men’s golf events, served on the Golf Committee, and spent countless hours working to improve the Club he loved. He took on projects ranging from the gates and flagpoles to installing lights in the courtyard and, quite literally, building bridges. If something needed to be done, Steve was willing to get involved and often willing to do the work himself.

His love of competition and things that moved fast started much earlier, from racing Fiats in his younger years to later owning a jet boat. Golf became another outlet for that competitive streak. He was an avid golfer and particularly enjoyed the Conquistador men’s golf tournament. Whether the competition was serious or friendly, Steve wanted to win, and those who knew him knew just how competitive he could be.

And then there was poker. Steve had been playing cards and poker for as long as his family could remember. At Pasadera, he established and organized a monthly poker night that became a favorite gathering of members and friends. If Steve was the organizer, the competition was real,

and good wine was a requirement. It brought together several of his favorite things: friends, competition, conversation, and a great bottle of wine.

Steve knew how to enjoy life. He loved cars, a great steak, good wine, golf, family, friends, and a challenge. He was quick-witted, positive, occasionally sarcastic, determined, and rarely content to sit around when there was something that could be accomplished instead.

More than anything, Steve will be remembered for the way he showed up for people. He was extraordinarily generous with his time and knowledge and always willing to lend a hand. Steve seemed to know everyone, and everyone seemed to know Steve. Helping, fixing, building, organizing, and bringing people together were simply part of who he was. Whether it was for his family, a friend, or his community, when Steve got involved, he found a way to make things better.

Steve is survived by his wife of 46 years, Lynn Maureen Kayser; his children, Sara Catherine Kayser and Michael Thomas Kayser; his sisters, Kathleen (Patrick) Rose and Karen (Chris) Kottaridis; and many extended family members and friends who were fortunate enough to know him.

There will be no formal service, in accordance with Steve’s wishes.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Steve’s memory to please make a donation to a cancer organization meaningful to them, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Steve lived life the way he approached just about everything: fully engaged and ready for the next challenge. He loved his family deeply, valued his friendships, enjoyed a little competition, or a lot, and was happiest when he had a project underway or someone he could help. He leaves behind a lifetime of friendships, projects made better because of him, and plenty of good Steve stories. He will be deeply missed and remembered with love and laughter by the many people whose lives he touched