Stephen Sanford Kurth

Stephen Sanford Kurth, 81, of Niwot, Colorado, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025. Born on October 12, 1943 in Southern California, Stephen lived a life defined by grit, determination and tenacity.

He met the love of his life, Susan Sears Kurth, while attending the Claremont Colleges—she at Scripps, he at Claremont McKenna. In true Steve fashion, he won his first date with her through a poker game, and they married in 1969. Stephen was a Certified Public Accountant for over fifty years. He rose through the ranks to become a partner at Kenneth Leventhal & Co. in the 1980s, but found greatest satisfaction in running his own private practice for many decades. He took particular pride in his work with international businessmen, helping them navigate complex tax matters, and he loved sharing stories about these fascinating clients and their global ventures. Proudly serving in the Army before completing his college career, he carried the values of discipline and duty throughout his life.

Though undeniably fiery and intense at times, Steve could be relaxed and fun loving when life's pressures eased. Whether at the beach, the blackjack table or a cabin in the woods, he loved his cherished adventures and getaways to some of the most beautiful spots on earth. He worked hard to make these happen and took greatest pleasure in the simple things in life: good music, good movies, a good meal and a good nap. His love for music ran especially deep—The Beach Boys and the Moody Blues were among his favorites, and family members often caught him singing along enthusiastically in his car after returning home from work, lost in the melodies that moved him. Steve had many hidden passions that revealed his gentler side. He was a coin collector who delighted in sharing special pieces from his collection with his grandchildren, using these treasured coins as bridges to connect with them. His fascination with family history led him to trace his ancestry with dedication, and he took great pride in the accomplishments of his forebears. Perhaps most impressively, Steve possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of classic Hollywood—he could name virtually any actor from the golden age of film and television and rattle off their complete filmographies with remarkable accuracy.

Steve was generous and deeply devoted to his family, friends and many beloved pets throughout the years. He is survived by his wife, Susan; daughters Susan Clot de Broissia (Olivier), Stephanie Kurth (James Simons), and Ashley Kurth (Adam Reinhart); and grandchildren Mimi Clot de Broissia, Will Reinhart and Luke Reinhart. He was preceded in death by his brother William Kurth, mother Jean Kurth and father Charles Kurth.

 A gathering to celebrate Stephen's life will be announced at a later date.