Obituary: Ram Cortney Stembridge

Ram Cortney Stembridge was born Nov. 20, 1965, in the Town of Roseburg, Ore. Ram, Little Bear, passed unexpectantly on Saturday, June 18, 2011.

Ram was survived by Stephen Martin, his life partner of 26 years; his mom Judy Thompson; dad Monty R. Stembridge and his wife Debbie; brother Rex Byers; sister April Kendall and husband Rick; sister Brianna Holtsnider and husband John; and many nieces and nephews.

Ram married husband Stephen on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, March 17, 2004, in a beautiful, angelic ocean setting where some of his ashes will be returned to the sea by his first love.

Little Bear was also survived by many beautiful lifelong friends. Empowered by their love for Ram, he avidly pursued his passions for acting, theater and American Sign Language. He was an active member of the Cutting Edge, NVSP and was involved in many productions in addition to the Outback Theater of Mesa, Ariz., and Western Nevada College Musical Theater.

Little Bear's generosity, forgiveness, empathy for everyone and zest for life every day will always be remembered in the hearts of all who accepted him into their lives. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Children's Museum of Northern Nevada (Wildhorse Theater), 813 North Carson St.