Steve Pelican Obituary

Pelican
Steve "Pel" Pelican
November 20, 1945
April 4, 2025

With broken hearts, we share the news that Steven Thomas Pelican ("Pel") passed at home just before sunrise last Friday, April 4th. His passing was sudden and unexpected, as he was living an active life brimming with joy until his last breath.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, his legacy lives on in all of us: his loving wife of 50 years, Debi; beloved girls, Sam, Libby and Hanna; cherished sons-in-law, Christian, Will and Ben; and dear grandchildren, Tommy, Luci, Liam, Mae and Avery. His sisters, Suzy and Gail, find peace in him now being reunited with their parents, Tom and Betty Jane.

Steve was born November 20, 1945 in Los Angeles. Soon after his birth, his family moved to Colorado Springs - his forever home. There, Steve advanced justice with quiet determination in the district attorney's office and then as a district judge. After 23 years on the bench, he proudly mediated with the Judicial Arbiter Group from which he recently retired.

Steve was known for his kindness, integrity and humility. He provided a solid foundation for all who knew him. He poured himself into fundraising for cystic fibrosis research, which resulted in Sam and Libby outliving him - about which he always dreamed. Steve treasured family and friends, fly fishing, cribbage, history, all sports, naps, reading and travel.

We invite you to honor his legacy with us at his Joyful Remembrance. We will gather on Sunday, April 27th at 3 o'clock in the historic El Paso County Courtroom at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. If you wish, please bring a photo or note to leave with us. For those unable to attend in person, please reach out for information on joining virtually. To carry forward Steve's impact, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Rocky Mountain Chapter.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our community for wrapping us in love…always. Pel is, and forever will be, within all of us.