Steven Andrew Sayles 1964-2016

 

   Steven Andrew Sayles was born in Gander, Newfoundland on March 14, 1964 to Wayne G. and Sharon L. (Greshay) Sayles.  As a child, Steve had an inquisitive nature and was far more worldly than his years might have suggested.  He was an avid collector of postage stamps from distant lands and was an amateur radio operator who logged conversations with fellow "Hams" in many foreign countries.  He grew up with a global perspective, partly as the result of having been raised in a military family with its frequent relocations.  After leaving Gander, the family lived in North Carolina and Florida before moving to Turkey for two years.  There, many enjoyable weekends were spent exploring ancient Greek and Roman sites and absorbing the local culture.  Subsequent homes in Wisconsin, California, Texas and Mississippi helped Steve's world view continue to grow.  In 1973, the family moved to Athens, Greece and enjoyed an adventurous two years in that storied land, including an overland excursion through Yugoslavia, Austria and Germany to Paris, France in a Volkswagon Camper Bus.  Having developed a fascination with ancient Egypt at the age of 10, Steve and his mother visited the Pyramids as part of a Mediterranean cruise.  Weekend sailing in the Saronic Gulf and visits to the beaches of Greece were frequent outings for the family during that time.

   Steve's High School years were split between Amery, Wisconsin and Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.  It was at Mascoutah High School in 1981 that Steve became interested in computer programming.  He had a natural affinity for computers and later studied computer science at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. By the end of the 1980s, Steve was working closely with his father in producing a monthly hobby publication, The Celator, for collectors of ancient coins.  He took to ancient coins like a duck to water.  His writing, editing and computer skills served the publication well and he was elevated to the position of Publisher/Editor in September of 1995.  Steve also contributed to several major book projects in the ancient coin collecting field as a production manager and proof reader. During his years at The Celator, he was a familiar face at coin conventions across the country where he stayed abreast of market and hobby news and activities.  More recently, Steve was self-employed in the construction trade. 

   Steven Sayles passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on Friday, July 15, 2016.  He was 52 years old.  He is survived by his mother, Sharon Greshay of Juneau, Wisconsin; father and stepmother Wayne and Doris Sayles of Gainesville, Missouri; brother Scott Sayles of Gainesville, Missouri; sister Stephanie Sayles of Middleton, Wisconsin and grandmother Betty J. Sayles of Coupeville, Washington.