What a truly great man!   Steve was a great friend to me always.   Really gonna miss you man.  Hope to see you on the other side one day.

I first met Steve in 1992 when I started working with him.  We became instant friends.  I watched his kids grow up and how proud he was of all of them.  We became such good friends with his family Steve and I became best friends.  Right now I can't wrap my head around what has happened but will miss him dearly.  Have all sorts of stories but those are better for another time.  

I met steve when I was about 5years old we lived in Rock Spring Farms and his family lived on Ironbridge. I could see their house from my front yard. His sister was my childhood friend. We moved when I was 10 and lost contact for years and then came Facebook...I looked him up and said I bet you don't remember me my name is Debbie Hutchison and he said bet I do...3rd house on the left !

The first time I think I met Steve was at one of our Christmas parties at the Holiday Inn Select He arived as Santa Claus in a Helicopter and I thought that was Amazing  !!! I will always have love for the Laprade Family !!

I was fortunate to meet Steve and all of his family through my husband's job at the hotel.  I remember at a fundraiser for Stony Point School.......the one and only time I've smoked cigars...Steve's cigars...Swisher Sweets.....he laughed and laughed at me.  We had the best time that night.  Great memories.  I'm so sorry for your family's loss and sadness.  Hugs to you all.

One of my best memories of Steve was the day I got my learners permit. I was so excited and when I showed it to him he asked if I had been out driving yet. So when I said no, he gave me the keys to Pass n By (Red Corvette Convertible) and we went out and he let me drive up and down Hull St. We hadn't spoken in almost 25 years until recently and it was very nice catching up. Will miss him.

I met Steve around 1973 when he attended high school at Gill Academy. He was about 17 and I was about 10. He became part of my family. He liked photography and was in many pictures; recently I have cherished seeing these pictures again. One weekend, he coerced Wesley Browder and I to put on some real boxing gloves and go about 3 or 4 rounds in the front yard of the Iron Bridge house. I remember he and his older buddies being entertained with cold beer, while Wesley and I went at it on a very hot summer day. These friends, that made that 3 bay garage at Iron Bridge our second home- would do anything for Steve. And he would do anything for his friends. And do it kustom with a touch class and dazzle that only that mind and those hands could produce.    
It’s moments like these that remind us to enjoy the little things in life; because someday you’ll look back and realize they were the big things in life. Steve LaPrade made me smile. He was my older brother from another. So many things and life lessons, he influenced me as a young man. The Drums, the Cars, the Home building, the dependability of someone having your back in those awkward, crazy situations a teenager gets caught up into. And as recent as last week, sharing the same old stories of “back in the day” we recited a million times, but long to do so again and again; to smile and laugh with an old friend. That’s the good stuff in life…
But I know this new destination had purpose from someone we shouldn’t question, someone all knowing, someone you told me that guided you daily; someone that was ready to meet you.
We know where you are……… Supposed to be perfect in every way, but can’t help but think that it got a little brighter on August 24, 2017. Prayers for your family. Be proud of your earthly doings; you did it right Steve. Rest in peace my friend.
Frank Kirby