Tyson Steffens 1973-2022

He was born in Newton Falls, the son of Mildred and Harry Steffens.

Tyson was a 1992 graduate of Newton Falls High School, where he excelled in track and football. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from University of Akron in 1998. In 2006, Tyson graduated with an MBA from the University of North Carolina and was honored by his peers as an invited speaker at their graduation ceremony.

On Aug. 2, 2003, in Pittsburgh, Pa., Tyson married his partner in all things, Beth Balawejder. They met in Bedford, Ind., and their early years included time in Hermosa Beach, Calif., before moving to Durham in 2002. Tyson and Beth welcomed two sons, Jackson (2005) and Gage (2007). Tyson was a devoted and active dad who built impressive multi-story backyard structures (one was featured in the local newspaper) for his young boys to explore and share his love of the outdoors. As they grew older, Tyson was an active spectator and coach, cheering his boys on at every event — be it a race or a concert.

Tyson took every opportunity be outside with his kids and took them mountain biking from a young age at Lake Crabtree. Three years ago, when his youngest son, Gage, started biking with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, NICA, Tyson began coaching and instantly became extremely connected with the community. His passion for mountain biking continued to shine when he built his own bike from a carbon fiber body he had received from another NICA coach. His love for mountain biking was a perfect reflection of his love for his family; he put in the work making both the family and the bike stronger. He helped his oldest son, Jackson, construct his own bike a few years ago and biked with his younger son, Gage, almost every weekend. The bike he had built himself was the bike he died on — doing what he loved, in the place he loved, with people he loved.

Professionally, Tyson became a partner-owner in local company The Pallet Alliance (Carrboro) in 2019. He was dedicated to the success of his company and his team. His leadership will be sorely missed.

Tyson was simply an amazing human. His positivity for life was infectious. His stories could hold the room and bring raucous laughter. His pride and love for Beth, Jackson, Gage and even Red (the dog) were always constant, and they were the center of his life.

Cherished memories of Tyson will be carried on through his wife, Beth Balawejder Steffens; sons, Jackson and Gage; father, Harry Steffens of Newton Falls; sister, Shelley (Dave) Frederick of Brecksville; mother- and father in-law, Sharon and Tony Balawejder of Pittsburgh, Pa.; brother in-law, Mike Balawejder of Pittsburgh, Pa.; niece, Bailey Frederick; and nephews, Steffen Frederick and Ben Balawejder.

Preceding Tyson in death was his mom, Mildred Ann Steffens.

A celebration of life is planned for Tuesday, April 26, 2022. More details can be found at Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham, N.C. Online condolences can be made at www.clementsfuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made in Tyson’s name at Triangle Land Conservancy, 514 S. Duke St., Durham, NC 27701.

The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences can be made at www.clementsfuneralservice.com.

(special notice)