LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Steve Gentry


Nov. 2, 1946 - Jan. 20, 2020 Resident of Orinda

Our beloved local beekeeper and founding member of the Wagner Ranch Nature Area, Steve Gentry of Orinda, California, passed away on January 20, 2020 of natural causes. Steve was born on November 2, l946 and except for travel, lived his entire life in Orinda. Growing up, he played high school football and enjoyed exploring Orinda's open spaces. He loved history, especially the survival stories of America's original explorers. After excursions in Europe and the US, Steve returned to Orinda where he established his business, "Steve's Bees," a line of honey, beeswax, candles, soap and more; selling them at several of the local farmers' markets often in his bee-print shirt. He was known for his warmth and wisdom and for telling a great story. He was committed to his community answering any question a customer might have about his craft. And there was always a "honey stick" for the kids! He was a founding member of the Mt. Diablo Beekeepers Association, one of the largest in the state.

Steve had a lifelong respect for nature, and was especially proud to have received Orinda's William Penn Mott Environmental Award in 2008 for his contributions to conservation. His passion beyond beekeeping and the environment was the Wagner Ranch Nature Area, an outdoor education facility in Orinda. He was a founding member and served as president of the Board of Directors for a decade until 2019 when he stepped down for health reasons. The Nature Area embraced his mission to helping local youth develop a respect and passion for the environment. During his tenure, the Friends preserved the unique Nature Area programs for Orinda's school children.

Steve is survived by his brother, Mark Gentry, Mark's wife, Martha Gentry; his

niece, Chris Grill, Chris's husband Darren; his nephew, Sean Gentry; grand-niece,

Shannon Grill; and his grand-nephew, Brandon Grill.

Donations can be made to Friends of the Wagner Ranch Nature Area/FWRNA. Steve will be honored at our Wildlife and Olive Festival on April 19 at around 12:15 p.m.

Rest in peace, Steve. You made an immeasurable impact on everyone you met, and you will be missed.