Steven Robert “Steve” Heit, longtime Arizona resident, who for the last few years resided in Laguna Woods, California, passed away unexpectedly on April 11, 2025. He had battled acute myeloid leukemia for several years but had not shared with many people that he was ill. During that time, he managed to continue doing many of the things he loved — photography, travel, golf, boating, woodturning, lectures, discussion groups, visits with friends. He was remarkably resilient and was determined not to let the illness limit him. He was an athlete to the end.

Steve was born in Ellenville, New York, in 1943, and spent his teenage summers working as a waiter in the Catskills. He was an avid baseball and tennis player and, at any early age, his love of photography took him into the world of professional tennis where he photographed the U.S. Open Tennis Tournaments at Forest Hills.

Steve forged his own path, building a career first in finance on Wall Street, obtaining an MBA from Bernard Baruch College at the City University of New York. But his true passion was art and photography, and he also received a degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York. Steve established Heit Galleries in Phoenix in 1974, an art and photography gallery on Camelback Road in Central Phoenix that had a strong following for many years, drawing in artists from around the country. During those years, Steve continued to photograph professionally in several different sports for events and publications.

After he closed the gallery, Steve traveled the world pursuing a career in a field he did much to define — commercial golf course photography. He worked his way around the world, one adventure after another, photographing the famous players and golf courses of his time, working for many years with the Arnold Palmer Design Company. His photographs had a special spirit, filled with wonderful color and joy, and can be found today at golf courses and resorts around the world.

Steve was a true Renaissance man, always reading, learning, looking for new pursuits, searching for places to visit, designing spaces and objects. He was a “Sammy,” a Sigma Alpha Mu man at State University of New York at Buffalo, staying in touch with his pals on regular Zoom calls. He was an enthusiastic member of the GEL “Gentlemen Enjoying Leisure” group when he lived in Scottsdale and formed a similar group in his California community. In recent years, he became a skilled woodturner, creating stunning bowls. He loved jazz and was not too shabby as a saxophone player. He was a lifelong athlete, waterskiing into his late 60s.

Steve gave tirelessly of his time to help charities raise funds through golf tournaments and auctions, both in the Valley and in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where he and his long-time partner, Ruth, had homes for many years. Steve loved the home on the lake and his beloved dogs. He was a skilled boater, as much at home on a boat as on a golf course. His favorite expression was “If you’re lucky enough to live on the water, you’re lucky enough.” Steve greeted every day with enthusiasm and a sense of opportunities yet to be explored. His friendship, unique sense of humor, keen intellect and impassioned conversation will be sorely missed by his many dear friends around the country. Steve was laid to rest at Miramar National Cemetery, the veterans’ cemetery in San Diego. In enduring love and friendship, he rests now near the water.

Photograph titled “Moon Over St. Andrews”, which currently hands in the library’s Gozzer room.

A landscape painting by Steve Heit, currently on display in the library’s Gozzer room.