Steven Allan Miles was born in San Rafael, California to Joyce and the late Everett Miles. He grew up and went to high school in Mill Valley California, playing basketball and football. Steve graduated from the College of Marin in 1973 with an associate’s degree in science. He lived in Nevada City, California for 10 years then moved to Gregory, South Dakota where he had a janitorial business for 18 years. In 2003, Steve followed his lifelong dream of becoming a teacher, achieving his bachelor’s degree in education in 2004 and his master of arts degree in education in 2006, both from the University of South Dakota. He taught middle school math and science on Rosebud reservation and in Elk Point, South Dakota for a year, in Blythe, California for one year and Reno, Nevada for two years. Steve moved to McKinney, Texas in July, 2010 and worked as a substitute teacher and at Home Depot.

Steve was a master handyman who loved to fix things. He was a bicycle fanatic who rode for exercise, fun and occasionally competitively. A favorite hobby was searching for bike parts on ebay and building bicycles. In 2004 he discovered Contra dancing and developed a passion for the traditional American folk dance. He was a long-time member of the Sierra Club who loved hiking and any natural outdoor activity.

Steve was involved in a bicycle accident on 3/15/12 and died of a brain injury the next day. He is survived by his mother, Joyce Miles of Mill Valley, California his girlfriend of six years, Susan Mardele and her son Kenny Failes. He is remembered by his friends, family and associates as a kind man always available and happy to help, a creative and fun teacher, an energetic dancer and a quick wit. He will be missed.