ST PLUMAS LAKE, CA- Steve Carter Kaufman, 48, of California, formerly of Stevensville, died Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, after a brief battle of leukemia. He was born November 19, 1966 in Easton, a son of the late John Albert and Mary Victoria "Vicki" Kaufman. Steve grew up in Stevensville where he was always active in Little League and youth football. He graduated from Queen Anne's County High School with the class of '84. Immediately after graduation he enlisted in the US Air Force, where he proudly served his country and enjoyed a highly decorated career that lasted 23 years until his retirement in 2006. During his time in the Air Force Steve got to see the world as he was stationed in Alaska, Korea, Arizona and California, where he spent most of his time. Wherever he went, he was very well respected and highly regarded as a true leader and quietly acted as a father figure to many. Since 2006 Steve worked as an Environmental Engineer for several firms, where once again he was looked up to by many. Steve loved to fix things and he had a passion for home improvement, fixing up old homes, was an excellent woodworker and had a gift for gardening. On Sundays during football season the Kaufman house was always the place to be as Steve and his family loved hosting friends for games. Anyone who knew Steve knew he was an avid Miami Dolphins fan. Steve had a servant's heart with a strong faith in God and could always be counted on to help anyone in need. When home on trips to visit family, he would usually be found with a tool in hand, helping a family member fix or build something, or spending time out on the water, which he loved, always with his signature smile on his face. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Ann Kaufman; a son, Jeremy Kaufman of California; a step-son, Shawn Pelfrey of California; two grandchildren, Landon and Cadence Pelfrey; brothers and sisters, Patricia Steiner (Jim) of Centreville, John A. Kaufman, Jr. (Terri) of Centreville, Marion N. Kaufman (Leslie) of Denton, Brian D. Kaufman (Vickie) of Centreville, Gary L. Kaufman (Jennifer) of Centreville and Tammy V. Larrimore (Matt) of Chestertown; seven nieces and nephews, Shane Bruner, Chad Bruner, Cory Kaufman, Bryan Thomas, Lindsay Kaufman, Staci Hittman and Justin Kaufman; great nieces and nephews, Elaina, Makenzie, Morgan and Mason; an uncle, Charles Jewell (Claudia) of Chester; and a host of cousins, aunts and uncles and extended family members. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by grandparents, Clark and Mary Frances "Gool" Jewell and Floyd and Pearl Kaufman; and an uncle, Thomas C. "Buck" Jewell. A memorial service will be held at the Kent Island United Methodist Church on Sunday, July 12, 2015 at 4:00 p.m., where a visitation for family and friends will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pastor Bobby Timms will officiate. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in Steve's memory to the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society,1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605. Local arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.