Stephen Howard Armstrong, 73, died on April 13, 2022. A longtime resident of Evanston, IL, he was a devoted husband, father, lawyer and lover of the arts.

Steve was born in Cincinnati, OH, on June 29, 1948, to Howard and Hazel Armstrong. He was an intellectual child, occupying his time with piano, chess, and languages — interests that would follow him for the rest of his life. An Eagle Scout, he also enjoyed the great outdoors.

Steve attended Oberlin College, where he studied classics, and the University of Wisconsin, where he completed a master’s degree in Italian studies. Though he enjoyed everything about the Italian language and culture, Steve decided to pursue his law degree at Wisconsin, too.

After graduating with his JD, Steve moved to Chicago. One day, at a bar association meeting, he met another young Midwestern lawyer. He took her on a date to the Brookfield Zoo, and they married the next year. He and Carol Kriekard would remain married for the next 39 years.

The couple soon moved to Evanston, where they raised two sons. Steve began his career in corporate securities law. He later focused on environmental law, working as lead environmental counsel for People’s Energy and ultimately at Jenner & Block in his later years.

While Steve loved the law, it was the arts that truly sparked his joy and gave life its meaning. He was a supporter of Chicago’s cultural institutions, especially opera, theater and art. Steve may not have remembered the grocery list, but he could recognize an aria after just a few bars.

Steve also had an unparalleled desire to understand the world. He was a lifelong student of global affairs, as well as a curious and enthusiastic traveler whose favorite memories included family trips all over the world. Whether Steve was at home or abroad, he was always reading, always growing, always learning. It was no surprise, then, that he was an encyclopedia of knowledge, from ancient history to current events. In his retirement, he also held leadership positions in his Church and was a member of academic and theological discussion groups.

To his beloved wife and sons, Steve will be remembered as a bedrock of calm in a chaotic world. He was likable and level-headed, bringing reason and integrity to everything he did. Although he was intellectual, he was finely attuned to those around him as well. He was a listener who was sensitive to people’s needs; he was engaging without being flashy, supportive without being showy. He was understated in the best kind of way: a man who lived life to the fullest — and who, without you even realizing it, brought you along for the ride.

Steve was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Carol Kriekard, of Evanston; his sons, Eric Armstrong, of San Francisco, CA, Brian Armstrong, of New York, NY; his sister, Joan Hotop, of Santa Barbara, CA; and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service in celebration of Steve’s life will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Evanston on Friday, April 22, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Steve may be made to LUNGevity Foundation, 228 South Wabash, Chicago, IL 60604. Info: donnellanfuneral.com or (847) 675-1990.

To virtually attend the Memorial Service, you will be redirected to the church's YouTube page where the streaming will be posted.