The Islander is a free weekly community newspaper serving Anna Maria Island. There is no charge for our standard obituary, including survivors, services, photo and other lifetime information for present and former residents of Anna Maria Island and people with affiliations on Anna Maria Island.
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— Bonner Joy, Publisher. news@islander.org
Stephen ‘Steve’ L. Bergquist
Stephen “Steve” L. Bergquist, a longtime building contractor and beloved member of the Anna Maria Island community, died April 7.
He was born July 30, 1954, in Lakeland.
His roots on the island ran deep, beginning with his grandparents, who built a family home here in 1947. After decades of family memories at the “beach,” Steve made the island his permanent home in the mid-90s, alongside his parents.
A true outdoorsman, he embraced every aspect of island living. He was an avid boater and a familiar face in local fishing tournaments for many years. He was an expert with a cast net, having learned the skill as a child. He also was known for his “killer” hot sauce—a craft he took pride in and loved sharing with others.
To those who knew him, he was always ready with a kind word or a helping hand. He was a generous soul who never hesitated to show up for those who needed him.
His presence on the island will be deeply missed by his family, friends and the many “island folks” whose lives he touched.
A celebration of life will be held in the future. Condolences and memories may be expressed at brownandsonsfuneral.com.
The family asks that you remember a life well lived by doing a good deed for someone, plant a tree in your yard, donate to a food bank or to your favorite charity to honor Steve’s memory. Above all, remember to just be nice.
Mr. Bergquist is survived by his father, Richard and wife Gayle of Bradenton; brother Dick and his partner Dorothy of Polk City; nieces Noel of Lakeland and Molly of Fort Myers; and his life partner, Beverly “Bev,” along with their beloved Christine.
Marshall Jacob Fisher
Marshall Jacob Fisher, 39, of Davie, formerly of Bradenton, died May 3 in Fort Lauderdale.
He was born April 28, 1987.
He grew up in NW Bradenton, attended Manatee High, class of 2005, and graduated from USF-Sarasota with a business management degree.
He was a long-time employee of the Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria throughout his high school and college years, and spent his spare time in Cortez learning the skills of a marine carpenter from the men there who had spent most of their lives building and repairing boats in the village.
He was the owner of Bella Teak, specializing in building teak decks on yachts all over the world.
Memorial donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society in hopes of finding a cure for pancreatic cancer.
Mr. Fisher is survived by his wife, Sandra Carter, daughter Kenzi Carter, 7 and son Sasha, 21 months, his mother, Rita Meckler of Plantation, and father Christopher M. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.