Steven Wilson Massey,71, of Denver, Colorado died Friday, February 17, 2023 at his home. Steve often said “I was born a horseman and I’ve been a horseman all my life.” Steve stepped into his saddle for his last ride on this earth on January 23, 2023. His mount was Ace. Steve and Ace had 16 years of friendship, trust and trails.

Steve was born on August 30, 1951 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, just a stone’s throw from the Great Dismal Swamp. He was raised on a cotton, peanut, and sweet potato farm in eastern North Carolina. Steve’s lifeblood came from a childhood touched by land and water.

At 10 years old, Steve went to work in the family grocery store and service station where he quickly became known as “Little Boss.” He didn’t mind being called little and he loved being the boss. That never changed.

Steve worked a lot and loved it. His many jobs included service station attendant, furnace repairman, horse trainer, floor sweeper and loom fixer at the cotton mill, electrician, rigger, millwright, superintendent, construction manager, and conservationist. He could do just about anything, even drive a four-mule hitch.

Working for The Project Management Group, Steve managed construction of United Airlines’ facilities at Denver International Airport and spearheaded United’s minority-owned business initiative.

In 1994, Steve founded Mesa Valley Group, Inc. For over 25 years as conservationists, Steve and Mesa Valley conserved and protected thousands of acres of Colorado ranchland. Mesa Valley raises American quarter horses as its conservation partners; also providing a steady supply of fresh mounts for Steve.

Steve shared his love of horses, land, and water with many people, especially children. Steve took many kids, old and young to their first rodeo. Summer brought “Cowboy Camp.” Steve was the top hand, wrangler, trail guide and camp cook. It was all tasty-cowboy beans, cowboy stew, cowboy donuts, and cowboy Pepsi. Steve leaves behind many cowboy children of all ages.

Steve is survived by his wife, Rita Parrotte, sons, Samuel Milton Massey and Joseph Thomas Massey, chosen daughter Stephanie Massey, granddaughter, Rachel Lynn Massey, chosen grandchildren Taylor Little, Joshua Hee, Kiana Garcia, and Corbin Hastings, sisters, Brenda Daniels and Pamela Harris, sisters-in-law Vivian Helton, Maureen Bryniarski, and Patricia Pogosian, brothers-in-law, Robert Parrotte and Daniel Parrotte, aunts Marie Warren and Peggy Webb and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and in-laws.

Steve was predeceased by his parents William Milton and Helen Louise Massey, two brothers, Reverend William Massey and J.D. Massey, and a granddaughter, Victoria Lynn Massey.

Funeral and burial services will be at Fairmount Funeral Home and Cemetery, 430 S. Quebec Street, Denver, CO 80247 on February 28, 2023 at 2:00 PM. Live stream www.stevemasseymemorial.com.

His lord said unto him, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23