Stephen Bainbridge, 79, of Marcellus, Michigan, passed away on May 9, 2026, surrounded by the memories, friendships, and family that meant so much throughout his life. Born on December 1, 1946, in South Bend, Indiana, Stephen will be remembered as an easygoing man with a strong work ethic, a loyal heart, and a way of making everyone around him feel welcome.

Raised in a traditional farm driven home during the 1950s, Stephen learned the value of hard work at a young age. His childhood was filled with chores, long days in the fields and barns, milking cows, and helping however he was needed. Those early years shaped the man he would become. His father was one of the greatest influences in his life, instilling in him the work ethic and determination that carried him through every stage of life.

Though he could handle just about anything life threw at him, snakes remained a lifelong fear he never quite overcame.

Stephen was known for being easygoing and dependable. Friends and family knew they could count on him no matter what was needed. He loved sitting around visiting, sharing stories, joking with friends, and simply enjoying the company of others. Some of his happiest moments were spent “BS’ing” with close friends Mike File and Tom Aliksich, often over a beer and plenty of laughter.

One of the things family and friends will always remember was his signature entrance. He would stop by completely unannounced, give one knock before walking through the door and calling out, “Anyone home!” Sometimes it happened at the most awkward times, whether someone was settling in for a nap or enjoying quiet time with their spouse, but somehow it always became part of the story everyone laughed about later.

For his family, he was a constant. Someone steady. Someone you could lean on. While he was not always openly emotional in the traditional sense, his love showed through his actions, his availability, and his loyalty. In later years, hearing him say “I love you” became something especially meaningful to those closest to him.

Throughout his life he worked as a farmer, carpenter, and eventually became a landlord after realizing farming alone would not provide the retirement he hoped for. Through hard work and determination, he built up a number of rental properties, eventually owning as many as fifteen. He took pride in what he built, especially his property and trails.

Outside of work, Stephen loved being outdoors. Whether riding his side by side, traveling out west, heading up north, or simply spending time with friends, those were the moments where he felt most at peace. Back in his younger days, he was also known as a strong arm wrestler, and not many people could beat him.

He quietly helped many people throughout his life. Friends often shared stories of the ways he stepped in when someone needed a hand, whether financially, lending a vehicle, or offering his labor without expecting anything in return. He was honest, trustworthy, and the kind of friend who would do anything for the people he cared about.

He especially loved kids and dogs, something those closest to him knew well. His grandchildren brought him great pride, and his love for family was always clear through the time he spent with them and the traditions he created, especially his Christmas games that family will continue for years to come.

Stephen’s legacy lives on through the work ethic he passed down, his ability to pinch a penny, his loyalty to friends and family, and his reminder to enjoy life because it goes by so fast.

He is survived by his longtime girlfriend of 36 years, Mary Lou Ellsworth; his children, Scott Bainbridge (Lisa Bainbridge) and Adam Potgiesser (Shannon Potgiesser Adams); stepchildren, Ricky Simpson and Jessica Simpson; grandchildren, Ethan Bainbridge, Lexi Bainbridge, Neve Bainbridge, Savannah Lowery, Katelyn Arms, Elizabeth Simpson, Allison Simpson, Tristan System, Tate Simpson, Faith Timmer, and Hope Tubman; along with many close friends and loved ones who will forever cherish his memory.

He was preceded in passing by his parents, Ralph Bainbridge and Elizabeth “Betty” Bainbridge (Nichols), and his grandson, Sage Lowery.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Bainbridge Farm, located at 25464 96th Avenue, Marcellus, Michigan 49067.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.