Obituary for Steve Cornwell

Steve Cornwell
October 1956 – April 2022
It is with a heavy heart that I write of Steve’s passing in late April. He had been battling cancer for the past few years and finally lost the fight. He has left us too soon, and I miss him dearly. As many of you know, Steve was a key figure in JALT for many years. He was on the editorial board of The Language Teacher, a core member of the Teachers Helping Teachers SIG as well as the THT SIG coordinator for two years, and a Board member of JALT National. I got to know him when he was JALT Director of Program from 2010 to 2016. I worked with him closely on the international conference planning committee, first, as EME (Education Materials Exhibition) Coordinator, then later as Conference Manager. He was a wonderful, supportive, caring person to work for. He was the constant optimist, always looking for the positive in people and in situations. Conference planning can be stressful at times, but Steve was always calm, cool, and collected. I learned so much from him during those few short years. Even after he stepped down as Director, we still stayed in touch. I often looked to him for guidance and support whenever I needed help. I feel blessed to have known Steve and will cherish his friendship and memories forever.
Naomi Fujishima, Former Vice President of JALT, on behalf of the JALT Board of Directors