Steve Klauke, the Bees announcer, was warmly honored at the Celebration of Life

Salt Lake City, Utah — Steve Klauke was a famous public address speaker for the Salt Lake Bees. On Monday night, his Celebration of Life, his family, friends, and fans paid their respects.

“He’s the most kind, loving person. His personality was so sweet. You could go to him for anything,” said his neighbor Erica Ebert.

Last week, a car hit and killed a 69-year-old man who was crossing the street in Sandy. He had a sad death less than a year after leaving the Bees after 29 years of service.

“Easily the best hire I ever made,” said Brian Douglas.

Douglas recalls talking to Klauke many years ago when he was in charge of radio for the Utah Jazz.

“Steve was one of the hardest working people,” he said. “Steve may have been televising a high school football game and it might as well have been the Superbowl.”

Rich people from Utah, like Ryan Smith and Gail Miller, came by Monday night. So did friends who had never met him in person.

“I commute from Sandy to Syracuse every day. I just fell in love with Steve listening to him call games,” said Philip van Dijk. “He makes baseball come alive. The way he calls it and calls each pitch, he’s just a generational talent.”

Even though it’s still hard to believe he’s gone, his impact is clear.

“His personality, the way he loved sports, the way he dedicated his life to his family and to sports will be honored and remembered for decades,” said Ebert. “He’ll always be an icon in Utah.”

During their game against the Reno Aces on Tuesday, the Salt Lake Bees are planning a number of tributes to Klauke.

Videos will play before and after the game, players will wear shirt patches with the letters “SK” on them, and there will be a moment of silence at 6:30 p.m. before the game.