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Former publisher Steve Nygard, 57
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Posted on Jun 08 2011
Stephen Nygard, former publisher of Marianas Business Journal, passed away early Tuesday morning (local time) in Dallas, Texas. He was 57.
Saipan Tribune learned that Nygard’s wife, Rhea, found him collapsed on the bedroom floor when she woke up to prepare for work that morning.
Nygard, who is based in Guam, was reportedly in Dallas so he and his 11-year-old son, Steve Nygard II, can spend summer with Rhea.
Rhea called 911 but it was reportedly too late for the medics to revive Nygard.
Nygard lived on Saipan for several years before he relocated to Guam. He worked for the editorial department of the Pacific Daily News prior to becoming the publisher of Marianas Business Journal, which is a part of Glimpses Publications.
The news about Nygard’s death was a shock for Century Insurance Co. president David M. Sablan.
“I knew Steve very well. He was very active in various community services,” he told Saipan Tribune.
Sablan said he and Nygard worked together, particularly on the latter’s many ideas on how the Commonwealth can move its economic situation forward.
“He was a very hard-driving person. He’s the kind of guy who’s determined to accomplish something. He was not reluctant to share with you his ideas. He will definitely be missed by some of the old-timers here,” he said.
According to Sablan, Nygard had a “personal love for the island of Saipan” although he moved to Guam. “My prayers go to him and his family,” he added.
Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Douglas Brennan, when asked for comment, said he knew Nygard professionally.
“He was very active in the business community here and in Guam. My condolences to the family,” he said.
Bob Coldeen, KSPN Channel 2 news director, said Nygard was also a skilled athlete. “He was a really good basketball player. He played at the Ada Gym on Saipan. He was a pleasure to watch.”
According to Coldeen, it’s always a shock for him whenever he hears someone younger than himself passing away. “It makes me appreciate everything more.”
