Stephen J. Colbert (Steve, Uncle Steve, Pops), was a lifelong swimmer. He was a charter member of his high school swim team and went on to be an all-American swimmer and captain at Tufts University. In his post-collegiate years, he spent many years lifeguarding, competing in triathlons, and swimming across the family pond in New Hampshire with his brothers. 

Steve was introduced to Swim Across America from his younger brother Eddie, who swam in honor of Steve's cancer battle and then subsequent survival. Steve swam with Eddie's Team Goldman in 2015 for fun, which took a new meaning when he lost Eddie to brain cancer in 2016. A 15-year cancer survivor himself, Steve had exceptional empathy for the cancer journey and never took the little things for granted. He drew a strong connection between swimming and honoring the blessed life he had, acknowledging that not everyone would have the same survival outcome as he. He was an avid lover of the winter polar plunge and a peaceful daily swim along Singing Beach. 

Steve is known for his constant sense of ease, his unmistakable laugh, his obsession with the water, and devotion to his family. We will miss his presence very much but know that he will be with us in the waves.