Norfolk, VA – Stephen “Steve” Ronald Bayer (b. July 21st) passed away on January 22, 2020. He has joined those he held dear in life who predeceased him in death, to include his father James Bayer (d. 1988) and his mother Natalie Bayer (d. 2017).  Although his time with us was short, Steve developed longstanding relationships and is survived by many myriad friends whom he cherished like family. He was an avid activist, tireless volunteer, and champion of the marginalized with an unwavering faith in humanity rarely seen today.  Steve was a lifelong vegan, animal welfare advocate, civil rights crusader, and volunteered his time to LGBT causes.  He empathized deeply with others and would help anyone at any time.  If he was unable to help personally, he would find someone who could.  Steve was an engineer at heart with an insatiable curiosity to understand how things worked and fit together.  He was fascinated by mechanical household items and collected antique sewing machines, vacuum cleaners, radios, and watches. Steve’s love of animals meant he always had a cat or three at home, including a few feral ones that he domesticated over time. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hope for Life Rescue, Inc. located at 610 Jack Rabbit Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 or by going to https://www.hopeforliferescue.com/.