A U G U S T 1 6, 1 9 4 8 – F E B R U A R Y 1 1, 2 0 1 1

1. Stephen L. Tanenbaum Stephen L. Tanenbaum A U G U S T 1 6, 1 9 4 8 –F E B R U A R Y 1 1, 2 0 1 1

2. From talking about dinosaurs, to playing baseball in the backyard to talking about tax-returns, Steve has been there for me my entire life and I will miss him dearly. Marvin TanenbaumNephew S T E V E ’ S P O E M We knew a man, a selfless man, who never asked but only gave. We knew a man, the kindest man, who never hurt, instead forgave. We knew a man, devoted man, that none of us can replace. We knew a man, a friend, a man – he’s gone from us and from this space. We know a man, who is still here, though body gone, lives on in us. We know a man, and we are blessed, to know this man, to let him go, to know he is always with us. Catie Tanenbaumniece

3. Steve Tanenbaum was born in Brooklyn, New York to Esther and Julian Tanenbaum

4. Beloved by:brother Andy Tanenbaum sister-in-law Suzanne Baartnephew Marvin Tanenbaumniece Barbara Tanenbaum nephew-in-law Daniel Metzenbaumgreat nephewAron Metzenbaum

5. Beloved by:brotherMitchell Tanenbaumsister-in-lawChristina MannnephewSam Tanenbaum nieceCatie Tanenbaum

6. Beloved by:aunt May Brown Pine uncle Irving Pinecousins Elinor Pine and Carolyn Pine Sterncousin Gabriel Stern

7. Beloved by:cousinsKen and Chris Panitz Nora, Cayla, and Scott Panitz

8. H I S W O R K Steve Tanenbaum was considered by many to be the most knowledgeable active person in the field of Civil War tokens. He has been relied upon for many decades as a consultant, editor, and contributor to numerous CWT works.

9. After beginning his CWT collecting journey in 1972, he became a full-time dealer for tokens in 1981. Steve handled, purchased, and built some of the greatest modern-day collections, although he always considered himself a collector first.

10. He discovered hundreds of new varieties, previously unknown die states, and odd mint errors. Steve was elected to eight terms on the Board of Governors of the CWTS, and also filled two partial terms by appointment.

11. Steve was vice president of the Civil War Token Society and participated actively in many of its projects, primarily, the upcoming third edition of the store card catalog originally written by George and Melvin Fuld.

12. He was a major contributor to Russell Rulau's catalog of American tokens, published by Krause Publications.

13. He was in charge of the CWTS Hall of Fame medal program which has honored such persons as George and Melvin Fuld, Julius Guttag, George Hetrich, Jack Detwiler and Joseph N. T. Levick. He knew John J. Ford. Jr. very well and was as close to being Ford's confidant as just about anybody.

17. Passover, Thanksgiving, and family dinners – Steve was a crucial oddball in our gang of oddballs.  I’ll miss the sardonic sense of humor, intellectual musings, and good natured, rational balance to our group’s new-ageys. Gabriel Sterncousin From talking about dinosaurs, to playing baseball in the backyard to talking about tax-returns, Steve has been there for me my entire life and I will miss him dearly. Marvin TanenbaumNephew

20. “I want to pay tribute to a true icon. Steve Tanenbaum was truly a legend in his own time in exonumia. In my mind he ranks up there with the greats like Ford, Brand, etc.: personalities who left a deep and abiding mark on their hobby. God speed my friend. You will be missed.” Mike Miller

23. “I could always count on you to be willing,non-complaining, patient, even-tempered, pragmatic.  A good teacher.  I appreciated and admired those qualities.  I will miss your intellect, your quick and irreverent humor.  I will miss you terribly.” Elinor Pinecousin From talking about dinosaurs, to playing baseball in the backyard to talking about tax-returns, Steve has been there for me my entire life and I will miss him dearly. Marvin TanenbaumNephew

26. “I found him to be honorable in his dealings.  I was always impressed with his knowledge.  He was pleasant to deal with.”  KenHallenbeck

30. “Steve helped me build a collection of Hard Time tokens and Washington, DC tokens in the early 1980s. He was always generous with his time and knowledge about exonumia in general. Often, when we were both at a show and someone asked me something that I didn’t know in that field, I always sent them to Steve, as he would undoubtedly know it.” Julian M. Leidman

34. Steve had a great desire and capacity to share and teach those curious and eager to learn....This was particularly so with young people, he seemed captivated by children. My son, now 14 months old, first met Steve last June and there was an instant connection….The feeling was mutual, Steve also enjoyed watching him.  Not with gitchee gitchee goo baby talk, but with the same quiet fascination in which he was studied.  When I look at my son now especially when he is quietly studying something new, I think of Steve.  I believe this feeling will last the rest of my life. Steve, I thank you for everything.  With love, "The Other Steve." Steve Hayden

37. “Like a little kid, I could listen to (Steve’s) stories for hours.  It was amazing what he knew from memory.  I guess he didn’t need computers as a “crutch” like the rest of us.  Upon leaving, I shook his hand never thinking that I would never see him again. I would give anything to spend a couple more hours talking tokens with Steve.  I guess I just assumed I would know Steve for another 20 or 30 years.” John Ostendorf

40. Dear Steve, After almost 40 years I have to say goodbye to you. I will miss you every time we are in New York and cannot see you. I can’t believe that the last time we were together was last year at the great family reunion. I cherish the memories of those days in Colorado. I will always think of you: a warm person for all of us. You were not always easy to communicate with but we knew that we were in your heart. And you are in our hearts for now and forever. Steve, dear brother-in-law, we will love you and remember you the rest of our lives. Suzanne Baartsister-in-law From talking about dinosaurs, to playing baseball in the backyard to talking about tax-returns, Steve has been there for me my entire life and I will miss him dearly. Marvin TanenbaumNephew

42. “Coin collectors are a strange breed that at the heart are researchers, history buffs and highly competitive and obsessive in their pursuits. Steve’s knowledge…and his willingness to share made him one of the ‘go to’ people in Civil War tokens. He will be missed by many.” Dennis Wierzba

44. “His whole life was numismatics. His ‘mistress’ was the numismatic hobby.” Alan V.Weinberg

47. “Steve was one of the most loving people I have ever known. Not always to me when we were kids, but like another father to all of his nieces and nephews around the world. I am going to miss him immensely. I love you Steve.” Mitch Tanenbaumbrother From talking about dinosaurs, to playing baseball in the backyard to talking about tax-returns, Steve has been there for me my entire life and I will miss him dearly. Marvin TanenbaumNephew

50. “Good shepherd of our family, I will miss your generous quirky intelligent spirit forever! Till we meet again, and we will.” CarolynPine Sterncousin From talking about dinosaurs, to playing baseball in the backyard to talking about tax-returns, Steve has been there for me my entire life and I will miss him dearly. Marvin TanenbaumNephew