Remembering Steve Landry: A Legacy of Care
Many of us at SMRT continue to feel the absence of Steve Landry. Steve was the kind of person who left a mark not just through his work, but through his character: his kindness, his quiet dedication, and his genuine care for others. Those qualities shaped how he showed up every day, and they are deeply missed.
One thing that always stood out about Steve was his love for animals, especially cats. Over the years, he adopted many cats, most well into adulthood, and cared for them through the end of their lives. When we began thinking about how to honor him, it felt right to do so in a way that reflected who he was beyond the office, through something that would make a lasting, positive difference.
A Donation in Steve’s Name
SMRT has made a $20,000 memorial donation in Steve’s name to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (ARLGP). It is an organization whose mission aligns closely with Steve’s compassion and values, and one that is doing meaningful work for animals and families in our community.
The donation will help establish a fund supporting ARLGP’s Community Clinic at Baxter, a renovated facility on their campus designed to provide affordable veterinary care for pet owners facing the rising cost of keeping their animals healthy. The clinic serves the community in a direct, tangible way, and it felt like a fitting place to direct a gift made in Steve’s memory.
ARLGP’s Community Clinic at Baxter
Honoring Steve at ARLGP
Dennis Morin and I had the opportunity to visit ARLGP and tour the Baxter facility before the clinic opened. The dedication of their staff and the clarity of their mission left a strong impression. We attended the clinic’s open house, where we were welcomed by Julie Poulin, Director of Development, and Dr. Carrie Martel, Staff Veterinarian, and had the chance to celebrate that milestone alongside the ARLGP team.
The Clinical space at the Community Clinic
We later returned to present the donation formally, meeting with Julie, Elsa Bertlesman, Development and Community Engagement Associate, and Mark Blanchard, Marketing and Communications Coordinator. It was a meaningful visit, and we are grateful for the warmth with which the ARLGP team received it.
As a lasting tribute, a plaque bearing Steve’s name has been installed in the Cat Feature Room at the ARLGP facility. It is a small, permanent reminder of who he was and what he cared about.
Steve’s Legacy at SMRT
Steve was more than a colleague. He was part of the fabric of SMRT, and his influence extended well beyond the work he delivered. His commitment to the people and communities around him shaped how he approached everything he did.
Honoring him through service to the broader community feels like a fitting reflection of who he was and what he stood for. We are grateful to everyone who has supported this effort, and to those who continue to carry Steve’s spirit forward through kindness, collaboration, and care for others.
The Steve Landry memorial plaque in the cat room.
