On Christmas morning longtime Warwick resident Walter Steven Renfree, “Steve” to his many friends, lost his two-week battle with Covid-19 complications. 

Now those friends have organized a fundraiser for his family which includes his wife Michelle Dunn Renfree, his daughter Meredith and two sons Steven and Shane.

“He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to camp, hike, fish and work on his Jeeps with his sons,” said Russell Gundlach who had been friends with Renfree family since their sons have been in cub scouts together. 

Gundlach’s wife Karen was the den leader for their son’s Cub Scout Pack Lakewood Pack 49.

“He always had a smile and a good word for everyone,” she said. 

Alana Ducharme president of Jeep Life of the Northeast and other friends from three clubs have come together and are hosting a fundraiser on behalf of he family at the Old Theater Diner in Coventry. Initially planned for Saturday the event will “most likely” be scheduled for February because of weekend forecast for snow.

Ducharme said that due to COVID restrictions they can only have a capacity of 100 people meaning that ticket sales were limited. The event has already been sold out. 

In honor of Steve Renfree, 401 Jeep Wave, Jeep Life of the Northeast and South coast Jeep Club, all of which Steve and Michelle were a part of and close with, have come together to organize a convoy and host the event in remembrance of their friend and to provide aid to his family at this most difficult time.  The band Twisted Mistress, one of Steve’s favorite local groups, will be the featured entertainment.

A go-fund me page “Support for the Renfree Family” has also been created to assist the family  with medical and other expenses. 

In addition to Saturday’s event, Ducharme said that they have future events in the works to help defray the unexpected costs to help assist the Renfree family. She said that the goal is to have an annual fundraiser each year during the warmer months.

“An annual event would not only go toward medical costs,” said Russell Gundlach. “It is hoped that future money raised will help not just Steve’s sons with college expenses but also help other children who have lost a parent to Covid 19 by creating a Scholarship Fund in Steve’s name.”