Steve Pitcher Groat

Stephen Pitcher Groat, aged 67, of Aiken, SC, died on December 11, 2012, surrounded by family and friends.

Mr. Groat, the son of the late William A. and Mary L. Groat, was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jeannie, his three daughters, Avery Hammett of Aiken, SC, Annie Groat married to Brian Roach of Kensington, MD, Molly Schaumann married to Christian Schaumann of Aiken, SC, six grandchildren: Rowan and Ella Hammett, Grace and Julia Roach, and Sonny and Pitcher Schaumann, his brothers Jonathan Groat of Fayetteville, NY, Geoffrey Groat, of Georgetown, SC and his sister, Kate Henchmen of Concord, MA, numerous nieces and nephews and a large "chosen family." Mr. Groat was preceded in death by his twin brother, Andrew S. Groat, of Columbia, SC.

Mr. Groat was a graduate of Aiken Preparatory School, where he later returned to teach; Millbrook School, in Millbrook, NY, and Hiram College, in Hiram, OH. Most recently, Mr. Groat worked as a financial advisor for Morgan Keegan. Steve was an avid fisherman and horseman. He served as the Master of the Aiken Hounds, trained with the Olympic Equestrian Team, and enjoyed a long, distinguished career designing and managing steeplechase race courses throughout the United States. One of his proudest accomplishments was establishing the Breeders Cup Steeplechase race. Mr. Groat later became a senior steward for the National Steeplechase Association, from whom he received the prestigious F. Ambrose Clark award for his contributions to the sport. His love of fly-fishing, which he most enjoyed with family and friends, took him throughout the world, from Chile to Montana, to the Bahamas.

Mr. Groat served on the board of many non-profit organizations, most recently, STAR Riding, a therapeutic riding program. In 2005, Mr. and Mrs. Groat founded the Aiken Bluegrass Festival, which serves as a fundraiser for STAR, and has brought world class Bluegrass musicians to Aiken. Mr. Groat is the longest standing member of the Aiken Tennis Club. He will be remembered as a true friend to many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 2:30pm at The Steeplechase Field, 931 Powderhouse Rd., Aiken. An enclosed tent will be erected for the service, but attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and field conditions.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Aiken Bluegrass Festival, c/o STAR Riding, PO Box 698 Aiken, SC 29802