Shushan, NY-Staffan (Steve) Rascher, 72, of Shushan, passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at his home in Shushan, NY.Steve was born July 28, 1939 in Sweden the son of the late Sigurd M. and Ann Marie (Wigen) Rascher. His family emigrated to the United States in 1941 moving to New York City staying with their host family. They eventually moved to Shushan, NY and Steve attended and graduated in 1958 from Salem Washington Academy. He attended Hamilton College for two years before entering the New York State Trooper School and, upon graduation, became a NYS Trooper having served in the Albany/Capital region. Steve returned to Shushan in 1971 with the love of his life, Patricia Robinson, whereupon Steve began and successfully managed Rascher Tree Surgeon for 35 years from his home. During this time, Steve also began "Rascher Sugar House" at his home farm. Steve's dedication to the maple syrup production business was not only personal but shared by many of those he met and taught. He was never too busy to provide tours of the sap house, equipment and the sugar bush surrounding his home. Steve was recognized with National and International awards for his maple syrup and recently obtained New York State and USDA Organic certification for his maple products. Steve was an active member of the New York and Vermont Maple Producers Association, the Shushan Volunteer Fire Department, and a regular vendor at Salem Farmer's Market. He was an avid outdoorsman and extremely knowledgeable in a wide variety of plants and trees. Steve took great pride in keeping a beautiful garden filled with an assortment of vegetables and flowers. Steve also enjoyed hunting, hiking, cooking and spending time with friends and visitors. He is survived by his wife and partner of 41 years, Patricia N. (Robinson) Rascher as well as three sisters; Kristina Rascher of Germany, Carina Rascher of Germany and Astrid Radysh of Scotland; nieces and nephews; Sven, Annika, Malena, Arun, Onatah and Aiden; Aunts, Brigitte and Barbara; uncle, Olaf; cousins, Lars and Astrid. A memorial service and celebration of Steve's life will take place at 11:00 am on June 9, 2012 at the Salem United Methodist Church, 29 West Broadway, Salem, NY.