Steven Oliver Eitzen

Steven Oliver Eitzen of Elk Grove, California, died of natural causes on February 3, 2024.  He was born on June 7, 1944, in San Angelo Texas, son of Oliver and Jeanette Eitzen.  Steven is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judith Hamby Eitzen.

Steven was raised in the Bay Area where he earned a journalism degree from San Jose State University.  He moved to Sacramento in 1969, first as Public Relations director of the Chamber of Commerce and later employed as a safety and training officer for Local 3 Operating Engineers.  The latter position required travel throughout the western states, particularly California.

A lifelong photographer and writer, he shared his love for California history, specifically the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s by authoring twist-turning plotted novels and short stories, “Mysteries in History” under the pseudonym, H. P. Oliver.  Claiming to be a ‘hack writer spinning whodunnits in the pulp fiction tradition’ he completed over eighteen novels and many short stories.  Some of these can be viewed on hpoliver.com together with his “Voodles” – video doodles about show business.

A very talented man, he will be missed by family and friends.