Stephen Andrew Czerkas

Stephen Andrew Czerkas, was the director and co-founder of The Dinosaur Museum and a renowned sculptor, scientist, and author.
Born in Alhambra, CA, Stephen Czerkas spent his early career sculpting dinosaurs and other creatures for the Motion Picture Industry.
In 1981, his career transition into commissions of life-size dinosaurs for museums in North American and worldwide.  From 1992 to the present, he co-founded and directed The Dinosaur Museum in Blanding, UT.
His early scientific publications focused on dinosaur skin and ornamentation, and Stegosaur plate arrangement. His later research and publication explored the relationship between dinosaurs and birds.
Stephen published several books and catalogues for the general public, which clearly explained paleontology. Some of the publications accompanied exhibits which he co organized and traveled to other museums.   The themes of the exhibits were “Dinosaurs - A Global View”, “Feathered Dinosaurs”, and “Dinosaurs in the Movies”.
He is survived by his wife, Sylvia, the co-director and co-founder of The Dinosaur Museum who, in loving memory, will carry on his legacy.
He is also survived by his sister, Crystal Merryman-Sarbacker, and his niece, Ashley Merryman.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that condolences be made in contributions to The Dinosaur Museum to further his work at 754 South 200 West, Blanding, UT 84511
Share your condolences, and comments to dinos@dinosaur-museum.org
“Stephen was a gentleman, a true scholar, and an incredible artist.  His work had a major impact on me and I will honor his work in any way I can.” – Dr. Alan Feduccia, Ornithologist, University of North Carolina
“Stephen has been among my closest friends and one of the most important people in my life. It was back in about 1970 that we met at a get together for Ray at Forry’s house, and that day changed my life. He’s one of the most creative people I’ve ever known. I miss him very much.” – Jim Aupperl, San Francisco, CA
“I am so sorry to hear about Steve. It is a terrible loss and I am literally in tears.” – Paleontologist, Robert De Palma, Florida
“That magnificent Museum is a tribute to all the years you have worked together, sharing your expertise and your love of the field.  You have my love and admiration.  Thank you again…” – Harriette Litchfield, New Jersey
“Steve made a very important contribution to the field and he will be remembered” – Bob Walters and Tess Kissinger, Museum Artists, Philadelphia.

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