Steve Anderson

The story

There will be a celebration of Stevie in Kirkland. Time and place is TBD......in the meantime, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Seattle Children's Hospital and/or in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the National Park Services.

Memory wall

40 tributes have been left in memory of Steve Anderson.

• patricbrayden

  

• marcytahoe

  

• mishadorado

  🕯 A candle was lit in memory.

• robbechtel

  

  This photo is one of my fav's from the current group, it shows the love they have.

• mishadorado

  🕯 A candle was lit in memory.

• lilrose

  Your pain is in my heart.May you find comfort in Revelation21:3,4-“and death will be no more......” .You are in my prayers.

• pinkrhinestone

  🕯 I love you honey. You will forever be "My Forever Guy" - Love, "Your Forever Girl"....I have never been so loved by any man in my life as I was you. I love and adore you for all time, love your Forever Girl, Cindy Lou. XOXOXOXO

• patricbrayden

  

• gehring

  

• marcytahoe

  

• mishadorado

  🕯 When we were around 6 years old, Steve brought to school, in a glass jar, a tiny frog the size of a teardrop. I fell on the playground and was crying when he walked up to me and gifted me his frog! I was forever in love with him from that day forward.

• fergleone

  🕯 Steve is my friend. As long as I can hear his voice in my head and see his face in my mind, he will always be here. The love story that is the Anderson family was something to behold and will go on with darling Andy. There will never be another like Steve and I consider myself very lucky to have him as my friend. My love to you all. Anna Bananna

• marcytahoe

  

• mishadorado

  I feel this unrelenting pressure resting upon my heart. Dear Cindy, You do not weep alone, as weeping with unendurable grief is a shared universal human emotion

• creighter

  

• 062154

  I'm so sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers for Cindy and her family. Craig

• wileyejr

  Cindy-Jody-Neal-Barb: I was introduced to Rod, Steve, and Tom on a trip to Alta Lake by Chris, that was over 33 years ago. Many memories were made in those years at Alta, Sekiu, Wilkes-Daily fishing derby, and on the golf course. The retelling of those stories by Steve around the many campfires we all shared is something I'll cherish forever. He was a remarkable and generous person and will be forever missed. I can see Rod, Chris, Steve, and the rest of our band of brothers that has passed on around the big campfire in the sky with the stories flowing and Steve saying, "remember when we..."and then the laughter and tears start rolling. RIP Steve Pat Willis

• patricbrayden

  

• creighter

  

  Hate goodbyes... yet what a treasure you have been to us since you & Cindy started gathering us together as we planned for those reunions & then hosted the in-between parties just for the fun of it. Steve, you were the glue, going clear back to high school. You were the center of our gravity that held our class together. The truest of human beings that never uttered an unkind word. You saw the best in everyone & opened your heart to anyone who walked through your door. Always the perfect whimsical touch to put a person at ease and make them feel embraced. Those eyes. That smile. When you walked into our hearts, know that we are better human beings because of the life you lived. Forever in our hearts you will be. Cathy (Venema) & Mark (Leek)

• chevy

  May the God of all comfort be with you and your family during this time of sadness. Death is something unnatural, it was never in God's original plan, but because Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they brought death and all of its effects upon mankind. But God has made a wonderful provision for all those who have fallen asleep in death, at John 5:28,29 God promises to resurrect all persons back to life. Just imagine your husband, father, and friend back in your arms once again. With no pain or sickness, new and young again. In a beautiful paradise setting, planting flowers and playing with all types of animals. One day soon that will be a reality. If you would like to learn more on how you and your family can personally be there, please jw.org and look up the Bible tract "Can the dead really live again?" Please read this along with your copy of the Bible.

• lisavw

  

  "Uncle" Steve was such a sweet man, the coolest of "cool" guys and a captivating storyteller. Growing up, my brother and I looked forward to any camping trip or fishing trip with Steve and a visit from Uncle Steve was an event to be cherished. There would be laughter and entertainment and we would always, without a doubt, learn something new about our dad from the wild stories Steve told about their crazy times before us kids were around. He would paint a picture with adventure and some questionable decisions that would inevitably end with laughter and someone escaping something by the skin of their teeth. I was so touched that he and Cindy took the time to attend my wedding reception when I got married (the photos are from our photo booth). Uncle Steve you will be deeply missed. -Lisa

• patricbrayden

  It’s a devastating loss, and I feel I missed out. I envy all the folks who enjoyed 50-60 years of close friendship with Steve. In only the past six years I found out how easily it has been to slip into his comfortable circle of “brethren”. In the autumn of our years, inspired by Steve’s “let’s just do it” nonchalance, we set out on a foolhardy journey to connect with as many people who shared our time, our people, and our hometown. There may have been a sense of urgency when he found out about his illness, but you never would have known - to the end his easy, homespun hospitality brought a bunch of us “Kirkland Kids” together - first for several “planning” parties (more party than planning), then again and again…even when he was there physically, it was his welcoming personality that overrode any lingering anxiety about our pasts. In fact we reverted to our youth, before we had any past, before we had made any life-changing choices, gone down any dark alleys, succeeded wildly, or failed terribly. It’s why we all kept going back…I sure hope I can still feel some of that spirit when one day I return to the Cave, but right now I’m numb. Still hear your voice, my friend.

• penguinpower53

  I am still in shock, it's unfathomable that he's gone. My first experience with Steve should have been intimidating, but he was nothing but kind. We were the first graduating class to attend Finn Hill, and determined to leave our mark. I had just relocated from Michigan, and only knew a few of the students, so I was looking to make friends. In retrospect had I known Steve's reputation, I would have never tried, but he just smiled and wished me luck. I was a nobody that chose to run for class president, against the most popular student at school! He won the election hands down, but we both enjoyed the challenge, and t remains one of my fondest memories. In the long run I came out a winner, thanks to his welcoming attitude I was no longer a stranger. I can still hear his voice and see his smile, he was truly the leader of our class, and we will miss him. Thanks Steve, I really thought you were groovy! Cindy, I have no words, your pain must be unbearable....hugs

• nokio2252@yahoo.com

  

  Steve was my favorite uncle. Although he was not my actual uncle, it never stopped him from treating me like family and caring for me. As soon as I became great friends with Sam, Steve entered my life as the awesome uncle. Little did I know that this man had been friends with my father since before my time. Throughout the years of visiting he taught me many things about growing up and becoming a respectful young adult. From raiding the candy drawer at the house in Kirkland to fishing the endless waves outside of Sekiu, Steve you are and always will be missed. You taught me mostly what I know about Salmon fishing and how to filet them. Although I wasn't a big fan of the salmon scrambled eggs for breakfast in Sekiu, it never stopped me from trying. I am so thankful that I got to spend as many years with you as I did. Unfortunately I did not get to say goodbye, which means I will just have to settle with I will see ya later! Lots of Love from Max and the rest of the Perrigo family.

• mishadorado

  Though he is gone, his memory and sense of presence will remain and continue to give us joy in the reminiscences we share. There will always be an extension of Steve's spirit viscerally connecting us together. Steve is an intrinsic part of our lives, held together with a common thread. Through his big-hearted way of 'being', he left us with a piece of his heart deeply embedded within our own, making us all a better person because of him. I can feel Steve's heart pouring music into all of our homes. I envision his ocean-blue eyes and wide smile. My arms are wide open as I welcome him and smile back. Thank-you Cindy for sharing your home and beloved Stevie. Your courage, love and grace in recent years has been evident. I wish you much love, peace and tenderness. In the midst of Winter I discovered that there was in me an invincible Summer ~Albert Camus

• penguinpower53

  Our class song, once a Kang always a Kang

  Watch the video

• nokio2252@yahoo.com

  

  A classic Sekiu photo with Steve and Sam! Look at the fish!

• gehring

  

  Remembering the many good times we shared.

• kkquick

  Steve, to say that you will be missed is such an understatement, we will all miss you. With your smile and kind heart, John and I feel honored and lucky to have known you. Fellow Kang, I wish I could have hugged you one last time. Kathi (Kaiser) and John Quickstad

• robbechtel

  🕯 RIP and May Peace Be With You!!! Steve was the person in your life that made you feel like you mattered no matter what, he was the friend that was there if you needed him, he was that one true friend for life, he was the one that always showed you respect and caring of YOU never thinking of just himself. He found Cindy (Cindy “Cindie Lou” and made a castle for themselves) and they lived a life of dreams, in love always, Always in love, it showed in there house and in the way they looked at each other and in there hospitality, the past 10 years have been so special for me to be part of it all over again. My heart is broken and it will take many years to repair if it ever can be, we are all lost in grief and sadness. But every day I see his face and smile and remember the love he shared. Rob “Bob” Bechtel

• tvapla

  

  Thoughts of My Brother… As with so many of you who dearly loved Steve and whose lives he touched in so many special and wonderful ways, the Anderson family is hurting from the all-too-soon loss of another son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, husband, and dad. But we also have so many family memories to cherish from having shared life with Steve. I’m cherishing all those experiences he and I shared growing up together: playing ball at the ballparks and Civic Center in downtown Kirkland; swimming and fishing at Waverly Park; using Dad’s clubs to learn how to golf at Juanita Golf Course - and wading in muck up to our waists on the 5th hole to find and sell golf balls back to their former owners; spending summers fishing, water skiing and exploring Lake Washington by boat; watching him chase butterflies - butterfly net in-hand - in the blackberries across the street from our house on 16th & 8th street west; sleeping out in the summer and doing night “inspections” of the neighbors’ fruit trees; riding our bikes to Bellevue, Kenmore, Bothell, and Woodinville looking for pop bottles, lost hubcaps, or anything else we could sell; going with Dad to Alta Lake every year for what’s become the collective Alta Anglers and the most treasured quality time a Dad can spend with his kids, his buddies and their kids - with a highlight being the Sunday afternoon Brothers’ Round on Alta Lake Golf Course; going salmon fishing with Dad and Mom and family friends to Sekiu every year; family vacations to Disneyland, Yellowstone, Rainier, and elsewhere; the three of us brothers snow skiing together at Snoqualmie Pass, learning how to surf at Malibu Beach, and wake-surfing behind our boat on Lake Washington; swapping VW parts with each other to keep our Bugs/Buses/Ghia on the road; helping Patti and I with a cross-country, three-vehicle “moving adventure” when we relocated from Pittsburgh back to Washington; boat-camping, crabbing and shrimping in the San Juans; and countless other memories of Steve’s life well-spent. Steve was perpetually happy, positive, and genuinely engaged in living a life that was full and rich with true and lasting friendships and many wonderful experiences. He was always eager for the next adventure…and even more so to be able to weave an entertaining story of his adventures for his many friends and family members. No one told a story better than Steve. To say that he’ll be forever missed by all of us who remain on this side of life is an understatement, but we’re at peace in knowing that he’s now on the other side with Dad and Chris…and retelling all those stories that made him such a joy to share life with. We love you Steve and rest in peace….we’re all richer for you being in our lives.

• gehring

  

• patricbrayden

  Really really really nicely said...wow

• kkquick

  

• penguinpower53

  Our class song, once a Kang always a Kang!

  Watch the video

• pam

  🕯 Cindy, My heart aches for your loss, and is thankful for the life you and Steve shared together and with all of us. Steve gave me a gift, he actually gave it to all of us who had the opportunity and privilege of spending time with him. He gave us the gift of how he chose to live his life. He chose to live the life he was given without bitterness, anger, regret or despair. He chose to be hopeful, positive, kind, loving and welcoming; and those choices have made a lasting impact on me and I'm sure many others. He once said he did not fear death but saw it as a new journey. What a brave and beautiful perspective. Thank you Steve and Cindy for sharing your lives with all of us. We have all been forever impacted by your love and commitment to one another. You are daily in my prayers. With love

• lisavw

  

  "Uncle" Steve was such a sweet man, the coolest of "cool" guys and a captivating storyteller. Growing up, my brother and I looked forward to any camping trip or fishing trip with Steve and a visit from Uncle Steve was an event to be cherished. There would be laughter and entertainment and we would always, without a doubt, learn something new about our dad from the wild stories Steve told about their crazy times before us kids were around. He would paint a picture with adventure and some questionable decisions that would inevitably end with laughter and someone escaping something by the skin of their teeth. I was so touched that he and Cindy took the time to attend my wedding reception when I got married (the photos are from our photo booth). Uncle Steve you will be deeply missed. -Lisa

• marcytahoe

  

• patricbrayden

  

• v3

  🕯 Steve is my best friend. I love him. From the day we met at age 5 he made my life more interesting and a vastly more fulfilled experience. We had many, many great adventures together including tree fort building & rope swinging at Little Beach, water skiing behind a 14' boat with no observer, ice cream capers at KJHS, camping at Short Sands and San Juan Islands, our try at “living off the land” in Auburn, to an epic road trip that I will never forget and on and on….damn, this is hard. : ~ ( He was so lucky in so many ways: In Cindy and Jodi he found the loves of his life and he had so many great friends and amazing family. But we were luckier, because he was in our lives. Steve (aka "Beaver" age 10) was an amazing person who touched so many of us with his sharp wit, intelligence and extraordinary story telling talents and his genuine interest in us. And that was a gift, his gift to those us of that were fortunate to know him and to share a bond with him. A day won't go by without thinking fondly of you and cussing you for leaving us too damn soon! A toast to Steve: “Cheers!” and we all tip…. Love you and miss you, Vandy.

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