Steven "Sarge" Dean Stransky

Steven Dean Stransky peacefully breathed his last on Wednesday, February 9th, 2012, ending a valiant three year battle with brain cancer.

A musician and singer from a very early age, Steve became “Sarge” after arriving at a “Tight Shoes” practice having cut his long hair to a buzz cut. Sarge formed “Leaves of Grass”, his first band, at age 16, in Chula Vista, California, playing saxophone, harmonica and singing, and in the years since has been in numerous groups including “Stumblin’ Gold”, “Canon”, “Dillinger”, “Bad Bees”, “Tight Shoes”, “Get Back”,” Rudy and the Tubeshakers”, “Strange Syrkus”, and “The Phantoms”. His saxophone skills were amazing and he played roughly ten instruments, yet saw himself firstly as a singer, and shared this gift with family and friends even on his last evening. A sampling of Sarge’s music may be heard at his personal website, Steve Stransky.com.

Sarge was the founder of WorldwideSax.com, restorers of professional quality vintage saxophones, and built a far-flung reputation for meticulous craftsmanship, personal relationships with customers and impeccable ethics. He passed these qualities on to the next generation, ensuring the continuation of excellence.

Sarge also operated a business providing sound for large gatherings, worked as a longshoreman, and for many years taught saxophone and harmonica.

Sarge is survived by his wife, Pamela (Smith) Stransky of Everett,Washington: sister Cheryl Stransky of Klamath Falls, Oregon; brothers Dan (Margret), and Jim (Michelle) Stransky of Mount Vernon, Washington and David (Bobbie) Stransky of Puyallup, Washington; stepchildren Nikki (Martin) Fritz of Port Orchard, Washington and Christopher (Deyona) Furuheim of Vancouver, Washington; six step grandchildren; a number of uncles , nieces, nephews and cousins, and a legion of dear friends.

Sarge declined a traditional memorial service; instead, there will be a gathering on the beach near the Mukilteo Lighthouse, on Saturday, April 21st, 2012, at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Providence Hospice; or Compassionate Choices, which very kindly supports a person’s right to death with dignity.