Steven Wallace Smith

Steven Wallace Smith passed from this life on February 27, 2024 from his hometown of Seattle, and more recently Shoreline, Washington. He was the second child of Edna and James Smith, preceded in birth by his brother Elliott and followed by his sister Michelle. The siblings spent their formative years in the Capitol Hill neighborhood where they frequented Volunteer Park and attended Garfield High School.

Steve's early years saw him delivering papers for the Seattle Times, practicing Kung Fu, learning to play the violin, and spending time with his dog, Chester. It was during this time that he also began to develop a great love for the mountains and various outdoor activities like bicycling, camping, hiking, and fishing. Steve and a friend once rode their bicycles nearly 60 miles from Seattle to the Sultan Basin for some camping. The family cabin in North Bend was an idyllic spot in Steve's life and the destination of several more bicycle rides.

Steve continued his education at Olympic College, a ferry ride from home, in Bremerton, WA. He then went on to complete a double major from Central Washington University in Sociology and Psychology. Along with academics, Steve continued his outdoor education as part of the Mountaineering Club and on his own. He eventually conquered numerous peaks in both the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. He even climbed Mount St Helens before it erupted in 1980.

After graduation, Steve returned to Seattle. He held various jobs and continued the pursuit of his personal interests; which now included opera, food and cooking, traveling, and photography. He held season tickets to the Seattle Opera and had been known to travel to San Francisco to experience a superior operatic performance. Steve studied Chinese and took computer science classes at the University of Washington. He eventually met Diana O'brien, whom he married in May of 1994. Steve and Diana shared a love of hiking and travel and adopted their faithful and gentle dog, Noah.

The Boeing company was Steve's last place of employment before retirement. By this time he had visited many countries. He collected art and developed a discerning palate. He added astronomy to his repertoire and had planned to use his telescope to extend his photographic skills. In the sunset of his life, Steve took regular walks to his local saltwater park, Richmond Beach, and spent time with his sister Michelle. Steven Smith was a singular individual. His family and friends will miss him greatly.

Steven is survived by his brother Elliott Smith (Judy) and sister Michelle Hergesheimer; nephews Russell Smith and Aaron Hergesheimer; nieces Cindy Smith (Marc LeBlanc) and Evi Reed; great nephew Dean Hergesheimer; great nieces Clara Reed, Ava Reed, Hazel Reed, and Isla Hergesheimer; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Edna Smith, niece Blair Smith, and his beloved dogs Chester and Noah.

A memorial will be held at a later date.