Steven Alan Walery

Steve was born in Salem, Oregon and attended St. Vincent Catholic School, Waldo Jr High, McNary High School, Mt. Hood Community College, and University of Oregon, where he studied political science and law enforcement.

On June 25 1977, Steve married Debi (nee Debra Hall) and enjoyed 46 years of marriage. Steve and Debi spent their summers water skiing at Detroit Lake, and winters snow skiing, and vacationing in Hawaii and Palm Springs.

He was a devoted Catholic and member of St Edwards Catholic Church. When he could no longer attend mass in person, he regularly watched the services on television or online.

Steve was a true Renaissance man. He was instinctively talented and used those talents to design and build their beautiful home. He earned the nickname “MacGyver” because he could fix absolutely anything to perfection. Steve was tenacious (stubborn!), and once dug a 6’ swimming pool by hand because heavy equipment could not access the backyard. He was an enthusiast of exotic cars, watches, and Beach Boys music.

Steve was a gifted athlete. He loved football, basketball, golf, fishing, long distance running, skiing, and tennis. It was on the tennis court that he proposed to Debi.

Steve was very funny! He had a dry wit that would take you by surprise and make you laugh out loud. His smile was disarming and he was probably the most genuinely nice person you met.

In early spring of 2007, Steve was diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disease. The progressive disease moved Steve into a quieter life, but nothing would keep him down. “Never Quit” was his credo, and any “good” day was spent on house projects or yard work. He carried his burden with an uncommon grace, strength, and tremendous courage, always trusting that God had a plan for him.

Despite the debilitating and painful effects of Steve’s disease he never complained. Ever. Even on his worst days he would tell Debi “Don’t worry honey, I’m okay. Tomorrow will be a better day”. He never wanted anyone to see him suffer, and always tried to comfort Debi, his constant companion. He said he “made the pain his friend”, and it helped him through the worst days. Steve’s concerns were always for others, trying to make them comfortable and always shifting the conversation away from himself. He remembered your kids’ names, and life events and he was genuinely interested in others.

Steve was predeceased in death by his father and best friend, Joe Walery, his mother Betty Lou, his uncle and godfather, Peter Walery, aunt and godmother, Alice Moon, his father-in-law, John Hall, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. He leaves behind his loving wife, Debi, brother Dave Walery (Marsha Stallings), sister Susan Davies, mother-in-law Jeanie Hall, sisters-in-law Teresa Armstrong (Steve), Denice Williams (David), nieces Tasha Walery (Chad Cripe), Melissa Legette (Carmen), Kimberly Miller (Damon Shrader), Ashley Hubbard (Justin), Michelle Neal (Anthony}, Laura Espey (Ben), nephews Paul Merrill (Chad Houston), and Eric Davies, and many great-nieces and nephews.

Steve was an elegant, kind, and loving man. He was a powerful inspiration to many. His presence here is missed beyond words, but Heaven has gained an Angel. Rest in peace our beloved Steve.