Dear Donna & Family,

My mother, Beulah McCabe Gurnee (Peter McCabe & Emma Bougie McCabe's daughter) and our family send our deepest sympathies to you.  Marsha Gurnee Suszan (Beulah & Shine [Clarence] Gurnee's daughter in Michigan).

Thinking of you on your Birthday, Stevie..

I send my condolences. I found the telescope dedicated to him at the end of Pier 70 yesterday. It's one of my favorite "secret" spots. Having the telescope there will make it more endearing. Here is photo I took of the Space Needle with my iPhone:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikocolin/8060158570/

I first met my brother Steve on A summer trip to Boston in 1994. At first, I was a little intimidated by his size, but soon realized the man's heart was much bigger than his stature. He was a wonderfully gracious and generous host on that trip and I was looking forward to our next meeting. Fast forward several months, Sandy and Steve had just moved into their Phinney Way house,so I decided to pay them A visit. Sandy decided to go to the store or something and left Steve and I alone to get to know each other better. I took this opportunity to thank Steve for moving out to Seattle with Sandy,so that she could be closer to our family. I also mentioned how happy the family was that Sandy had found someone so wonderful to spend her life with. Steve looked at me with a sense of relief on his face. I think he thought I was gonna let him have it when I told him I had something important to discuss with him. Anyway, we had a good laugh over it many years later. Over the past seventeen-plus years that I'd known Steve I periodically thanked him for sharing his life with my sister and the rest of the family,as well as giving us two wonderful granddaughters/nieces that enrich our lives every day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the rest of Steve's family and friends for sharing his life with all of us. 
 In closing,I would like to share what Steve taught me with the way he lived his life. Steve was a very thoughtful, soft-spoken, man of few words that had a stong yet peaceful presence about him that was undeniable.I didn't hear Steve tell the people in his life,"I love you", but I saw him show it every day. I will cherish my memories of my brother Steve and try to live up to the legacy he has left us all.                Sincerely Yours
                     Love, TODD

Dear Sandy, Sarah, and Mary,
Steve will forever be in our hearts. Our love and support will be here for you always. Love, Sherree, Phil and Lauren

From the service:

Steve was a good friend of ours. 
Phil, Lauren and I first met Sandy and Steve as our new neighbors when we moved in across the street. What a lucky event that turned out to be. We had many fun times together and when we needed anything Steve would always offer to lend a hand, a tool or offer advice and because he truly was a skilled craftsman this advice was always welcome.

When you met Steve around the neighborhood he was always happy to see you and was never too busy to stop and talk for a while. Or an hour!

Steve was a very proud father too. I can remember the day he and Sandy came home with Sarah and then Mary. He looked like the happiest person on earth. 

You had to however be careful if you invited the Haanens over for a potluck, you never knew what they would show up with. We remember the night when Steve showed up with enough ribs to feed his beloved Green Bay Packers.  The ribs were delicious. He would carefully research and test his recipes before sharing them with friends. In fact everything Steve did he did with intent. He would think about what to do and how to do it for a long time before acting but when he did something he always got it just right. 

If you were lucky enough to get invited to the Haanens for dinner, you were in for an adventure. In a single evening you could get burgers, brats, seafood and a steak. The only limit was the size of your appetite.

Steve was a great friend, never judgmental. In fact he often gave me more credit than was due. He would say, wow Sherree your garden is so great you've grown everything out there when in truth I had 3 green tomatoes and some slug nibbled lettuce and a couple of 1/2 inch beets . The following week I would get a chance to admire his garden with 6 huge tomato vines with literally 20 red tomatoes, apples, plums, and cherries in his yard! He was truly a master.

I really enjoyed the times I would meet Steve at the pool while the kids were swimming. You never knew what he would be reading. It could be a sailing manual from the 30s. 

I don't know how many of you know about Steve's passion for music. He loved to play his odd collections. He had a collection of every version of Jingle Bells he could find and a collection of Beatles songs sung by other people, like Captain Kirk. He would put the music on and chuckle and say ‘do you know who this is?'  His sense of humor showing through with that sweet smile.
 
I will miss that smile. 

The fact that there are so many people that have come to help Sandy, entered memories on the website, come from all over to honor his life today speaks volumes about the way Steve lived and took care of his family and friendships. He will be sorely missed.

It has been a privilege to have shared in Stephen's friendship, beginning in Hometown USA Glens Falls and up through to present day Emerald City Seattle.    He was a skilled craftsman, sailor, host, and family man.  When Steve was part of something, it worked!   He led by example in reliability, diligence, and with the generosity of his time, insights, humor, and enthusiasm.   

Mary, Sarah, and Sandy -- you have our unwavering support in the days and years ahead.   Poppy was truly a gem, and we shall all miss him very much.

My heart goes out to the entire Haanen family. Steve was a dear friend during our college years. I have many fond memories of him, and his kind, insightful spirit. He saw beauty every day in ordinary things that many of us would not even notice much less appreciate. His spirit will no doubt live on in his beautiful family. My deepest condolences to all.

Sandy, Mary and Sarah,
I just want to extend my deepest sympathy to you and the entire Haanen family.  I went to high school with Scott and I remember him as a soft spoken, gently giant who was always sweet and kind. I remember his wry sense of humor,  the way he would shyly crack a smile and hold back a laugh. I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you.

Dear Hannen Family, 
  Don and I extend our deepest sympathy for your loss.  My daughter, Jacqui Miller, attended school with Steven, and has such fond memories of Steven.  I taught school with his mother Donna.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult times.  May the loving memories of Steve bring you some comfort. 
Donald and Arlene Miller Dean(Schroon Lake, NY and Florida)

terri and i were fortunate to have steve, sandy and the girls as our "over the back fence" neighbors in broadview. it was always enjoyable to visit. he was a good, good man.  with a fine family of whom we will think fondly. we wish you strength and as much peace as you can find as you make your way.

Dear Sandy and Family,
We have not met...Steve was a friend of mine from high school.  We played football together and I am proud to say that I could call Stephen my friend.  
I so respected his humble nature.  He was intelligent, creative, humorous, athletic and very much his own person.  I pray that you can find some solace in his memory.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.
John Hubert

Sandy, Mary & Sarah,

My family and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband-father.  I had the great privilege of attending High School with your husband-dad and we played football together for some of those years at Queensbury High School.  Stephen was a gentle giant; someone you could count on in his quiet soft spoken deamenor to be there for you.  He always was kind and spoke positively about all his classmates.  Deanne and I wanted you to know that your family is in our prayers.  God Bless.  Pat & Deanne (Franz) Dwyer & Family

It is with much sadness that I write this note. Steve was truly a gentle soul who enriched the lives of those fortunate to have known him. My prayers for the entire Haanen family.

Dear Sandy, Mary and Sarah,
We will really miss seeing Steve puttering around the garage when we wander down to your street.  It was always pleasant to bump into him here and there and have a chat.  I will miss his cheerful smile and funny stories.  It was obvious how much he loved his family and what a great Dad he was.  He will be missed by all who knew him and we are so saddened for your loss.

Dear Sandy, Sarah, and Mary,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Haanen family at this sad and difficult time.  I worked with Donna at Queensbury for many years and was Stephen's first grade teacher. I have fond memories of his early years at school and also of  watching him participate in his sports' activities.  He was taken from this earth way too soon in his life.  Beverly Davis [Queensbury, NY]

My name is Kent and I am Sandra's oldest brother and Mary's god father. Steve was a strong independant individual who took very good care of my sister Sandra and two nieces Sarah and Mary. Who I know he loved without question! He was perhaps one of the most gererous persons I have ever met. Always willing to invite people along to share what he had to offer. His family was much greater than what was bound by blood. It consisted of any body who would let him in and share life's unexpected journey's, which were not always defined one's. His physical journey is at an end, but he will still continue to travel with us through our journey's within our hearts and heads. My brother Steve is and will be missed by everyone that he touched in his short time here with us.

Such a surprise and tragedy.  My prayers for the family, especially Jack and Donna, and Mike

I speak for myself and I am sure the QBY Class of 1980 when I say that Steve was always a cherished friend, classmate, and teammate.  I personally remember Steve in our Video/TV class in which we did crazy news and sports reporting.  His ability to give a report in which everyone in the studio was holding in complete laughter with a straight face and no break in his serious expression will always be a memory I will cherish.

Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.

---Dan Donnelly, QBY Class of 1980

Steve was a kind, generous soul, a template of what good can be. There are so many little moments during the day that we miss with our busy lives, and Steve always seemed able to catch those moments. The story about the tree fort in one of the other comments reminds me of the many times he made me slow down and really, really see. I adored him and we will miss him terribly.

Dear Sandy, Sarah and Mary,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.  I am so sorry for the loss of Steve.  I enjoyed the times when I would pass your home on my evening walks and run into Steve.  He was always so warm and friendly.  He gave me several home maintenance ideas!   My heart goes out to you and the girls.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you, I'm just around the corner.   Take care,   Marti

`Iaorana e Sandy, Sarah, and Mary,

My heart breaks for you and for all who knew Steve.  I cannot think of a warmer or kinder Gentle Giant.  I would like to share something I will remember always about your husband and Dad. . .
First off, the three of you, just made Steve BEAM with pride and happiness.  That was always evident.  I got to witness that especially when the girls came to dance Tahitian.   Mary and Sarah danced every Tahitian dance class session that was offered for the three years it was taught at the DTYMCA.  It was such a joy for me to see the girls grow and develop into such wonderful and inspired dancers.  And many of you may remember what a proud Papa Mr. Haanen was to see his girls dancing Tahitian.  He and his wife visited Tahiti several years ago, making a very special place in his heart for Tahitian culture and dancing.  He so enjoyed the performances and getting to watch his girls shine.  Some of you may recall a saturday costuming workshop I held to help the girls prepare their headdresses for a performance.  Mr. Haanen -- such a sweet, kind and gentle giant -- was there to help his girls learn how to make the headdress.  With his rugged and large hands, he created THE most beautiful piece I had ever seen somebody make on their first shot.   His work matched that of artisans who have been doing it for years -- no joke.  And when I told him that, he just gave me that perpetual smile that his kind face always wore and that twinkle in his eye that told me he was too humble to accept the complement.
 
I know that in the days, weeks, months and years ahead, we will all rally around the very special Haanen ladies: Sarah, Mary, and Sandy. That is the spirit of aroha (love and aloha)  I witnessed Steve sharing and perpetuating over the time I had privilege of knowing him - whether through DTYMCA, Syre, or Innis Arden Swim Club.  He was always giving his time and so happy to do so.   I will soooo miss not seeing that warm smile and kind face -- but we all take comfort in knowing it lives within the three of you.  

With warmest aroha,
Aunty Pam and Tamari`i Here Nui

Sandy, I know this will not be your best birthday, but Happy Birthday today.  I hope you get to celebrate it at least a little bit.  Will see you tomorrow afternoon, let me know if you need me to bring anything.  And Sarah, I loved your comment about your dad thinking everyone would grow up to be hippies.  That's funny.

Dear Sandy and family,
   Our thoughts and prayers are with you over the loss of Steve. He brought joy and kindness to us and I know to all others.  When I first me steve he was sharing an address with Clint in the North End of Boston.  He was a low key, humble 'gentle giant' of a man that I liked right away.  He personified a human wisdom that to many is uncompareable.  He showed kindness, patience, strength, diligence and love every day and appreciated life's gifts every day .  This was only multiplied when he added you and the girls to his life.  Times shared with family and friends on Cape Cod near the water that we all know he loved tremendously are always vivid to me even over much time. 
   I especially remember the look of sheer joy on my son Michael's face after returning from a vacation at Lake George with his cousins.  Right away I knew that true friendships were nurtured with great times and memories shared.  This is a gift that Steve gave to Nancy and me, a gift that offers testimony to Steve's kindness, and a gift that will always be cherished.

With much love,
The Scavotto family
Tony, Nancy, Micheal, Alexandra, and Anthony

In elementary school, Steve and I rode the same bus, and were the same age and grade.  Although we were the same age, it sure seemed I was really small and Steve was really tall.    In the winter, we would get together with the other neighborhood kids, and go sledding on the best hill at the country club.  We even took a few toboggan runs straight down Wincrest Drive.   I remember challenging Steve in ping pong, and clacker contests, riding bikes, and picking blackberries.   One time on the school bus, I got mad about something, and bashed Steve with my lunch box.   He must have forgiven me, because 30 years later I was visiting my brother in Seattle, and Steve and Sandy invited us over for a wonderful dinner.  Ribs and Chicken over mesquite, and Cake!   Stephen Haanen was incredibly nice at every age, and we will remember him always.

I grew up a house away from Stephen in Queensbury, NY, and have wonderful memories of the neighborhood and the adventures we had.   Sarah, I can see how Steve thought we might all grow up to be hippies, but I think everyone turned out ok, and your Poppy turned out amazing.  

A particularly treasured set of memories are the phone calls each Halloween.  My brother David lives in Seattle too, and on Halloween he visits with the Haanens to carve pumpkins and hand out Cracker Jacks.  David would usually SMS me a photo of Steve in a Fez hat, and I'd call him back and say "Put Steve on the phone!"   Those calls always made the years melt away, and we'd have each other in hysterics.   Steve would update me about the girls, his pride always showed through, and I'd keep him up to date on my three.    

Stephen will be missed by all, and my heart goes out to you Sandy, Sarah, and Mary.

"Sandy, Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.


Martin & Jen Eckhart (Richfield ,MN)

Poppy once told me "When I was little, I thought that when I grew up, everyone would be hippies."

Sandy,
I am truly sorry for your loss.  Steve was a wonderful person who always looked out for us at the Pier!  He was a kind man and he will be missed by all of us here at GRE.  My heart goes out to you and your 2 beautiful daughters.  Steve often spoke of his family and how much he loved you guys.  Take good care and know that we will never forget Steve......

Sandy, Mary & Sarah, as well as Steve's family - We are so disheartened for all of you. The love of a father is uniquely special & we feel for all that you are unexpectedly enduring. Please know our thoughts are with you all.

Dear Sandy, Sarah and Mary-
You are in our thoughts and prayers.  Steve was such a selfless man and will be missed around the Innis Arden pool! He may not have liked Disqualifying a swimmer but he was fair!

Dear Sandy, Sarah and Mary,  Steve was a kind and generous person.  My first memory of him was at the beginning of Math O.  I had to get up and talk in front of everyone and was very nervous.  I looked up and Steve gave me a big smile and I knew I could manage it.  He was there to help when I asked.  He always said hi and asked how thing were and meant it.  He will be missed by many people.  I am glad I got to know him as he touched my heart and left some great memories.  Thinking of his smile can still make me smile now.  I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Dear Sandy and family,
   Our hearts and prayers reach out to you all at this far too early passing of Steve. All of us are saddened.  Yet the memories of Steve bring us great joy.

   I remember first meeting Steve in Boston's North End when he was living at the address shared with Clint.  He was a 'gentle giant' of a man with an expansive heart, generosity and kindness, and genuine wisdom that I truely admirred.  He always seemed comfortable in his own space and when he met you Sandy, that space was even more complete with joy and love.  Getting to know you both along with Clint and Pat and sharing mutual values of friends and family remains part of who I am.  I know Nancy feels the same way.

   Seeing the special look on Michael's face after returning from a vacation at Lake George is a gift that Steve gave to me.  As I listened to the recounted events of the lake and chalet, I knew Michael had made true friends and indelible memories. I'm sure the great meals served up are in those memories as well!

   We remember spending time with you and Steve on Cape Cod with our family and friends by the beach and ocean and how all shared stands the test of miles and time.

   These are just pinpoints of memory that can be added to Pete's testimony for Steve, and Nancy and I wish we could be there to celebrate his life with you more.  We know that Steve is with the Lord and therefore will always be with us.

With much love,
Tony, Nancy, Michael, Alexandra, and Anthony Scavotto

Dear Sandra, Sarah and Mary,  My heart goes out to you all and my thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult time.  Surround yourself with friends and family and let them take care of you.  I didn't know  Steve but he sounded like a wonderful husband and father.  Connie Fleming

Dearest Sandy, Sarah and Mary,

Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you always.  Your family has been our family for as long as we can remember. 

Without question, Steve was the nicest, kindest, sweetest person we will ever know.  We will miss him dearly. As heavy-hearted as we are, we cannot think of Steve without smiling.  Impossible not too.

Please know that Denise, Matt and Allie wish we could be there to celebrate his life with you.  Tell the stories a hundred times this weekend and forever after.  Raise a glass to his legacy. Dean brings all our love with him.

With much love,
The Arnold Family

Thoughts and prayers are with the family.  I went to school with the Haanen's and anytime you here of an alumni passing, it makes me think back of our school years together.  May God Bless you all during your difficult time.

From a Queensbury School Alumni, Leesa

Dear Sandy, We're numb with sadness over the loss of Steve.  We send our deepest condolences to you, your girls and all of your family.  Steve is one of the most kind hearted men we know, and was always there to lend a helping hand, with that twinkle in his eye.  We cherish all of the wonderful times we had together in the late 80's and early 90's in and around Boston. We loved our time with you at our 2001 reunion in Maine. We cherish those memories!  Sandy, even though distance keeps us from seeing you far too little, you, Sarah and Mary are always close to our hearts in thought and prayer. Steve's memory will forever be with us.

Our condolences, we will really miss steve and his smile at D,z Barbershop

Dear Sandy and girls, you have my deepest sympathy.

The Measure of a Man

I can mention height, girth and weight and be accurate in saying that Steve was a big man.
But when I remember Steve, and think about his heart, his kindness, his intellect, his smile, his laugh, his friendship  I'm even more accurate in saying he was a great man.

We first met Steve in Boston's North End while living around the corner from each other. 
At the time, Steve worked as the maintenance manager at an apartment building in Cambridge. He eventually met Sandy, who was a tenant there.  Sandy's first impression was that Steve was not a very capable handy man as it took 3 weeks for him to fix a leaky faucet. We all know that, while it might take us that long to fix something, it would only take Steve that long if the part wasn't available for 3 weeks. Eventually we all, even Sandy, understood his ulterior motive. After all, he was a very understated man. I think this story is an example of Steve's persistence both in fixing the faucet and in pursuing Sandy.

Steve tended a rooftop garden in the North End  with a hose running out a window and up to the roof.  Steve reaped more produce with that garden than someone else could with 2 acres to work with.

Though I grew up in Boston, I am a Cape Cod guy and spent my summers growing up well, I spent my summers there; and I have lived there year round since 1991.  I love the beach, salt water and boating.  To get me off the Cape in the middle of summer is no easy feat.  Steve was able to do that.  And I'm glad he did.

On our first trip to the camp, I called Steve to go over the list of camping supplies we were packing a tent, sleeping bags, stove, rain gear, etc. (after all, I am from the city).  Steve listened for a while, and then he gave that unique chuckle of his (like a belly chuckle) that indicates he knows something you don't.  He said we didn't need to bring all that stuff they had plenty of extra gear at the camp. Of course, when we got to the camp, we realized how understated Steve had been when we saw the 4 bedroom chalet with all the conveniences that I prefer to have when camping. He was a very humble man.

Probably the most telling measure of a person is what the people they leave behind say about them. While I have many great, fond memories of my times with Steve and will cherish them, I am moved by what my kids have written about Steve.  He was their uncle, and also a friend and confidant. Thank you Steve, for the many lessons you taught them and the experiences you offered them.

Thank you Steve, Sandy, Sarah, Mary, and all of the Haanens for letting me and my family be a part of your family.  You are very special people to me. Steve, I love you and miss you more with each passing day.

God Bless!

Your Friend,

Peter

"Sandy, Sarah, and Mary, my prayers are to the heavens for you during this diffcult time., Your Husband, Dad was an Angel.. a beautiful soul. I pray God covers you with his grace during this difficult time...I know you miss him and I will also."

We already miss seeing Steve in the cul de sac.  He was always out with the kids doing little jobs around the yard.  My favorite is the tree fort he built in the backyard. He made me climb up to check out the view.  That always makes me chuckle as he didn't know I was afraid of heights!  But I couldn't say no to such a caring person.  

Girls, the Foltz family loved your dad and miss him greatly.

Dear Sandy, Sarah, and Mary,

My memories of Steve occupy my deepest sense of existence.  In him, we all saw what we could be.  I will miss him forever.

I can't imagine your loss.  Always know you were loved by one of the greatest people I ever met.

Susie, Lindsey, Robert, Jack, Steve, and I wish you, pray for you, peace and healing.  Most of all, the knowledge you were loved by Big Steve.  Most of ALL.

Sandy, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of great loss and sadness. Steve was the nicest big hearted person. I always looked forward to running into him in the garage in the morning at the pier, or while we crossed paths in the hallway on the 2nd floor. Anytime we ever needed a hand or help with anything, Steve was always there for us. He always had a smile and a little time for chit chat. It always made my day just a little bit brighter. Im so sorry that Steve has had to leave us all so soon. I know God must have a special Maintenance Request waiting for him. God bless you all.

Sandy, Sarah and Mary-
We are sad to here of your dear husband and father's death. He was a good, sweet man. I always remember him with a smile on his face AND in his twinkling eyes. I believe he is looking down on you all with big love now, and always.
Take Care, Monica, Nathan and Cece Keen

Sandy, I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to you and your family.  I worked with Steve and covered for him when he took those great vacations to the East Coast.  He always seemed to remember to bring me a gift when he returned and I will charish those gifts forever.  I hope he looks down upon those who he cared for deeply and protects them from everything.  He will be truely missed in our lives and those will be some special bib overalls to fill.  May God Bless you and your children.

Steve was one of a kind, and I am so sorry that he is gone so early.  He struck me as someone who always had his heart in the right place, always willing to help others, share a joke, and not get stressed about the unimportant things in life.  I have fond memories of innertubing down the Twisp and Nooksack Rivers with him and Sandy.  Steve knew how to do it right, bringing along a cooler to hold fried chicken and beverages.  He was disappointed when the fried chicken escaped the cooler and floated down the river with us.  Good times!  We will miss you Steve.  Sandy, Sarah, and Mary, please call if you ever need anything.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Stephen Steve Scott Haanen

19 octobre 1961 – 1 février 2012

Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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