I had the honor of being a student in Mr. Arkle's Honors English class during the 2001–2002 school year. I was fortunate enough to once again have him as my English teacher in 2003–2004.

He was one of the nicest and most respected teachers I had during my time at Lake Washington High School. It was truly a pleasure to be in his class and learn from him. More importantly, I truly enjoyed getting to know him as a person. He put tremendous effort into building meaningful connections with each and every student. That's why his students not only liked him so much, but eagerly looked forward to attending his class.

When I reflect on my fondest memories as a student, Mr. Arkle features prominently in many of them. His presence and dedication were central to the vibrant, positive atmosphere we enjoyed during those years at Lake Washington High School.

Thank you, Mr. Arkle, for making my high school experience so awesome. I know you're dancing with the angels right now. Cheers to you.

I was a teacher at LWHS from 1981-89. 
I always thought Steve was one of the smartest people I ever knew.  So many of my DECA students would talk about him so even though I was teaching on the other side of the building I made an effort to know this man.  What I found out was that Steve Arkle & Steve Freeman were two of the best teachers in the school.  They had a common theme…They both made an effort to greet each student by name as they came in the classroom.  Both Steve’s made kids feel important.  They both modeled “I DON’T CARE HOW MUCH YOU KNOW UNTIL I KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE.”
Rest in peace Steve Arkle.

Mr. Arkle. What can I say, but that he was one of the most excellent educators I had in my schooling! He demanded perfection in grammar, but wanted realism in our writing! His enthusiasm for classic literature was contagious, and started me on my own path of reading Shakespeare (out loud, of course), Dickens, and a host of other great authors! Your legacy lives on, Mr. Arkle, in all the students you taught to love literature and to write creative stories! Thank you for being my teacher!

Midway through the 10th grade I found myself in Steve's honors English class. We were reading Kafka's "Metamorphosis" and I was confused. Someone suggested Cliffs Notes to me. I bought them and thought I'd cut to the front of the line. As he dismissed class, Steve looked over, spotted the yellow cover, and bellowed, his enormous, expressive eyes flashing red: "Stay!" When the room was clear, he walked over, towering over me. The idea that I'd upset him was crushing. He looked at me, disappointment in his eyes, like I'd really let him down, and he said in measured tones: "I don't give a damn what someone else thinks. I care what YOU think." Others had praised my writing, but Steve's comment came like a bullet from the blue. My ideas were significant. I might have something to say that smart people like Steve cared about. He assigned amazing books and those were transformational too but having him say that to me.... That was it. Everything changed. I felt like he wasn't just a teacher, he was a mentor, a sage, a guide, an oracle. For the next 2.5 years, I made sure my desk was next to his. I don't know what he thought, but it meant the world to me. My ideas mattered and he cared. Every day when I comment on my own students’ papers, I say the same thing he said to me, and I find myself preying that one will get the message that their ideas matter. I don't know if they ever get it, but I certainly did. Steve's words echo in my head every time I get ready to submit my own work to a publisher, worried that it might suck but figuring that my ideas matter... Steve said so. Every writer knows "imposter syndrome." Lord knows I do. But his words are right there, and that’s why I put aside anxiety and hit the button every time. He was extraordinary. Utterly and completely. I wish that every student could have a Steve Arkle (even as there was only one), that every student could have that moment of realization.

Wishing Peace to his family.  Mr. Arkle was the single most influential educator in my life.  His encouragement and counsel changed my life for the better. ☮️❤️

OBITUARY

Steve William Arkle

October 8, 1946 – November 11, 2025

Sunset Hills Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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