Steven Robert Williams

Steve was a devoted family man whose life was grounded in integrity, quiet steadfastness, and a deep appreciation for both nature and life’s simple joys. He brought a rare balance of hard work and responsibility alongside a lighthearted sense of fun. A man of strong character—patient, sincere, and dedicated—he was a loving husband and father, an environmental steward, passionate educator, and a lifelong public servant. Steve gave endlessly to his family, his community, and the world around him. He was truly loved.

Born on June 7, 1945, in Brookings, South Dakota, Steve was the eldest of six children of Robert “Bob” and Mavis Williams. His family later moved to Lake Johannes, Minnesota, where he spent his early years exploring the outdoors. At age ten, his family moved to Tacoma, Washington, where he attended school and was actively involved in Boy Scouts, church, athletics, and music.

Steve graduated from the University of Washington in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. After early work in community outreach and ministry, he began a distinguished career of more than 30 years with King County Parks. Starting as Resident Caretaker at Luther Burbank Park, he later supervised the Burbank District, developing nature programs and maintaining parklands.

He went on to manage wilderness areas near Issaquah including 4,200 acres and 21 parks. Notably, he became the first Manager of Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. Steve was instrumental in shaping Cougar Mountain into the “wildland” sanctuary it is today, envisioning a place preserved for wildlife and quiet reflection amid a rapidly growing region. He managed the park with this philosophy throughout his career, designing trails and bridges, leading crews and volunteer groups, organizing events and guiding countless hikes.

Even after retirement, Steve continued to lead with purpose for twenty years, monitoring historic mine sites, creating interpretive signage, and preserving the region’s natural and cultural history. His expertise in flora and fauna, geology, coal mining and logging history made him a sought-after educator and speaker. Steve’s service extended across many organizations, including the Issaquah Alps Trails Club, where he served as a board member, hike leader, and president.

Together, with his beloved wife Barb, Steve contributed significantly to historical preservation through the Eastside Heritage Center and the Newcastle Historic Society. They each authored chapters in Coals of Newcastle-100 Years of Hidden History, and advocated for the preservation of Coal Creek, helping protect both its history and natural beauty. His work, founded in passion and humility, leaves a lasting legacy, one that has touched countless lives and safeguarded places that will be cherished for generations.

Music was a lifelong passion for Steve. Beginning in high school, he earned the honor of performing French horn in the All Northwest Band, and in college he marched with the UW band in the Rose Bowl. Over the years, he played recorder and French horn with at least seven ensembles, including the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra, Bavarian Village Band, and the Washington Wind Symphony. Perhaps most uniquely, Steve delighted in playing music outdoors; off of forest trails and on mountaintops bringing joy to those who happened upon those moments.

Steve found happiness in time spent with family and friends, as well as in travel and the outdoors. He loved gardening, kayaking, canoeing, birdwatching, camping and hiking often with a magnifying glass in his pocket and binoculars around his neck, always on the lookout for “nature treats.”

He was also a gifted craftsman with an artistic, inventive spirit and an engineering mind. Whether shaping a birthday cake into something meaningful or building wooden toys for his grandchildren, he created with care and for the benefit of others. Steve embraced life fully, and gave of himself selflessly.

Steve is survived by his children, Michelle Lindstrom (Steve) and Aaron Williams (Corrina); his siblings Jan Robinson, Barb Shankar Chakraborty, Nancy McConnell (Joseph), Judy Parretta (Bill), and David Williams (Kristine); his grandchildren, Alison and Jack Lindstrom; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews who love and cherish him.

A memorial celebration of Steve’s life will be held on June 7, 2026, his birthday, at Lewis Creek Park Nature Center.

Steve’s cenotaph at Sunset Hills Memorial Park in Bellevue, WA reads: Husband, Father, Park Manager, Musician, Historian, Educator, All-around “Good Guy.”

His final resting places are Mount Rainier and Mount Auburn Cemetery.