Tina and family, 
Steve was my barber for over thirty years. We had so much fun sharing stories about river trips, ski trips, our bike commute... and some of the oddball stories in Outside. The half-paddle ribbing and fish stories added to the joy.
COVID took the Spanish adventure from him and Tina, but we gained more Kenmore memories; always fun and upbeat. My condolences to all, we're missing a wonderful guy. Olivier

From the first moment I met Steve he always shared his infectious smile and joyful laugh. Now knowing his family for many years, I know he will be missed by all his family, friends and people he barbered to. You left a legacy. 

Dear Barrett
My thoughts are with you and your family. 
I remember your dad and I figuring logistics to get you and Alison to the same place and who would drive to and from. He was a kind and gentle man and adored you. 
Regards 
Cindi Massee

Thanks Steve for 40 years of triming my top side and sharing stories. I will miss you when my ears are covered...and more when I have 30 minute stories to share or hear.
God Bless you,
Gary Cummings

Steve at Stewart Street late October 2020, just before he closed the shop.
Steve was my barber and then friend for the entire 30 years that I have been in Seattle. First met him at the Fifth Avenue shop, then followed him to Stewart Street and finally his home in Kenmore. Without fail every visit was fun and interesting. Steve was always upbeat, positive and wonderful to be with. We could discuss and laugh at the current sports or political scene while a little jazz music provided a background. 
I am saddened by his sudden loss and miss him dearly. Such a sweet guy. I hope that the fish are biting where he is now.
I extend my condolences to Tina and the family and hope you find solace in your memories of this wonderful man.

I have been meeting with Steve regularly for over thirty years. More often in the early years when I worked down the street from 5th Avenue Barbershop and, subsequently, in his Stewart Street Barbershop. And in the past few years, at his home. It was more than a haircut. It was an opportunity to visit with a friend who inspired me with his rich life of family and friends, cycling, white water canoeing, fly fishing, flying, guitar, Spanish, dreams, and, I am sure, much more. Steve was always warm and positive. I will miss him.

Steve was my friend and also my barber. We shared stories, talked politics and I heard about his love of cycling.  He always smiled.    He neve had a bad word about anyone.   Far better than me.  Steve made me a better person.  He made my life better.  This world lost a really good man.

Steve always could find something positive about circumstances in today's every day happenings. His wit about politics and sports were very entertaining. I am hopeful he is on a bike  or in a canoe in a beautiful spot maybe in Spain. I will miss his monthly haircuts but more importantly his humor and warm welcome! Ned Laird 

Steve and Joey on the coast of California 

Another memory of my friend.  We did a lot of rivers together.  

When our kids were growing up in Kenmore, we occasionally had a neighborhood get together.  I remember Steve was pretty low key and had a great laugh.  He was genuinely interested in everyone else and didn't call a lot of attention to himself (unlike some of the others in the group).   Years later I ran into him at his barber shop down by the Westin and he still had that great sense of humor and smile. 
I am thinking of his family, wishing them the best and knowing he will remain in their hearts forever. 
 


He was always my best friend since we met on a tennis court in 1979. We spent a lot of time together.  I think that says it all. I will miss him.

Rob Grundy

The first two are Steve running husum falls 
The next two were taken on the Colorado river in the Grand Canyon. We had a wonderful life together. I don’t regret sharing 32 years with him at all 

Not many people got the opportunity to hear him play 

So sad to hear of Steve’s passing. I so enjoyed knowing him and the time we were able to spend together.

Lee Guillory

Tina, Pat, Barrett, Andrea and fam,  I was devastated to hear of Steve’s passing.  I had a great conversation with him over the summer and talking with him even though it has been awhile was like no time passed.  Having known Steve all my life … there are just so many good memories and most of them pretty  hysterical.  Some maybe better kept as family only stories.    I know nothing I can say  that will bring you comfort. … but I do hope that the many memories that you have will.  I am sure that the Courtney’s and Hocking’s above are celebrating like in the old days.  I send big hugs and lots of love your way. You are all in my prayers. 

Not his best , pretty sure alcohol was involved that night. Lol

I’m one of Steve’s longtime customers who followed him home to Kenmore after he closed shop. I always looked forward to our short time together because not only was Steve a good guy but a good conversationalist. He was a good listener and I especially enjoyed hearing about his various adventures as well as his family updates. Whether it was Ramrod, Sea to Ski, fishing trips or biking in France it was something he shared enthusiastically. He always mentioned his appreciation for the friends he got to go with as well. I will miss him. 

Tina, I can not believe this. I received a call last night,  I’m lost for words. Steve and I had a lifelong friendship, played on the same Little League Team,  very close friends during our younger teen years and continued after his moving to Marin County during High School, after his move to Seattle, we always stayed in touch. Steve had an amazing zest for life,  passionate, funny, solid, a true friend for all these years. God Bless him. Please let me know if and when there will be a Celebration of Life . Courtney, ‘The Man’.  His old buddy,  Mike McPoil.

Steve and I rode thousands of miles on our road bikes together, riding in the mountains on and around Mt Rainier, and the hills around Seattle. Training for 2 Ramrods with our friend Dave Mainer, the 3 of us rode  constantly!  Shared plenty of laughs and good times , and a fair amount of suffering together. You get to know people on a different level riding like that and he was a fun great guy!
There was the time he kept going to whistling jacks from Chinook Pass instead of going to pack wood which he will never live down even though he’s gone! 
He will be missed but I will always remember the good times and his Spirt!

🚴‍♂️🏁

Dad, Brandon, Waylen, Andrea and Tina during the 2022 holiday.

Dad cooling off spending an afternoon by swamp creek.

Dad out on the water with his grandson Waylen, surrogate son, Brandon, and Barret.

It was a tremendous honor to be your daughter for as long as the universe allowed. The weight of sadness I feel is a reflection of the infinite love I have for you. I will be reminded of you every time I see a river, canoe or a cup of sunflower seeds. Whenever I hike in the mountains, see a pitcher of iced tea or hear the Spanish guitar. Being your daughter was like winning the cosmic lottery. Until I see you again—I love you more, Daddio. ❤️❤️

My memories of Steve are around campfires at the Methow River during our 4th of July paddling weekends.  He always had a smile and funny stories.   May you RIP, dear Steve.

We are so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing.  What a wonderful guy. 

Steve and Regina Lawrence 

2013 - Steve descending off of the Col de la Bonnette, the highest auto road in Europe at the time.

2013  Steve at the summit of the famous Galibier climb

2013 Climbing up Col du Galibier in France

2013 Climbing Col de la Madeleine, France - Mt Blanc in the background.

2013 Steve and I shared some great adventures.  This is at the summit of the Col du Galibier in the French Alps.

Halloween on Vashon during covid. He could always make me laugh. I miss you already 💜💜💜

OBITUARY

Stephen Craig Courtney

February 6, 1954 – March 4, 2023

Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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