As the seasons changed and the year 2021 came to a close, Gregory James Steeves of Meridian, ID departed this world on December 23 rd after a year-long battle with cancer. He closed the final chapter of his remarkable life at home with his loving wife, Margy, at his side.
Greg was born June 25, 1949 in Spokane, Washington to parents George James Steeves, and Agnes Vander Zanden. He spent parts of his childhood in Spokane and Bountiful, Utah, settling with his family in Pasco, Washington at age seven. He graduated from Gonzaga University in 1971 where he met his college sweetheart and wife of 50 years, Margaret Anne (Fleetwood) Steeves. Greg was very proud of their three sons, Mark (Millisa) of Albuquerque, NM, Geoffrey (Brye) of Washington, D.C. and Matthew (Edith) of Meridian, ID.
His years at Gonzaga, together with the influences of a strong family, helped him shape his unshakable views on faith, education, and love. It was common to hear Greg share his tokens of wisdom with phrases like, “People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, “Life is all about choices,” and “This too shall pass.” These wise words were a testament to how he lived his life, and treated others.
After college, Greg spent eight years teaching English at Moses Lake and Pasco High Schools in Washington state. It was not unusual to see him standing atop his desk while trying to influence young minds about the importance of reading good literature like the Catcher in the Rye , or Death of a Salesman. He was voted teacher of the year at Pasco High two years in a row. In 1980, he left education and began working as an account manager in electrical industrial sales from which he retired in 2009. His charismatic and infectious good nature, sense of fairness, and strong work ethic served him well in both these fields.
Greg has had much professional success, but his family always came first. Much of his time was spent making lasting memories through his sons’ countless soccer activities, family reunions, and camping/fishing trips with dear friends and family.
Among other things, he was an avid fly fisherman, a skill he perfected after moving to Idaho. In his heyday, he fished 50 out of 52 weeks a year. He always said he felt closest to God when he planted his feet in the currents of a rippling river, while being humbled by the ancient face of a deep canyon wall. Greg was also a proud Gonzaga alumnus. One of his favorite pastimes was watching the Zags men’s basketball team. He was especially elated the years they made it to the Final Four and then on to the National Championship.
He is survived by his sons, seven grandchildren, Eri, Macyn, Joaquin, Leo, Emersen, Kiana, and Benjamin, siblings Gary (Connie), Joanne Wilcynski, Ellen Weiss, and Barbara Steeves (Ellen) and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Donna Steeves Lenseigne.
Greg will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity, quick wit, and passion for life. He will be dearly missed and will remain in our hearts forever.
A mass celebrating Greg’s life will take place at Holy Apostles Catholic Church on January 14, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Masks will be provided and it is asked that Covid protocols be observed. The service can also be live streamed by clicking on the following link: http://www.holyapostlesmeridian.net/Mass .
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to a charity of your choice.