As the seasons changed and the year 2021 came to a close, Gregory James Steeves of Meridian, ID departed this world on December 23rd 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.
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Barb Steeves says
January 10, 2022 at 2:26 pmI miss you, bro, and am thankful for the 59 years we go to do life together. I’m glad you are no longer suffering and keeping a watchful eye on us. Rest in peace.
Erlene Gaines Putnam says
January 10, 2022 at 2:52 pmMargy and Joanne,
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. I remember you all so fondly during our years at Gonzaga. My thoughts are with you and your families.
Pam Hays says
January 10, 2022 at 8:29 pmLoved this man’s spirit as I experienced it in the classroom. He clearly was close to God in nature fly fishing so much! His faith never wavered & is now at peace with George, Agnus & Donna. May they all celebrate dancing on clouds. Hugs to the entire Steeves family as you go through this difficult time.
BowmanInfo says
January 11, 2022 at 2:45 pmNohemi Fernandez Baca
no_fernandez@hotmail.com
191.97.53.109
La familia Villena Fernández Baca, desde Cusco Perú, hace llegar sus más sentidas condolencias a la familia de Gregory Steeves, que Dios les de la paz que buscan, que nuestras palabras les lleven consuelo y nuestras oraciones aligeren vuestro dolor por esta pérdida, reciban nuestro sentido pésame Sra. Margaret Anne, Mark and Millisa, Geoffrey and Brye y Matthew and Edith.
Irene Reynolds says
January 11, 2022 at 4:45 pmMargy and Joanne,
Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. Greg was such a nice guy. I remembered him but decided to look in our 1971 Spires to see his graduation picture. Love the mustache! I see he kept it. I wish you peace and love as you remember him.
Renie Reynolds
Manuel Nuñez says
January 12, 2022 at 5:39 pmManuel and Lucrecia, Edith’s parents, convey their feelings and condolences to Mrs. Margaret Anne and sons Mark and Millisa, Geoffrey and Brye and Matthew and Edith for the irreparable loss of Mr. Gregory in Idaho.
Greg, in love with life and with the cute and beautiful girl Margaret, later turned into a loving husband, worker, par excellence, sweet father at home for the children, model educator with morals and ethics, strong in life, his passion for basket ball and fishing.
Existence of brilliance, he made history and glory during his lifetime. The sky of the stars opens with honor and God the creator receives him, in his eternal massion.
Cusco Peru, January 12, 2020
Dick & Mary Lou Kinney says
January 14, 2022 at 12:51 pmTo the entire Steeves Family, may you find peace and comfort today, tomorrow and the years to come as you recall those many fond memories of Greg: your husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and fishing buddy. The message from the celebration of life and stories about Greg inspire us to show “kindness” to all we meet in our precious days ahead. Such a simple yet profound testimony to the life of such a special person. Dick and Mary Lou Kinney
Peter Breiten says
January 15, 2022 at 11:11 amI have such fond memories of Greg from G.U. I just wish I could have known him better after graduation. He will certainly be missed. My condolences to Margi and the rest of the Steeves family.
Jim Ehlert says
March 23, 2022 at 3:57 pmI just learned of this sad news. Gregg was a great friend and also a fabulous mentor for sales in the industrial world. He also taught me a lot about being a great Dad! He always welcomed me into his home as family! The world can use more people like Gregg. He’ll be missed. My heart goes out to Margy, Mark, Jeff and Matt.
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