Gordon Ross Steen died in Allyn, Washington on January 11, 2017 after a long illness. Gordy was born on September 19, 1931 on Vashon to Lola and Garner Steen and delivered by Doc McMurray. Aside from brief periods in his early adult years and at the very end of his life, he spent most of his life on the Island and loved it until the end.

Gordy led an interesting and productive life, from his grade school days running his own chicken and egg business up until his retirement as janitor at McMurray Intermediate School. In between, he did a stint in the army in Europe as jeep driver for various officers where he spent most of his time as the extra man in card games. He worked for Beal Greenhouses repairing the glass panes, as a truck driver for the county road crew, a commercial fisherman in Alaska, a fiberglass salesman and many other jobs in between. Because he was friendly and easy-going, Gordy never had trouble finding work. In his spare time, he kept busy with golf, carpentry and lawn maintenance. He was a fun, creative, generous man, a loving husband and a wonderful father. He will be greatly missed.

Gordy was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother, Evelyn Nyberg; his siblings Lou Andersen and Max Steen; and his brother-in-law Bob Andersen and sister-in-law Joan Hollis. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Peggy Steen; his daughter, Lisa Steen; sister-in-law Barbara Steen and brother-in-law L.D. Hollis; and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service will be held Saturday March 25, 2017 at 1:30pm at the Vashon Cemetery. A reception will follow at Island Funeral Service.