MAX ALLAN STEEN

Max Steen, born on Vashon Island August 2, 1929 to parents Lola Jane and Garner Steen, passed away December 21, 2009 at Vashon where he had lived his 80 years. At the age of 14 he started working for the Beall Greenhouse Company (later called The Beall Company) and remained there for 38 years.When the company closed, he then went to work for The Bacchus Lumber Company until 1990 when he retired.He never moved away from Vashon and lived in the same house all but 5 years of his life.He graduated from Vashon High School in 1947 and married his school sweetheart in 1950.

As a charter member of the Vashon Island Golf & Country Club, he thoroughly enjoyed taking up golf and made many new friends.He and Barbara then started traveling to the Hawaiian Islands and California to visit their children.A very special trip was the one to Norway on their 40th wedding anniversary, visiting relatives, and seeing where their grandparents had lived.

He hadbeen a member of the Vashon Sportsmen's Club, Teamster Union 117 and the Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Association.He served as Commissioner of the Vashon Sewer District for a term of four years.Otherwise, he was not one to push himself in taking a lead in community activities, but if asked to help, he was always willing to assist, wherever needed, especially when the family was involved in something.

He took his lawn mowing tasks most seriously and was known to be seen riding his mower frequently.His friends remember him as a very quiet, easy going, methodical, hard working man, who had a good sense of humor.

During his last 5 days he was lovingly cared for at Island Elder Care along with the "Angels" of Providence Hospice of Seattle.

He will be missed by his loving family,Barbara, his wife of 59 years, son Gordon of Kailua, Hawaii, daughter Marsha (Alan) Berry of Palm Springs, California, grandsons Justin (Kelly) Berry, Christopher (Michelle) Steen, granddaughter Kayla Berry and 2 great-grandchildren Joseph and Lillian.He leaves a much loved sister Marjorie Lou Andersen, of Bainbridge Island and brother Gordon (Peg) Steen, Vashon and extended family Rex and Trish Hilderman, Nali Hilderman, Emily (Joshua) Merchant and Andy Hilderman.Others who loved him are his nieces Jenny Donohue, Lisa Steen, and nephews David and Morgan Andersen.

A private family graveside service was held in the morning of December 29, 2009 followed by a public memorial service in the afternoon at the Vashon United Methodist Church.

Please visit our online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com