Campbell Steketee

1938 - 2013

Campbell Hall Steketee

November 7, 1938 - March 27, 2013

SALEM - Cam Steketee peacefully passed away March 27th at home, with loved ones, after a long and hard fought battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Born in 1938 to Campbell and Mame Steketee of Grand Rapids, Michigan, he was the oldest of six children. He attended Westminster Preparatory School, Yale University and the University of Minnesota where he earned his Masters Degree in Civil Engineering.

His adventurous spirit led him to Montana where he would meet and marry his wife of 49 1/2 years, Miriam Larsen. Together they moved to Salem in 1964 where he worked for Clark and Groff and soon thereafter started his own firm, Westech Engineering.

Cam was the proud father of three beautiful and strong children; Kirsten (Chris Morscheck), Charles (Aimee) and Jennifer (Andrew Wright). He experienced great joy in the company of his four grandchildren; Sarah, Chloe, Summer and Cole.

In addition to his family and work, Cam loved the outdoors and the Northwest. His fishing, hunting and river rafting adventures are legendary, along with his quick and unique sense of humor that brought smiles, and sometimes gasps, to those around him. He was an expert in navigating the Oregon back roads and lead his family and friends on many an adventure.

Known for his strength, both in mind and body, Cam never shied away from a challenge, or pie. Whether developing state of the art engineering products, traveling the world, carving a totem pole, traveling the backcountry by horseback, or hunting elk in Mongolia, Cam's work ethic and can-do attitude were admired by many.

His courage in the face of Parkinson's Disease should not go unmentioned as he faced his biggest challenge with the same unwavering determination and strength.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sandy Simmons. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren, along with brothers; Fred and Steve Steketee and his sisters; Penny Sidor and Mary McDonald.

The Steketee Family would like to express their immense gratitude to all of Cam's caregivers, especially Connie Brown. Connie cared tirelessly and fiercely for Cam and has become one of the family. Thank you.

A service will be held on April 16, 2013 at 4:00pm at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Home with a celebration to follow at the home of Kent and Claudia Aldrich. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to OHSU Parkinson's Foundation, 1121 SW Salmon, Portland, OR 97205.