Steve T. Howdeshell

Steve T. Howdeshell

Steve Terry Howdeshell, 54, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009, surrounded by his family after a brief and courageous battle with liver cancer.
Steve had an adventuresome and fearless spirit from his early years stomping around the Olympic Peninsula and in the U.S. Navy Seabees to his decision to move to the Last Frontier with his wife, Stacey, in 1980. He began in the Painters Union upon his arrival and worked as a journeyman until accepting a position in environmental remediation in Galena in 1995. Since that time he has worked as a project manager/superintendent for Louden Tribal Council, Tanana Chiefs Conference, TLC General Contractors and NRG Construction.
He was an avid learner, entrepreneur and was passionate about anything to do with new business ideas, World War II, old cars, rocks, gems and the hunt for gold, furniture making, watercolor painting and faceting of gemstones. He loved to ride his Harley when time allowed and work on a 24-foot boat that was to be launched in Valdez next summer. At the "drop of the hat" Steve would get an idea and a new adventure would begin.
At the end of the day he loved his family around him (especially granddaughter Kylee), his recliner and a special spot on the deck overlooking the Chena River. He was very proud watching his sons grow up to be good men.
If you knew him, think of him often with a smile on your face and remember the passion in which he lived his life.
He was preceded in death by his father, "Bake" R.C.T. Howdeshell; mother, Mary (Seinko) Howdeshell; and brother, Tommy Lee Howdeshell.
He is survived by his wife, Stacey Howdeshell of Fairbanks; sons and daughter-in-law, Joshua Howdeshell of Portland, Ore., Jacob and Heather Howdeshell (and their daughter Kylee Lynn) of North Pole; and Zachery Howdeshell of Fairbanks; as well as numerous relatives and friends in western Washington, Fairbanks, Two Rivers and all around the state of Alaska.
A private gathering of family and close personal friends will be held at the family home in North Pole.
In addition, there will be a celebration of his life held in Olympia, Washington on Sunday, September 20, 2009 from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Rutledge Corn Maze (potluck).
In lieu of flowers we ask that you develop and nurture what you are passionate about and make the time to help those around you to do the same.