Stephen James Bear

1955 - 2018

Stephen James Bear, age 62, passed away at Providence Alaska Medical Center on Jan. 17, 2018, surrounded by family. Steve was born in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 29, 1955.
In his preschool years, Steve and his family homesteaded land in Eagle River, Alaska, before they eventually settled in Muldoon. Attending elementary through high school in Anchorage, Steve excelled in both academics and sports. After graduating from East High School in 1973, Steve attended Oregon State University before returning to Anchorage.
As a lifelong Alaskan, Steve worked as an Operating Engineer, employed by the State of Alaska, private companies, and finally retiring from the Local 302 Operating Engineers. Summer construction season was a busy time for Steve, who sometimes worked 120-hour weeks. As a result of Steve's mechanical understanding and abilities, he was able to often creatively, keep machinery operational which was a highly valued skill. Many seasons Steve maintained finicky asphalt plants on road construction sites.
Steve had a larger-than-life personality and made friends easily. Steve was generous with his time and energy, finding or re-engineering just the right "something" to give. Steve possessed a great sense of humor and brought levity and a sharp wit to conversations. Steve enjoyed the outdoors, fishing as often as possible - the highlight of his summer was the annual trip on the Swanson River with his sons.
Steve is survived by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy Bear; brothers, Mark (Debi) Bear and Joe (Robby) Bear; sons, Frank (Anitra) Anderson, Christian (Angela) Bear and Grant Bear; as well as five grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church in Anchorage on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at 2 p.m. Steve's cremated remains will be laid to rest at Angelus Memorial Park.