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Steven Li Obituary
Steve graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Zoology in 1974, and a Masters in Public Health in 1980. He worked in the field of Industrial Hygiene for various companies, retiring from Amgen in December 2014.
Steve was a world traveler, visiting many countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. He lived with his family for a time in Kuala Lampur Malaysia while employed with Telacom Malaysia.
Steve enjoyed kayaking, hiking, cinema, basketball and spending time with his children and many friends. Steve was a 4th degree black belt in Aikido. He was involved in scouting with his son Jeffrey, from Cub to Boy Scouts in Troop 144 and had a role of Scout Master and Assistant Scoutmaster.
Steve wrote the following poem to say goodbye to those left behind:
Farewell dear friends
Miss me. Miss me not;
An occasional reminiscing thought.
We shared our moments in time;
So bright, so fine.
Farewell.
A Celebration of Life for Steve will be planned for some time after the New Year.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Linda Eguchi
June 25, 2025
My husband and Steve met through work and became good friends. I liked Steve a lot and on seeing his obituary want to extend very belated condolences to the family.
My husband and I also met Kerry and spent some time socializing with them.
I was very touched by his poem--Miss me, miss me not...
My husband, Sandy Eguchi, passed away in January, 2023.
Sincerely,
Linda Eguchi
Portland, OR
[email protected]
Ray Chen
January 26, 2019
Steve was a good guy.
Our families got together occasionally in Pittsburgh during my early years, but being three years older Steve didn't have much in common with me. We crossed paths again in 1974 at the University of Michigan. Steve had shoulder-length hair by then, which he often wore in a ponytail.
We both loved music. Steve lived in a house on the outskirts of Ann Arbor with several housemates. One was a bass player, and I was an aspiring jazz pianist. One memorable event was an Oscar Peterson concert at Hill Auditorium - Steve's eyes were closed throughout, head swaying in time to the brilliant sounds with a smile on his face.
My last memory of Steve was playing volleyball at one of the campus gymnasiums near the old stadium. That's when I learned he was leaving for Oregon - he wrote either an address or a phone number on a slip of paper. I would leave for the Bay Area several years later, and always meant to look him up. Of course, life gets in the way of our intentions. Based on what I've read here, he lived a full life and had a positive impact on others.
My condolences to his family.
Deanna Saxbe
January 12, 2016
Sending my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Steve. We worked together on several environmental health and safety teams at Amgen for many years. His enthusiasm and dedication for safety was catching. He is very missed. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to know and work with Steve.
sheri vail
December 6, 2015
Sending Jeff and Juliet our sincere sympathy. We met your father after moving to Point Ruston. We are so sorry for your loss.
Sheri & David Vail, #302
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Dave Kummerlowe
November 30, 2015
Jeff, Juliet and family, my sincerest condolences. Steve and I were colleagues for many years. Under his leadership we guided Amgen's hazmat emergency response program. People who volunteered to be a part of that program did it to help others. That attitude started at the top with Steve.
Jeff and Juliet, you should know that virtually every time your dad and I were together we spent time sharing stories about our kids. He always expressed his love & well wishes for you as any proud dad should.
Steve loved the outdoors and we often shared stories about hiking, kayaking, favorite camping spots, etc. Through a mutual connection in Scouting we invited him to our son's Eagle COH. It was fun to see him mingle with a crowd of people he'd never met as if he belonged, and he did in every sense of the meaning.
I am fortunate to have met and worked with Steve. I remember him to be calm, caring, well educated, thoughtful and pretty darn funny at times. We had some good laughs during "student supply" times. However, I remain heartbroken that he is gone. A picture he shared of him alongside the trail with that "Steve smile" on his face will remain in my memory forever.
Bill Peterson
November 24, 2015
Steve and I trained Ki-Aikido together for many years, while he lived in Portland, Oregon. I admired his disarming and humble manner. Even in the most challenging circumstances, Steve remained calm, kind and positive. When things got really tough, he he did too, resorting to humor to maintain his (and my) bright outlook.
My sympathy to his family for their loss, a loss we all share. His memory stays with me, a gift for which I am grateful.
David Harrison
November 20, 2015
I'm very sad to hear of this news. Steve provided sterling service to Amgen throughout his career and i'm especially sad that he wasn't able to enjoy his retirement and the fruits of his labors.
My love, and deepest sympathy to Steve's family and friends.
David Harrison, Executive Director, EHSS, Amgen
Kristen de Paor
November 19, 2015
I'm glad I had a chance to meet Steven. He was a wonderful person.
David Flodine
November 18, 2015
I went to high school with Steve...a great guy. RIP
Darian Lindle
November 18, 2015
I worked with Steve at Amgen for 12+ years. He and I shared a passion for sustainability and most of our interactions were about International Coastal Cleanup Day, trash prevention, and generally making the planet a better, cleaner place. With me, he was always a thoughtful and funny man with a big heart. We had a lot of conversations about art and writing and theatre. I feel privileged to have known him.
Robert Roth
November 17, 2015
Carol and Li family, I have not seen Steve since High School, and recently had been thinking of him and our time as children at Woodside Elementary.He was a joy to be around and I have many comforting thoughts of him. I was saddened to hear of his passing and my prayers are with you and your family.
Susan Yu
November 17, 2015
Rest in peace old friend.
Matt Donelan
November 17, 2015
Steve was a good man and a kind soul. I always appreciated his calm demeanor and thoughtful attitude. I knew him as a force and as a presence in the Seattle world of Safety. Always with a big smile a warm hello. - God Bless
orah Koch
November 17, 2015
Steve and I walked " the school path" in Bryn Mawr together, K-12. when we entered high school, we often walked home to and from school together. I remember his sense of humor and his terrific smile. He was wonderful.
Debbie Koch (Diehl)
Frederick Glasser
November 17, 2015
Dear Carol and the rest of the Li family -- I remember Steve as a cheerful kid in our Bryn Mawr neighborhood when we all lived there long ago. Please accept my condolences on his passing. His was a life well-lived, as his accomplishments and the tributes to him attest. May he rest in peace, and may many good memories flood back to you, over time, and wash away your grief with a sense of gratitude and fond remembrance. Sincerely, Fred Glasser
Phil Glasser
November 17, 2015
Steve grew up in our neighborhood of the Borough of Forest Hills, a suburb of Pittsburgh to the east. He was three years younger than me which at that time meant we mostly ran in different circles. Our paths crossed at the school playground near our respective homes. Steve was alway upbeat and easy to be around. Our paths diverged after I graduated from high school in 1966, and never crossed again. He was the first Asian-American that I knew well and helped me grow as a person by being the person he was, easy to know and like. May he rest in peace. From one of the "Woodside Boys".
November 16, 2015
Steve was a kind, generous man. My sincere sympathy to his family.
Eileen Roux
Steve Wilson
November 16, 2015
Steve & I grew up together in Pittsburgh. We shared many things best buddies did. I always admired Steve. He was so smart, so athletic, so much fun with a great sense of humor. After graduation we went our separate ways. Not connecting until our 20th reunion when I get to meet his young family. Then again on Facebook after his diagnosis. So sad to know he's gone.
Kelly Essmeier
November 16, 2015
Steve had a lovely spirit and calming nature. He will be missed.
Jan Chalupny
November 16, 2015
I worked with Steve at Amgen. He was a sincere, nice and helpful colleague. I am so sad to hear of his passing. My deepest sympathies to his family!!
Judy Fenyk-Melody
November 16, 2015
Steve was a great work colleague and could always be counted on to share a warm smile, friendly hello, sincere how are you and what can I do to help. He will be missed dearly. My heart goes out to his loving family and close friends.
Sam Tran
November 16, 2015
I am saddened to hear of Steve's passing but know that he lived a good life and that we will meet again someday....we will all meet. This should remind us that life is a gift to be cherished and enjoyed while we still have it. Thank-you Steve for your friendship and guidance over the years.
DT
Rob Slinger
November 16, 2015
Steve was an admired colleague and friend. We shared may adventurous times as part of the emergency response team at work and while training at the North Bend Fire Academy. I will always remember his quiet demeanor, quick wit and beaming smile. You, my friend, will surely be missed. My heartfelt sympathies to your family.
Debbie Connell
November 16, 2015
I worked with Steve at Amgen, he was always so kind, helpful and a gentle man...I am stunned that he is gone.
Debbie Shiozaki
November 16, 2015
I did not know Steve well but admired him as a more experienced and wise IH as many others did. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.
Steve Hurley
November 15, 2015
Steve was a respected co-worker, collegue, kayak partner and friend. We had our time together. It was good.
Al Paris
November 15, 2015
I met Steve in Ann Arbor in 79'. Steve, Tom Natsch and I accepted jobs in Oregon in 1980. Steve and I were close friends for 35 years. My fondest memories of my time with Steve include the 1981 Rose Bowl (Michigan won), assisting Steve with industrial hygiene work in southern Oregon, countless backpacktrips, climbed all (or part) of a few volcanoes, and playing basketball (a lot of basketball), I was with Steve when he tried out downhill skiing. He could move his skis in ways that defied physics. He gave up that sport shortly after. He introduced me to kayaking where we had some wonderful trips. Steve had a great sense of humor and could find the irony and humor in many situations. I am fortunate to have had Steve as a good friend.
Al Paris
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