Steven W. Nourse

Ellensburg native Steve Nourse passed away on February 2, 2026, at age 77. A devoted educator and disability rights advocate, he taught special education at several Washington universities, including Central, and consulted with school districts on the Americans with Disabilities Act. After contracting a rare neurological disorder in his early 20s that left him paralyzed, Steve continued to teach and went on to earn master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Washington.

He is survived by wife Barbara; daughters Lisa and Jenn Lee; son-in-law Lucas Heart and his wife Lubna Farooq; grandchildren Juni and Zara; and brothers Randy and Dan. Steve will be remembered for his kindness and humor, and for his unwavering commitment to education, disability advocacy, and his Vashon Island community.