Search by Name

Search by Name

Alann Bradford STEEN

1939 - 2018

Alann Bradford STEEN obituary, 1939-2018, Spokane, WA

BORN

1939

DIED

2018

Alann STEEN Obituary

STEEN, Alann Bradford (Age 79) Spokane, Washington -Alann Bradford Steen, passed away on December 13, 2018 following a short, but heroic battle with cancer. He was surrounded by "his girls" who loved him more than words can express. Alann was born April 22, 1939 to Alfred F. Steen and Ann (Powell) Steen in New York, New York. His family moved to many locations throughout the United States, eventually settling in Hingham, Massachusetts where he graduated high school. In 1958, Alann enlisted into the United States Marine Corps serving six years during the Cold War and was stationed in Japan and the United States. He was also briefly deployed outside of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Following the USMC, he and his young family moved to Arcata, California where he earned double Master's degrees in Journalism and English from Humboldt State University. He served as a reporter, and then editor, of the Arcata Union newspaper, established his own magazine called Pacifica, and began teaching English and Journalism at College of the Redwoods, Humboldt State University, and Chico State University. In 1983, Alann moved to Beirut, Lebanon to teach English and Journalism at Beirut University College (BUC). He spoke of playing baseball with his "fellow Marines" at the Marine Base shortly before the barracks were bombed in October 1983, but nothing impacted him or his family harder than when terrorists entered the campus of BUC and abducted him and three colleagues. He was then held hostage for nearly five years. He made one escape attempt and was severely beaten with life-long medical consequences. In December, 1991, he was released and he had the honor of lighting the National Christmas tree with fellow hostages and President George H.W. Bush. He then moved to Jackson, Michigan and then to Casper, Wyoming where he continued to teach at Casper College. In 2004, he retired and moved to Spokane. Despite his birth in New York, Alann was an insatiable Boston Red Sox fan. He loved all of his cats and dogs and his family warned visitors "if you bring your dog to his house, just know he will naughtily feed it people food." He enjoyed his stunning and lushly landscaped yard and planted dozens and dozens of trees, gently tendering them throughout their growth, often glaring at the deer and moose that also appreciated his efforts. Alann traveled the world and although he enjoyed the company of others, he always appreciated his solitude including his solo kayak journeys through Alaska and the Yukon Territory. He has published articles in numerous publications including Outdoor Life where he told the story of confronting a grizzly bear and, many years later, described his experiences while he was held hostage. Alann leaves behind his beautiful loving wife Denise (Morris) Steen who said his humorous commentary made her laugh every single day. He had three daughters, Jackie Scardino, Becky Monday, and Alia Brown. His dear friend and former wife Marilyn Steen was also with him when he passed away so these five doting women "his girls" made sure he knew how very much he was loved. He also leaves behind three sons-in-law (Chris, Jim, and Zach), four grandchildren (Jordan, Dillon, Samantha, and Wesley), two step children (Brian and Robin), two step granddaughters (Jessica and Taylor), siblings (Jane, Bruce and Craig), and countless other friends and family members who will always miss him. He is preceded in death by his wife (Alia's mother) Virginia Rose Steen. The family wishes to acknowledge the kindness and care from Sacred Heart and Holy Family Hospitals and the warmth, care, and support from the north side Hospice House. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of Spokane (specifically the north side Hospice House) would be appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Dec. 16, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Alann STEEN

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Susan Wiesinger

December 20, 2018

What an amazing life! We're grateful he spent part of it advising The Orion at Chico State.

Ronald Rowland

December 17, 2018

A true gentleman. I did a canoe trip down the Klamath River years ago that became the subject of one of his issues of the Pacifica magazine. He demonstrated the American defiance and don't tread on me attitude of a veteran Marine , while a captive under extreme circumstances. I am very proud to have known him and participated with him as a contributing member of our community . R.I.P. Hon. Ronald D Rowland Ret.

December 17, 2018

Thank you for your service to our country. Rest In Peace.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Alann STEEN's name

Memorial Events
for Alann STEEN

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Alann's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Alann STEEN's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more