Stephen LAGANA

Stephen Glen Lagana, age 81, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, at his home in Spokane, Washington, with family by his side. Steve was born on April 15, 1944, to Joseph and Nadine Lagana in a military hospital at Camp White, Oregon. Being born while his father Joseph was serving in the Army, the military became a source of pride for Steve.

Steve attended Banning High School in LA County. While in high school, Steve worked on a small local farm picking produce. He loved showing his independence and ability to provide stylish clothes for himself. Steve competed on his high school track team as a pole vaulter and won LA County and state medals in pole vaulting. Upon his graduation from high school, Steve enlisted in the Air Force and served proudly as a medical administrative specialist during the Viet Nam War era.

Shortly after being discharged from the Air Force, Steve began a long career in the oil and gas industry. He started at a Los Angeles refinery working for ARCO. When he was able to support a family, he married and had two children. When oil was ready to be piped from Prudoe Bay, Alaska, Steve moved his young family to Alaska so he could work as a member of the start-up crew for ARCO. Steve worked in the largest gas plant in the world and became the lead operator in the plant and trained new crew members in how to operate the plant. He served in the oil industry for 35 years.

During those interim years in Alaska, Steve participated in raising his daughters, Jennifer and Melissa. He taught them about fishing and camping outdoors. He also taught them about establishing a work ethic, which has supported Jennifer and Melissa in success in their own careers. Steve liked to regale others with stories of catching trophy fish with the girls and how he enjoyed camping with them. When Steve became a parent in a blended family, he shared these same talents with stepdaughters, Kate, Judy, and Kelley.

For the last five years of his career in Alaska, Steve married Gaye Williard Brown. They shared a home and worked on meeting the needs of five daughters who were each striving to live out their individual dreams. Steve walked three of them down the aisle in marriage. Jennifer married Chris Lyke (children, Cameron and Anna), Kate married Tim Loken (children, Rose and Morgan), and Judy married Kirby McGee. All three moved from Alaska, and Melissa decided to remain. Kelley had already moved from the state to work in Seattle.

Upon retirement, Steve moved with Gaye to Spokane, Washington. He was ready for new adventures and put his energy into being of service to others. He became a member of St. David's Episcopal Church and served as a Sunday School teacher and a vestry member, where he worked on the committee of building and grounds. Being closer to his mother, Steve spent time visiting with Nadine and helped her move from independent living to assisted living until her passing.

In 2013, Steve and Gaye moved to North Las Vegas, Nevada, where Steve supported Gaye as she served as a Deacon at Christ Church Episcopal. Steve continued in his service work by being a board member of the church food pantry. As health needs became more evident, Steve and Gaye moved back to Spokane in 2019, so they could be closer to daughters, Jennifer, Kate, and Kelley, and grandchildren, Rose, Cameron, Anna and Morgan.

As Steve's disease progressed, he experienced engagement and fun in joining friends at the memory cafe at the North Spokane County Library and at the Veterans bowling outing at Lilac Lanes.

Family was the hallmark of Steve's success and love. He was dedicated to the children and was proud to be a grandparent. He remains well-loved in the hearts and memories of his family and friends.

Steve was preceded in death by parents, Joseph and Nadine Lagana; brother, Dennis; sister, Sandra; and daughter, Melissa; and has been joined in passing by stepdaughter, Kelley.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Remembrance of Steve to Hospice of Spokane or St. David's Episcopal Church.

A memorial and celebration of life service will be held commemorating Steve at St. David's Episcopal Church in Spokane, at 2:30 pm, on Saturday, November 15, 2025. All are welcome to an early dinner that will be served following the service.