Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1954
DIED
2009
Steven Cadonau Obituary
He was born in Ilwaco on Aug. 22, 1954, to Richard and Helen Cadonau. He was the youngest of three children.
Steve left the Long Beach Peninsula when he joined the Navy, then came back and went to community college and started a career on tugboats, in which he took immense pleasure. He worked on the river until 1998. Steven also worked at a power plant in Vancouver and at Terminal 4 in Portland as a terminal superintendent.
He married Jolene Onstott Sept. 7, 1985. Together they raised two boys.
Steve had a passion for being near or on the water and enjoyed his dock on Puget Island. He loved spending time with his family and often included them in his water adventures: clamming, fishing and boating of any kind.
Steve was a thrifty (always looking for a deal), positive, compassionate man whose adventurous spirit and love of life and family was infectious. You could not help but be happy around him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jolene; two sons, Erik and Craig; his mother, Helen; a sister, Gayle; and a brother, Gary.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard.
A celebration of his life will be held from 2:30 to 5 p.m. June 6 at James John Café, 8527 N. Lombard St. in the St. Johns area of Portland.
Donations may be made to the Sea Scouts, care of Jim Larsen, 7005 NE Marine Drive, Portland, OR 97218.
Arrangements are by Vancouver Funeral Chapel.
Please sign the guest book at www.tdn.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Cadonau
Kenny Osborne
May 23, 2019
Time is flying by. I'm reminded now as our classmates are turning 65 this year. Steve comes in my (happy) thoughts fairly often. Riding dirt bikes in the hills behind Chinook with the Wilson's and others. We really hooked him and I'm sure he'd have a couple bikes now (as do I ) had he not been taken from us all. I'll bet there are motorcycles, skiffs and other toys in heaven. If I get the chance to go ride with Steve again then I surely will !
Kenny Osborne
Chinook
James Garner
March 17, 2010
Jolene, I served with Steve aboard the USS James Madison in the 70's and was truly a good man then and am sure was to the end. To you and your sons my deepest sympathy for your loss. "Sailor rest your oars"
June 9, 2009
I was also a classmate of Steve's at Ilwaco -I will never think of typing class without thinking of Steve. He was a great guy, always smiling and joking around.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Sincerely, Barbara Timmen Ellsworth
Lower Columbia DAR Ladies
June 9, 2009
To the family of Steven Cadonau: Those have died will never be forgotten. Their Sacrifice for their country will live on forever in the hearts of all who cherish freedom. Remembering your loved one. Condolences,
Kenny Osborne
June 6, 2009
Jolene,Erik and Craig...Steve was a great friend and classmate from 7th grade on...we shared many common interests, boats, motorcycles, being frugal (not "cheap" ok ?) and the love of being on or near the water.
I am proud to have known Steve and my thoughts are with you, his family.
Calm waters, a full tank and seaworthy boat...always.
Godspeed Steve, my friend.....and thanks again for loaning me your tie for our IHS senior pics.
From "KO"
Gerald Atkinson
June 3, 2009
Jolene and boys,
Our hearts are with you and we hope you find comfort knowing that he is an angel.
He was truly a genuine gracious person. He left his mark on this world!
Our Deepest symphathy always.. Gerald and Kim
June 2, 2009
In your time of grief may your memories of your good times together bring you comfort.
I worked with Steve at Western, and have great memories.
Fair winds and following seas my friend. John Schiessl
Trina Spitzer
June 2, 2009
to my shock and disbelief!! I am so sad to see that Steve has passed... I will be thinking of Jolene and his boys... Steve was one of the nicest personable people in the world... I have many great memories of conversation and laughter with him... my deepest sympathy... Trina Spitzer
June 1, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of Steve's death. Steve and I were classmates @ Ilwaco High.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Linda Beasley-Freeman
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Steven Cadonau's name
Memorial Events
for Steven Cadonau
How to support Steven'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
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 moreResources 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
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 moreWays to honor Steven Cadonau's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
