Stephen Didis

1936 - 2023

Stephen Didis
April 9, 1936 - April 14, 2023
Tacoma, Washington - Stephen (Steve) Didis finished his journey on Friday, April 14th, at 87. He was born and raised by his father, Vaeleos William and mother, Alice, in Hoquiam, WA and moved to Sumner, WA, with his father in 1950, where he graduated from Sumner High School. After high school, he attended the University of Washington before beginning a successful 40-year career at Boeing as an Internal Auditor, where he mentored and developed great friendships with coworkers.
Steve raised and was especially close to his three children from his first marriage to Betty Gonnason and was always proud of his kids and their accomplishments. In 1985, he married Barbara Didis at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Tacoma, WA. Steve and Barbara lived a life full of love, adventure, and traveling the world. In recent years, they enjoyed spending time in Santa Barbara, Hawaii, and Palm Springs, creating lifelong memories with friends and family who visited.
Steve had many passions ranging from his love of family and listening to music to being a lifelong Democrat. Most of all, he loved nothing more than pulling off a flawless practical joke and finding a good deal. Steve enjoyed spending time at their home in Tacoma, in front of his grill, making a delicious meal, and sharing a nice bottle of wine with friends and family by the pool. He was famous for entertaining and spending quality time with those he loved. Steve had a deep-rooted belief in advocating for people and causes that he was passionate about, as evidenced by his time volunteering at the VA Hospital, Tacoma Museum of Glass, Desert AIDS Project, and writing many letters to the editor at the Tacoma News Tribune. He strived to be a good person, have lots of fun, and do what he could to leave the world in a better place.
Steve was preceded in death by his wonderful wife, Barbara; father, Vealeos William; and mother, Alice. He is survived by his son Bill Didis (Debbie Didis); daughters Stephanie Swallow (Tom Swallow), and Larisa Didis (Sarah Littlefield); stepsons Matthew McGavick (Kathryn McGavick) and James McGavick (Corrie McGovern); 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and many loved in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. We will miss Steve more than words can say.
Steve's life will be celebrated on May 21st, 2023. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Southern Poverty Law Center (https://www.splcenter.org/) or Pierce County YMCA (https://www.ymcapkc.org/).