STEVEN SPINNEY Obituary

Steven Fredrick Spinney Steve Spinney passed away on January 13, 2013 at the age of 73. Steve was born and raised in Tacoma and had made Tacoma his home as an adult. Steve graduated from Lincoln High School in 1958 and enlisted in the Air Force in 1959. After being discharged from the Air Force in 1963, Steve remained a member of the Air Force Reserves. Steve graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 1968 with a BA in Education. In 1971 Steve traveled to Laos, where he taught for two years at the American School of Vientiane. Steve was a dedicated teacher who spent the rest of his career with the Franklin Pierce School District. In his retirement, Steve was able to pursue his love of travel, genealogy, and movies. He was also proud to be a member of the Normanna Male Chorus of Tacoma. Steve is survived by his sister Jean Perkins of Sacramento, CA, his brother Tom Spinney of Seattle, WA, and his nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on January 26, 2013 at 1:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Parkland. Donations can be made in Steve's memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Jan. 20, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for STEVEN SPINNEY

13 Entries

John abd Julie

February 1, 2013

We could not have had a better neighbor these past 31 years. May you rest in peace.

Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

January 24, 2013

On behalf of the staff at the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation we offer our deepest condolences to the Spinney family. While this is a difficult time, please know that as a foundation we can offer support and information to your family as you move forward. We sincerely hope you will join the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in the fight to permanently eliminate this disease.

Kimberly (weaver) Beers

January 23, 2013

Mr. Spinney was my 5th grade teacher, i remember him caring for all of his students and wanting us to succeed. I remember he taught us calligraphy and that he always rewarded us when we excelled. I remember he took me and a few other students to lunch at the Wagon Wheel for doing well on a test and I felt so special. He truly cared about his students... You will be missed. Godspeed...

Casey (Weaver) Pettibone

January 22, 2013

Mr. Spinney was my 5th grade teacher at Elmhurst. I still remember the trips to see The Nutcracker and H.M.S. Pinafore. He cared about the arts and wanted his students to appreciate them as well. I will always remember how dedicated he was to his students.

Carol & Doug Westerberg

January 22, 2013

Steve was a co-worker of mine at Elmhurst for 12 years. Some students were afraid to have him as a 5th grade teacher, but within a few weeks, they loved him. A teacher memory was Steve getting on all the teachers in his wing to get our "snow scene backgrounds" up immediately either before or after Thanksgiving. After his retirement he remained a friend and a yearly venture was our fall lutefisk dinners. We'll miss you Steve. RIP

James Peet, Ph.D., CFE

January 22, 2013

I was fortunate to have Mr. Spinney as my 5th grade teacher in Vientiane, Laos (American School Vientiane). My fondest memories of him was when he read to us aloud (particularly "The Phantom Tollbooth" and "Charlotte's Web").

I was fortunate to meet up with him again a few years ago at a mini reunion of ASV alum and teachers. Even as an adult, though, I could only refer to him as Mr. Spinney. It was great to see him then.

You'll be missed Mr. Spinney.

Bradley Hall

January 21, 2013

Mr Spinney was my 5th grade teacher. What I remember the most about him was he had a really good sense of humor and was a caring guy. He used to always say " Walter Matheu" directly referring to " get your math out" He told this to the class everyday. I will always remember him for teaching me calligraphy and appreciating the finer side of the artistic world. He will truly be missed

Rich and Mary Hieb

January 21, 2013

You were a wonderful teacher to all three of our children at Midland Elementary. You were fun loving and dedicated.

Amy (Campton) Teofilo

January 20, 2013

Mr Spinney was my 5th grade teacher-many years ago. The things I remember most about him was his love of history; especially the Revolutionary War which really sparked my interest and became one of my favorite subject & working very hard for the class to attend a performance of the Nutcracker. He will be missed!

crystal wetzler

January 20, 2013

Mr.Spinney was the coolest teacher. He was my 5th grade teacher and also taught my oldest daughter. He always had funny stories. He was very dedicated to all of our educations.

Lydia Garrod

January 20, 2013

Mr. Spinney was one of the most difficult teachers that I had. But he did it to make sure we learned what we where supposed to learn. He took me and 4 others from 5th grade at Elmhust to square dance at the lakewood comm. center. This showed how he wanted us to branch out into the community and learn new things. I have great memories of these outing and they are forever in my heart! RIP Mr. Spinney

Dennis Hammermaster

January 20, 2013

It was a pleasure working with Steve at Elmhurst Elementary School. He was a caring, hard working and effective teacher who loved his students and his job. I will always remember his smile and great sense of humor.

January 20, 2013

Thank YOU for your service and for keeping our Country free. Wish we had other individuals who loved this Country enough to serve to keep our FREEDOM!!!

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