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Steve McDonald Obituary
September 5, 1955 - April 26, 2025
Kennewick, Washington - A beloved brother and uncle, Stephen J McDonald passed away on April 26, 2025, at the age of 69. Born on September 5,1955 in Bismarck, ND. He lived life to its fullest.
Steve graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1973 and received WDA awards in football and basketball in both his junior and senior years. Steve graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1977 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He started working right out of school for Bechtel in North Dakota and was transferred here in 1982 when Bechtel took over management at Washington Public Power Supply System (WPPSS) Unit No. 2. As management transitioned at the plant, he joined the staff of Energy Northwest and continued work until his retirement in 2017. While there, he served as a mentor to the younger engineers and did his part to further their technical development.
Steve loved hunting and fishing, and every year he traveled back to North Dakota in the summer to visit his parents and to spend endless hours with brother Mick on the water catching walleye. We were always excited for his return with frozen fish in preparation for his annual fish fry. And when he needed more, he would venture up to his friends Alan and Jocelyn's lake house for more fishing and relaxation.
When Steve bought his first boat, the first thing he did was teach his nieces (and all their friends) how to water ski on the Snake River. That too became a summer ritual. And since uncle Steve was such a great athlete (North Dakota state champions in basketball), he had to teach his niece Kelly how to make those three-point shots and how to use her left hand. And through the years he continued to support the nieces and nephews by following basketball, football, volleyball, soccer, baseball and Lacrosse.
He is survived by his brothers Gregory (Jean) and Michael (Cathy), and nieces Stacey Seamands (Dusty), Kelly Mackey (Ryan), Erin Christensen and nephews Scott (Keli) and Andy (Tara). Steve was preceded in death by his parents Adrian and Kathleen McDonald.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Parkinson Foundation or the American Cancer Society.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, published on Einan's at Sunset www.sunsetgardenstricities.com/.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steve McDonald
5 Entries
.
May 6, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Janet Worthington
May 4, 2025
I met Steve while working at Energy Northwest and worked on several projects with him. He was more than a coworker, he was my friend. Even though I never saw him after he retired, I thought of him often. Rest in peace my friend.
John Blake
May 4, 2025
Worked many years with Steve at Energy Northwest in Design Engineering. He was a great person to be around - truly miss him.
Kelsch
May 3, 2025
I went to high school with Steve, he was a few grades ahead of me. He had a great jump shot and was a part of the 1971 -72 State Champion St. Mary's Saints .He was always nice to me and was a friendly face. My condolences to his family and friends.
David Weber
May 2, 2025
I worked very closely with Steve on a daily basis bases. His construction experience with Bechtel combined with his engineering experience made him a well rounded professional. His design packages were of high quality and we learned from each other. Very methodical, honest, respectful and trustworthy. I´m grateful for working with Steve and let him rest in peace.
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Memorial Events
for Steve McDonald
Funeral services provided by:
Einan's Funeral Home, Inc.915 Bypass Highway P.O. Box 90, Richland, WA 99352
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