Obituary of Steven Anthony Macuk

How do you measure a life? Steve had profound friendships from every chapter of his life. From his early years working with children in hospital and camp settings, to his career as a clinical psychologist, Steve found his energy and joy in helping others. He maintained loving ties with his parents and siblings while raising children with his wife of 30 years. Ever the adventurer, Steve climbed Mt. Kenya, canoed the Mississippi, fished in the Andes, skated on the Rideau Canal, hitchhiked around Turkey, and got his family lost and then found in the winding streets of Venice. Steve lived his life as a citizen of the world, with a passion for compassion and an inexhaustible belief in the power of love. He was generous of spirit and placed great value in knowledge and action: make the world better! Give voice to the underdog! Love and cherish each other! He loved all forms of artistic expression, from music to cultural artifacts, and felt deeply the pains and joys of life, dedication, and healing. His professional gifts, to his clients in private practice and to all who participated in the Mental Health Access Project, have helped countless friends live more joyful lives. He leaves behind a wide circle of friends and family who dearly loved him. Steve embarked peacefully on his new adventure on March 24, 2014, after a long struggle with brain cancer. Left to miss him and cherish his memory are his wife, Binda; son, Anthony; daughter, Grace; his mother, Ute; sisters, Carolyn (Erdem), Suzanne, and Christina (Larry); brother, John (Heidi); father-in-law, Bill Douglas; brothers-in-law, Dan Douglas, Scott Douglas and Brian Hatcher; as well as loving nieces, Beyhan and Amelia; and nephews, Kaan and David. His father, David Macuk, is waiting for him in fields of sunshine beyond. The Macuk family is profoundly grateful for the compassionate, loving care we received from the staff of Providence Mother Joseph Care Center and Providence Sound Home Care and Hospice, as well as Providence St. Peter Hospital and Group Health doctors and nurses in Olympia and at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. So many gentle hands and caring words made our family’s long ordeal easier to bear. Donations in his memory can be made to the Crisis Clinic, P.O. Box 13453, Olympia WA 98508-3453 or to Pizza Klatch, 2419 Carpenter Rd. SE, Lacey, WA 98503. Please leave memories of Steven or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.