Obituary of Steven Saari

Steven T. Saari 2/16/60 – 9/24/08 Steve Saari passed peacefully away after a brief but courageous battle with cancer at the very young age of 48. Steve graduated from Timberline High School in 1978 and Central Washington University in 1982. He started a career in banking soon after, rising to the position of Vice President and Controller at Venture Bank. On 1/24/87, he married his soul-mate, Janice Erskine, a marriage that made both complete. Though they had many years together, it could never have been enough. Steve will always be remembered for his easy going nature, his intelligence, that wonderful smile, and his dedication to family, friends and work. But mostly, we’ll remember Steve’s passion for golf: “Golf isn’t a game, it’s a choice that one makes with one’s life” (Charles Rosin). In addition to his wife, Janice Saari and their “kids” Bob and Baldrick, Steve is survived by his parents Albin and Patricia Saari, in-laws Jack and Nita Erskine, big brother Ken (and Sue) Bianchi, big sis Kath (and Dar) Christopherson, little sis Marlene (and Mark) Biggs, little brother Bruce Saari, brother-in-laws Steve (and Colleen) Erskine and Greg (and Beth) Erskine, nieces Kim, Lisa and Rochelle, nephews Cory, Jason, Shane, Scott, Tony, Kit, Thomas, Colin and Austin, and a very large extended family. Just as important, Steve is survived by many friends and co-workers who he always spoke kindly of. A celebration of Steve’s life, followed by a reception, will be held at 7:00 pm on October 10th at the Olympia Masonic Center, 455 North St, Tumwater. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Steve’s memory to American Cancer Society Relay for Life, or the North Thurston Education Foundation.