Obituary of Stephen Edward Strassman

Stephen Edward Strassman Stephen Edward Strassman, born on August 25, 1955, in Stephenville, Newfoundland, Canada, was the first child of Norman V. and Angela C. Strassman. He was always happy that they named a town after him. He died on November 16, 2011 in Lacey, Washington. Stephen was a 1973 graduate of North Thurston High School and was active on the yearbook committee. From there, he joined the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Truxtun from 1973 – 1977, something he was always very proud of. Upon completion of his naval career, Stephen settled in Leavenworth, Washington (a place he always considered his true home), and worked as a youth camp counselor before moving to the Leavenworth Fire Department and becoming their volunteer captain, a job he was very fond of. Since the fire department was very small at that time and the job didn’t pay the bills, Stephen went to work for the Washington State Department of Transportation, mainly working on US 2, which ran through Leavenworth. Stephen then took another job with the DOT as a Hazardous Material Specialist and moved to Bellevue, Washington, before settling down in Lacey to be closer to his family. Stephen eventually retired from the DOT in 2009. Stephen was a comedian at heart and loved to tell a good story or joke. He was an avid Seattle Seahawks fan who enjoyed betting against his aunts and cousins for bragging rights, as well as Wisconsin cheese or Washington oysters. He proudly flew his Seahawk flag during every game, and was often seen wearing his “cheese-head hat” during the Packers’ games. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid collector of antiques, including duck decoys and various John Wayne items. He also enjoyed cooking, barbequing, and hosting family dinners. Stephen found great pleasure in elaborately decorating his house and yard for Christmas, to share with the community. Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Angela, as well as many beloved aunts and uncles. He is survived by one brother, John Strassman (Debbie) of Bend, Oregon; two sisters, Jenice Thompson of Lacey, Washington, and Mary Anne Diebels (Dan) of Wasilla, Alaska; two nephews, Bryan Thompson (Nichole) of Tumwater, Washington, and Skyler Strassman of Bend, Oregon; one very special niece, Amanda Thompson of Olympia, who fondly referred to Stephen as her “Uncle Buck”; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Stephen left very specific instructions on how and by what he wanted to be remembered. There will be food and drinks, Stephen’s favorite music, pictures of his varied journeys, fun stories from his past, jokes, and laughter. And above all, he specifically wanted no tears shed. And as he clearly stated, “I’ll be watching.” Stephen is now forever flying with the ducks. Please leave memories of Stephen or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.