FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.
Stephen Robert Gedeon
08/08/1953 — 07/07/2009
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Torrance, CA
Stephen Robert Gedeon
Stephen R. Gedeon, age 55, peacefully passed away in the presence of his family on the morning of July 7 at Kadlec Medical Center. He was born on August 8, 1953 in Hawthorne, CA.
Stephen graduated from Crow High School in 1971, near the cattle ranch where he spent his youth, in Oregon. During high school he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and was proud to achieve Eagle rank. He would continue to participate in the organization throughout his life. He spent nine years in the U.S. Navy and another 20 years in the Oregon National Guard. During his time in the Navy Stephen traveled the world while serving aboard a nuclear submarine.
In 1976 Stephen received his BS in Nuclear Engineering from Oregon State University and he would receive his Masters in 1994. During his time as a student, he met Nancy Branham and they were married in 1976. He was a resident of the Tri-Cities for 20 years. He worked for various contractors associated with the Hanford area. In 2003 Stephen went to Iraq as a civilian contractor where he worked for 1 year.
Stephen's passions were for history and the outdoors. He was especially interested in the Civil War and attended several reenactments and visited a large number of old military forts and other landmarks across the country. He loved to camp and hiked some of the most beautiful trails the Pacific northwest has to offer. With a true zest for life, Stephen was always seeking new experiences and going places he'd never seen before. He always approached a challenge head-on and never encountered circumstances so dire that he couldn't find something to joke about. He strongly believed in helping people for no reason other than it was the right thing to do.
Stephen is survived by his wife Nancy and his son Andrew of the Richland area and his mother Aldine, and his brothers Rick, Jim Shelli of the Eugene area and Paul of the California bay area.
An informal gathering will be held at Leslie Groves Park in Richland, WA on Saturday, July 11th at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Stephen's name to the Boy Scouts of America. The family would also like to express appreciation for all the support they have received.
Steve and I had alot of great moments from telling jokes and encouraging eachother threw our sickness. I will truely miss my dear true friend. The dinners and movies also calling him at work to ask for his help with school projects for my daughter I could always get his help of course I had to prepare a hot meal. So my friend you rest. I will always remember that smile
Steve had a wonderful attitude about life and he was the bravest person I ever knew. But the thing I liked best was his terrific sense of humor-he never failed to make me laugh. He will be greatly missed by his friends and co-workers. My sincere condolences to his family.
Yes, Steve was definitely a history buff. I truly enjoyed talking with him about military history and world affairs when I was in Criticality Engineering at the Federal Building. He had an outstanding attitude about life that I found very remarkable. My condolences to his family.
I am truly saddened at Steve’s passing, and promise his family that I will work toward introducing a “gentler, kinder” therapeutic protocol for multiple myeloma patients.
So sorry to hear about your loss. Steve was always a very cheerful and friendly person despite his illness. He will be greatly missed.
We have lost a highly esteemed friend, classmate and colleague, at an age much too young. But a life well lived is long remembered, even if ended too soon; so it is with Steve. We who shared some small part of his life will always have his family and his memory in our warmest thoughts and in our hearts.
I worked and socialized with Steve in the early 1990’s. He was a good person; and will be remembered by me always as such.
For the Family of Stephen R. Gedeon
From the Kennewick Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution
There are no words to express the sorrow of losing a loved one. It is a pain that only time will heal. While we did not know Stephen personally, as DAR members, we honor his commitment to our country and his service in its defense. The DAR strongly supports our nations’s military, and we recognize the personal sacrifice that each member gives, as well as their families.
To that end, we offer you our heartfelt condolences, and prayers of comfort. We thank you for Stephen’s service, and his sacrifice to our country.
May God bless you and comfort you as you remember just how very special Stephen was to his family, and his country.
In grateful remembrance,
The members of the Kennewick Chapter DAR
Nancy and Andrew;
Steve’s enthusiasm for life made a positive impact on many of those around him and I am honored to have considered him a friend.
Dear Aunt Aldine, cousins Paul, Jim & Shelli and family, Rick, Nancy and Andrew,
I just want you to know that even though I met Steve only a few times and wrote to him briefly while he was in Iraq, I loved him with all my heart. He was very funny and very knowledgable about the Civil War, a subject that I love also. He accomplished many things in his short life. All of his family members in New York will miss him.
I knew Stephen well when he was young. We hiked many miles together, shared a tent or three, took all the same classes in school and sat next to each other in band for about 6 years.
Steve was smart and amazingly athletic. He did not go out for sports, but we had to wrestle one time in PE. I did a little wrestling, and was suprised with the ferocity he put into it. Suprised to the point of a broken nose when he threw a move a little too hard.
He was a gentle spirit who did everything he tried with great commitment. We will miss him.
Steve was an amazing man! I have known Steve since the mid 90’s. I found true friendship in Steve and he will be greatly missed. I had the pleasure of being “entertained” by Steve on many occassions and am feeling a huge loss in my life at this time. One great thing about Steve now is that he does not have to suffer any more pain. The love and laughs we shared and his “dry” sense of humor will stay with me always.
I love you Sarge! Always have…always will!
My memories of Stephen are from Crow High School in the late 60s and early 70s. He was a brilliant student and we had many classes together. He and another friend Connie were Salutatorians along with me as Valedictorian. At our last class reunion it was good to see him along with the others who attended and then later when we lost our dear friend Connie. I am thankful to have known this good man and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and those who have a void that only he can fill.
Andrew and Nancy,
It is very hard to believe that Steve is gone. He and I had our “brotherly” disputes growing up, but he was unfailing in his understanding and support of me as we grew to be men. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
My love to you both, Paul
I am so saddened to hear of Stephen’s passing. He was a very, very intelligent , quiet , and unassuming man that I looked upon as a true genius, one of only three I have ever met in my life. The world has lost a truly gifted and wonderful man. My sincere condolences to the entire Gideon family. I share your sorrow.
Michael Smith, class of 1971, Crow High School
Guestbook for
Stephen Robert Gedeon