Steven C. Jennison, 56 passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 after a courageous fight against Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.
Raised in Orting, WA by his parents Elbert and Shirley Jennison. Steve graduated from Orting High School in 1977 as class president and went on to study Forestry at Green River Community College. Steve devoted 34 years to the Department of Natural Resources where he became a strong and graceful leader, who truly enjoyed his DNR family and loved his job fighting forest fires, laying out timber sales and scuba diving for geoducks.
Most of Steve’s time was spent outdoors, hiking at Blanchard, climbing Mt Rainier, taking his family camping on long road trips to Utah and Colorado, mountain biking, relaxing in the hot springs, capturing pictures of all his adventures, discovering the best snorkel spots in Maui, but most of all he loved teaching his daughter Zoe how to snowboard and taking her camping overnight at Mt Baker so they could be the first ones up hitting the slopes.
Steve is survived by so many family and friends who continue to love him and carry him within their hearts, including his mother Shirley, wife Melissa, son Christopher (Rachel), daughter Heidi (Jason), youngest daughter Zoe, brother Jeff (Rose), brother Ron (Connie), sister Kim (Scott), nephews Josh, Zack, Matthew, Cody, Curt, nieces Jennifer, Jami, Samantha and great-niece Rilynn.
Friends wishing to honor Steven with a memorium are requested to contact Skagit Whatcom Island Trail Maintenance Organization at www.switmo.org or to your favorite charity.
A Celebration of Life in honor of Steve will be held on Friday July 25th, 2014, 1:00 pm at the Lyman First Baptist Church, 31441 West Main Street, Lyman, WA. A potluck reception will follow where friends and family will be able to share all their love and favorite memories of Steve.
Steve was one of our students in the Forestry Program at Green River College.
Pat Cummins and I remember Steve well for his outstanding classwork and enthusiasm for a career in Forestry. He was a credit to our program and to the Department of Natural Resources. Best of all, he excelled in the avocation he chose as his life’s work. He is well remembered.
I worked with Steve in the geoduck program when I first came to DNR. He was very in-tune with the program needs and direction. By Steve’s actions, he instilled in me, my dedication and love for the program and that still remains with me today. Steve was always thinking and scheming ways to make things better and had a way of getting them across to other people. Steve had a good heart and cared very much for his friends and once a friend, always a friend. I will miss you very much Steve but you are in a better place now and may God bless your family and keep them safe and strong throughout.
Your old dive buddy and friend,
Ken Dean
Melissa, Christopher, Heidi, Zoe, Jeff, Ron & Kim, I am very sorry for your loss. I will miss Steve very much and know I am blessed to have Steve as a mentor (DNR Aquatic program) and a friend. He assisted me in conducting my first site visit (Lummi Island), showed me how to put up a small timber sale, and even rescued me out of a rising tide and thick, sticky mud that was sucking me out of my boots (Aquatic clam & oyster survey on Hood Canal) – he even saved my boots!). Steve was a friend who offered a different perspective on some of my biggest life changes. Steve & Melissa always showed support for me and my daughter Brandie – attending many landmark events (including a BBQ in the pouring rain). Thank you both. I hope to remember Steve’s unique view of life – always looking for the upside or the useful lesson or a different vantage point. Steve’s unique view is inspirational – Steve said “yes” to life and all it has to offer!
My thoughts and prayers are with Steve’s family at this difficult time of loss. I first knew Steve in the Aquatic Resources Division during the time he worked on the early phases of DNR’s geoduck management program. Steve brought a positive and professional outlook to everything he did and was considerate and respectful of all the people he came in contact with. He always had a recent photo of Zoe and big smile to share when our paths crossed. I feel fortunate to have known such a kind person!
I count it a privilege to have known and worked with Steve for many years. We first worked together in Forks. Our paths crossed often throughout the years. Steve was a dedicated worker who cared about others. I am blessed to with memories of knowing him!
John Viada
Retired DNR
We are sorry to hear about your passing. I know its been a long painful year for you.and we sent alot of prayers for you. Now you are at peace and no more pain. We will all meet again in a different place. GOD bless you and your family. We’ll be seeing you. Prayers are still ongoing.
A special GOD bless to your daughter Zoe, she will always feel close to you, I know you will be with her, guiding her and protecting her.
We love you, Uncle Bob and Aunt Donna Jennison