Our Bothell class of 1965 classmate Steve Smith died Jan, 10 of complications from hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a disease that shares some similarities with multiple sclerosis. His mother also had suffered from HSP.

     Steve grew up on Arrowhead Point. He attended Central Washington University and later graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in electrical engineering. He worked for Verizon (formerly GTE). for more than 30 years.

     Before his disease limited him, Steve was a skilled skier, motorcyclist and cyclist who also was at home in the sky and on water. He got his private pilot’s license and also skippered a live-aboard converted tugboat moored at the Everett Yacht Club. He served years as a volunteer fireman when he lived north of Everett. He and his wife Yvonne had lived in the Interbay area of Seattle since 2003.

     Steve is survived by Yvonne, and two children from his first marriage - Monica of San Francisco,  son Aaron of Katy, Texas., and step-daughter Nicole e of Seattle. Also surviving is brother Craig of Kirkland, a proud 1963 Bothell high graduate.

     A celebration of life will be planned for spring.

obituaries.seattletimes.com