Roger Lazzar

Ricks daughter Peri-Lyn wrote this tribute to her father.

On June 24, 2018, Richard Bruce Steele "Rick" fought a 7-month battle with Pancreatic Cancer, although his heart gave out before he could win the fight. Rick was born on October 22, 1946, in Rutherfordton, N.C. to Jim and Jennie Steele. He lived in several different cities and landed in Seattle, WA in 1962. He attended Highline High School and graduated in 1964 with many friends, whom of which he has to this day. Rick began working for West Coast Airlines in 1966 and retired exactly 42 years to the day. Rick enjoyed many outdoor activities including golfing, skiing, hiking, fly fishing and chasing his grandkids around when camping. He shared his love of sports with his wife and daughter- he was a true fan! He moved with his lovely wife, Donna Steele, to Tucson, Arizona to care for his mother. Donna and Rick just celebrated 20 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife Donna Steele, his two step sons, Jesse Macomber (Trish), Rory Macomber (Nicole) and his daughter, Peri-lyn Johnson (Steele) and his two grandchildren, Madalyn (age 17) and Denton (age13). His sense of humor would make it appropriate to also include the fact that he is survived by his 3 -4-legged girls, Bella Louise, Carmen Marie and Benni Hannah, all of whom adored him. Rick was one of the good ones and will be missed by many including strangers he met only once, as he always left a positive impression. The family would like to thank Arizona Oncology- Specifically Drs' Porterfield and Thacker and "little Lyn" as well as Sandy (the chemo cocktail chemist) and all the chemo nurses who kept him smiling, or visa versa. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Arizona Oncology, www.lustgarten.org (pancreatic cancer research) or the American Heart Association. 

Roger Lazzar

I reconnected with Rick a few years ago while in Arizona. My wife Mary and I had the opportunity to get together with Rick and Donna on occasion for dinner and golf. Rick will truly be missed be all who knew him. As Ricks daughter noted in her tribute to her father HE WAS ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS. Rest in Peace my friend, we will miss you

Linda Pompeo (Worden)

I am saddened to hear of Rick's passing. 

In school I remember him always a such a nice person with a huge smile. 

My condolences to his family.  May you find peace in the good times and  memories that you shared with him.  Blessings to you all.

Steve Morris

            Dang. And he just retired. Always enjoyed spending time with him. We'll miss you, Rick!

Tim Jones (Jones)

I didn't know Rick well, but do remember him as one of those guys you might think of as a gentleman's gentleman. Another Highline Pirate lost to cancer. Geese! Guess I wonder how many have been lost to the dread disease? Cold war nuclear test fallout and we Pirates, many being in the 'down wind' zone of the Asarco Smelter in Tacoma. High levels of heavy matals, especially arsenic. Normandy Park being especially hard hit. 

I've thought for some time that we should establish a Highline cancer death registry. Not just Highline 64, but all years. The picture painted by the registry might be sobering..... Sorry to bring this up on Rick's obituary, but I guess I had to say it at some point. Me and my siblings also cancer survivors (so far). 

Sorry to hear Highline lost another one of the Good Guys!  To Rick's family and friends, I offer my sincere condolences. 

Tim Jones

Joanne Rowe (Jordan)

So sad to hear one of our best looking Pirates has passed on. We got together with Rick and Chris when they lived in Lynnwood and then when we each had our firstborns. We saw Rick when he lived across the street from Lake Morton in Kent. He was always kind and friendly. My sympathy and prayers go out to Donna, Peri-Lyn, grandkids and Chris. 

Gary Lindberg

Rick was my dear friend; he and Donna living in Green Valley AZ and me and my wife Linda living in Tucson. We both shared a common passion of playing golf so I sometimes would go south to Green Valley and we would play golf down there and sometimes Rick would meet me up in Tucson to play golf in my area. We  shared the same love for our puppies.  He would always say at the end of our phone conversation "kiss Murphy and Abbey for me" and I the same for his three dogs. We shared the same passion for Husky football and most times would get together with Rick, Donna and Ricks daughter PeriLyn for  a "tailgate" luncheon at one of the restaurants  near the UA on game day of a Husky/UA football game. We're hoping that Donna will continue to stay in Arizona so that we can continue to see her and PeriLyn and enjoy Husky football and Bowl games. Roger Lazzar and I share the same fond memory of meeting for a round of golf with Rick half way between Phoenix and Tucson at Casa Grande.

Yes, Rick was surely on of the good guys and he was my dear friend. I'll miss him.............mucho.

Love you Bro

Jack Fouts

I was so very sad to hear of Rick's passing along with so many other classmates.  Rick and I were good friends, cruising around town hitting all the hot spots in Burien or going to the ocean.  I was honored when he asked me  to be his best man at his wedding to Chris Donahue in 1966. I regret that we lost contact with each other over the years.  I did see Rick a few times at the airport but we would only get a chance to say a quick hello.  My sister also worked at Sea-Tac and would see Rick quite often.  He would always inquire about how I was doing.  He will be missed by so many that remember his smile and great humor!!! As others have said," He was one of the good ones".  My prayers go out to his wife Donna, his daughter Peri-Lyn, son's, grandchildren and Chris.      MAY YOU REST IN PEACE OLD FRIEND!!