Obituary of Gerald Kenneth Steele

Gerald Steele Gerald K. Steele, 78, of Camas, Washington passed away peacefully October 23, 2016. He was born July 29, 1938 in Seattle and graduated with the Class of 1956 from Ballard High School. During his growing years, he enjoyed camping, fishing and boating activities with his parents, sister and brother, traveling many rivers and streams throughout Washington state and Puget Sound. He was active in the Boy Scouts for many years, at a time when his father was Scoutmaster and his mother was a Den Mother. Jerry developed his musical love and ambitions beginning at an early age and performed at various Boy Scout and school activities, and in Seattle parades. As a sophomore in high school he joined his cousin, Merle, in establishing a small band group of about six members which played dance/big band music at church, Lions Club, YMCA and YWCA functions. Jerry attended Seattle University, and the group was together until about the time he relocated to Ellensburg, Washington to further his college studies. After graduating from Central Washington State College, Jerry begin his career teaching music in the Camas school district in 1960, and later got a master's degree in music education by attending summer school. As the Director of Instrumental Music for Camas High School, he proudly led the concert and stage bands to many awards and accolades. Mr. Steele left a lasting impression on all the students he taught in his 30 year career. For many years Jerry was an active Moose member, and he served two terms as governor and later as administrator for the Camas Moose Lodge. As an officer of the state ritual team, he traveled statewide and also nationally to perform. In 1985 he was honored as a Pilgrim, an esteemed degree of merit of the Loyal Order of Moose. In 2013 he was inducted in the WSNIMA Hall of Fame for his service to the Moose association. Jerry has been a member of the Camas Senior Citizens Board since 2001, and was nominated as King of Camas Days royalty court in 2014, in recognition of his many years of volunteer community service. After retirement Jerry enjoyed golfing nearly every day at Beacon Rock, and especially took great pleasure in frequent outings with his son Dave, who says Dad kept him honest at golf - he counted every stroke! Jerry loved baseball and enjoyed going to the Seattle Mariners games to cheer on his favorite team. He was also a fan of the Seattle Seahawks. Jerry took an active interest in the achievements of his six grandchildren; Jennifer, Nicole, Mecia, Brock, Keilani and Olivia, and enjoyed visits with his three great-grandchildren. He would cry "happy tears" of pride for his grandkids whenever we shared highlights of their recent activities. In addition to being a loving husband, father, grandpa, brother and uncle, we also remember Jerry as a music man, a golf enthusiast, a joke-teller, and crossword-puzzler. His wife fondly remembers her husband serenading her with the saxophone, and he especially liked playing Harlem Nocturne. His youngest daughter, Kristi, remembers dancing on Daddy's shoes and him teaching her to play the sax. His sons recall memories of Dad taking them to CHS football games and watching him direct the band. Jerry's oldest son Michael, who lives in Germany, is grateful for the time that he and his wife Kirstin spent with him during their visit this past Spring. Of the many special memories we share, the common thread is that Jerry was so supportive of the people he cared about. Jerry's daughter Cathy recalls, "Dad was always there for me when I needed him." Jerry is survived by his wife of 47 years, LaRhea, and his daughters Susan Sorrells, Catherine Nolan, Kristi Howard; sons David Steele, Michael Steele; and a sister Marilou Martell. He is preceded in death by a brother, Robert W. Steele and their parents, Richard and Louise. A celebration of Jerry's life will be held at the Lacamas Lake Lodge on Wednesday, November 9 at 2pm. We welcome all who attend to share stories and memories of Jerry. Memorial contributions in Jerry's honor may be made to Moose Charities, and to the Instrumental Music department of Camas school district, to benefit Liberty Middle school, which is where the new music building was established in 1970. A dream come true for the music directors and students of Camas High School. Straub's Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation in Camas is in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences or to sign the online guestbook please visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.