Steven Harris
May 5, 1954 - December 18, 2017

Steven Gene Harris born May 5, 1954 in Tacoma, WA passed away Dec 18, 2017. A beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend. Father to Marie Chapman (James Chapman) Rick Harris, Stephanie Harris (Ryan Kam) Ronnie Harris and Stepfather to Cory Jones. Grandfather to Tori Chapman and Makenzie Kam. Steve grew up and lived in Burien, WA his whole life. He attended Highline High School where he met his first wife Jan, married in 1976 and had two children. Then in 1985 he remarried to Christy Erskine and had two more children. Steve started working as a welder at a very young age for various iron companies around Seattle, eventually landing his lifelong career with Todd Shipyard. While working and raising a family, Steve, Christy and all their children enjoyed years of traveling, camping, fishing, and boating. In 1993 Steve and his best friend Tim built a boat together in Steve's own backyard. This boat was a commissioned project that he fell in love with, decided to keep, and later named Rock. On that boat, years of memories were made with both family and friends. Lifelong friends were made everywhere from Gig Harbor to the San Juan Islands, the amazing and hilarious memories he created on his boating journeys will live on forever. There were camping trips to Blake Island with his family, 4th of Julys on the water under fireworks, and Waterland parties too numerous to count. Steve loved to be on the water whether it was his personal hobby time or working on various projects at the shipyard. His passion and knowledge for boats became eminent during his years at Todd. Some highlights of his career included working on United States Navy Ships such as The USS Sacramento and The USS Camden. He also had a lot of involvement with the Washington State ferries, working on vessels such as The Tacoma, The Wenatchee and The Puyallup just to name a few. As he drew closer to retirement he was project supervisor on the new Tacoma Narrows bridge construction. Finishing his career with Todd he left as "Ship Superintendent of the Major Projects Department." Once he retired he continued to enjoy as much time on his boat as possible; crabbing, fishing camping, exploring, even just sitting at the dock drinking a beer doing nothing except enjoying a gorgeous Puget Sound sunset.

He loved to have his family and friends come to the dock for big summer dinners. He was always planning new adventures and looking forward to his next big "project". He will be remembered for many good times had, much love offered, and memories for years to come.


"It is not that life ashore is distasteful to me. But life at sea is better."

-- Sir Francis Drake, Sea Captain

Celebration of his life will be held at The Cove 1500 SW Shorebrook Dr. Normandy Park, WA 98166 on February 3, 2018 from 1:00PM - 4:00PM.

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