Steve F Vandecar obituary and celebration of life September 15

STEVE F. VANDECAR

 

Steve F. Vandecar of Kennewick, WA died on Sunday, September 6, 2015 at his home. He was born on May 8, 1949 in Lewiston, Idaho. He is survived by his wife, Karyn Vandecar; his son, Brian L. Vandecar; two sisters, Jackie Stewart and Janet; two step-daughters, Ketra Stumpf and Krista Sanchez; three grandchildren: Joelyn Rehfeld, Ketra Ann Ragsdale, and Devyn Stumpf; and loyal buddy, Fresco.

 

He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1968 and attended Lewiston Clark Community College earning a degree in Business. He worked for Albertson since the age of 16 and worked up as a Manager after obtaining his degree. He had to retire in 1985 due to being diagnosed legally blind. When he retired in '85, he went back to school and became a computer programmer. He became fully retired in 1998.

 

In 1982, Steve and Marlene Alexander married and were married for 28 years until she passed from a heart attack. They located to Kennewick in 2002 from Idaho. Steve married Karyn Turya in 2010 in Kennewick, WA. Steve accepted Jesus in 2010 listening to Mel Hague's song, "When God Dips His Pen of Love in Your Heart" and baptized in the Columbia River, August 2011. Steve was instrumental in putting together a technology group so that blind individuals could use their computers and phones; he helped the blind be able to see.

 

Member of the United Blind of Tri-Cities and served as President since 2012. The family thanks all family and friends for their love and support; care given by the Tri-City Cancer Center and Dr. Joseph Oro will always be remembered and appreciated. His blindness never slowed him down and went daily to the Tri-City Court Club to climb the wall (literally). Sports weren't an obstacle as he tried golf, bowling and horse shoes just to name a few. Steve has a passion for life, quick wit, and big heart. Steve will be greatly missed by all!

 

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Living Room Community Church, 1409 S Garfield, Kennewick at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 15th. In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated for the United Blind of Tri-Cities, Attn: Brenda Vinther, 404 East 3rd Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336.

 

Published in Tri-City Herald on Sept. 10, 2015

 

RantWoman particularly remembers Steve for a very warm welcome when RantWoman agreed to chair the WA Council of the Blind Environmental Access Committee; RantWoman also appreciates United Blind of the Tri-Cities for their activism about accessible pedestrian signals.