Obituary

Stephen P. Lich, age 83 passed away on November 13, 2024, in Skagit Valley Hospital. Son of the late Peter and Grace Lich, Steve grew up in Bellingham, graduating from Bellingham High School in 1959. He attended Western Washington College and graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in Business Administration. As a youngster, he worked with his parents in their grocery store, the Bungalow Dairy, on Monroe Street. School age accomplishments included being head acolyte and choir member at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, and becoming Master Councilor, Order of DeMolay. Steve served in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain. He was a Vietnam Veteran and earned the Army Commendation Medal while commanding an Aerial Port detachment for the First Cavalry Division at AnKhe. Employed by Sea-Land Service, Inc., for 26 years, Steve retired as Tariff Manager for the Alaska/Hawaii/ Guam service. He was Past President of Delta Nu Alpha Transportation Fraternity, and a past member of the Seattle Transportation Club. In 1986, Steve and his loving wife Peggy (Maggie) bought a cabin on Camano Island. In 1996, they built their dream home on the property, and Steve spent most of his retirement at Camano, where he was in his fifth six-year term as a Fire Commissioner. An honorary Life Member of the Marietta Fire Department, Steve spent over 25 years with that organization, serving as a firefighter, training Lieutenant, and Commissioner. As a firefighter, Steve was the 1977 winner of a gold watch and the Captain Cook’s trophy for placing first in the annual fire school held by the Washington State Firefighters Association. He placed first, second or third at several additional annual fire schools. As a member of Island County Fire District No. 1, Steve was a firefighter and then Commissioner. He served 25 years as the Secretary for the Snohomish and Island County Fire Commissioners Association. An Honorary Life Member of the Washington Fire Commissioners Association, Steve served as the 5-county Regional Representative on the State Association’s Board of Directors for a number of years. Steve also represented the Fire Commissioners on the Washington State E-911 Advisory Committee for over 8 years. A Master Mason, Steve was a life member of Delta-White Center Lodge #172, F.& A.M. He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Peggy, or Maggie) at home; niece Christina Verma, Issaquah; sister-in-law Paula Stone, Issaquah; cousins Mary Jane Vail, and Kipp Jarrell, Spokane, WA, and “little sisters” Lorrie Whitfield and Lee Ann Williams, Bellingham. Steve requested there be no formal funeral. Following cremation, his ashes will be interred at Greenacres Memorial Park, Ferndale. WA. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Camano Island Fire/Rescue Capital Fund, 811 N. Sunrise Blvd, Camano Island, WA. 98282, or your local Medic One foundation.