Obituary

Steven Daine Skannes passed away unexpectedly in Bellingham, WA on March 25, 2024 at the age of 70. He was born in Sitka, Alaska on January 20, 1954 and lived most of his life there. His family moved to Kirkland, WA for a couple of years during the mid-60’s. Steve graduated from Sitka High School in 1972. He is survived by his wife Pattie, son Jason Skannes, daughter Marie Skanis and husband Eddy Hix, grandson Liam Skannes, brother John Skannes and his wife Joan, his Aunt Pat Martin, his cousin Gary Atkinson and wife Shelly, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father George Skannes Jr., his mother Rose Elliott, sister Georgia Skannes, as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.  

From a young age, Steve loved spending time outdoors boating, fishing, hunting, snowmachining and hiking. He got his first boat at age 9 and owned several others over the years. He was a hard worker and followed in his father’s footsteps when he joined the family business, Crescent Plumbing and Heating. He helped grow that business, along with his brother John, and was very successful.  

Steve met Pattie in 1978, when she moved to Sitka from Wisconsin to begin a career with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and joined the Crescent Plumbing women’s softball team. They were married in October, 1979 and had many adventures over the next 44 years.  

Steve and Pattie retired and moved to Birch Bay, Washington in 2017, where they bought a house in a wonderful neighborhood near the ocean. They enjoyed many good times with family and the new friends they made there. Steve enjoyed some new activities including golfing, bowling, swimming, canning and baking goodies for neighborhood children.  He was a devoted dog-dad to several lucky pups that were part of his life. He volunteered at The Bridge Community Hope Center in Birch Bay, offering help with their food bank program and building maintenance.  

Steve was generous with his time and talents. He had a dry sense of humor, a memorable smile and laugh and was a loyal friend to those he was close to. Steve was someone who many turned to when they needed help, advice or someone to simply listen to their concerns. His children and grandson brought him great joy. Steve was a loving father, grandfather, husband, uncle and friend. He will be greatly missed.  

A celebration of life will be held this summer.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve’s name can be made to www.thebridgehope.com