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In Memoriam: Steven Eugene Paschall

Steven Eugene Paschall, age 62, died on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at his cherished home on Vashon Island, surrounded by his beloved community of close-knit family and friends. From his birth in Evergreen Park, Illinois on July 21, 1955, until his death, Steve nourished the people around him with love, sincerity and grace.

Steve attended St. Olaf College, where his foreign study in India was the highlight of his college years. He graduated with a B.A. in psychology, specializing in anxiety-related illnesses, and later received a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation. Steve’s passion for service led him to acquire expertise in both Hellerwork and craniosacral therapy. To his patients he was known simply as “healer.”

Steve was a lifelong seeker. His quest brought him back to India and beyond, to such diverse places as Nova Scotia and the Kingdom of Bhutan.  The last book he read was Robert Wright’s Why Buddhism is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment.

He met the love of his life Katy Jo Steward on January 3, 1985 in Seattle, where they made their first home before moving to Vashon Island in 1997.  Steve was a devoted father to their children, Kelly and David, and adored his grandson David Miles.  Eric Martincavage was welcomed into the family after his mom died when Eric was 12.

Steve’s talents were many, including bowhunting and ocean fishing.  Steve loved being on his boat fishing with friends and in the mountains hiking and camping. Not content to just catch fish, he grilled, smoked, and vacuum sealed them, too. In 1987, he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from California to Washington. 
Arborist and master gardener, Steve tended their property diligently and it was no surprise when their ten-acre home was included in the annual Vashon Island Garden Tour.  Good food was important to Steve and their organic garden provided ingredients for an abundance of delicious meals.

Steve loved to celebrate with his community, and his generosity was boundless.  Whether a spontaneous dinner party for six, or a milestone birthday celebration with a live band, Steve and Katy Jo’s home was the setting for countless celebrations.  Steve enjoyed good company, good food, music, dancing and just having a fun time. 

Steve was a compassionate listener and counted many men and women as dear friends. He loved, cherished and respected his family, and traveled far and wide to keep in touch with his beloved siblings, parents and nieces. A concert in New York, he’s there; a birthday in North Carolina, no problem; Steve made all feel special, cherished and seen.
 
One of the last acts as a founding board member of the Kelly Ann Brown Foundation was a grant recommended by Steve to the Seahawks Equality Fund. The Seahawks NFL team gave Steve such joy and he was happy to support them. Bob Condotta, Seattle Times sportswriter did a beautiful write-up about the grant, which can be read by clicking here.

Steve had hoped for a "proper service" after he was gone, and indeed it was. Held on Katy Jo and Steve's property, it took place on December 20, 2017. Highlights from Steve's winter solstice memorial video by artist Alex Carrillo can be seen here.
 
Kelly Ann Brown Foundation board members Katy Jo, David Brown Steward, Eric Martincavage and Debra Hannula will continue to carry out their mission with Steve and Kelly always close in our minds and hearts. We take comfort in knowing that Kelly and Steve are reunited.

Remembering Steve