Obituary of Steven Douglas Sarina

Steve was born on January 4, 1978 in Crescent City California to Laurel and Mel (Butch) Sarina. He died February 29, 2012 in Roy Washington. As an infant Steve and his family moved to Portland Oregon. He graduated from Benson High School in 1996 and joined the Air Force in 1999. He was in Aerospace maintenance for seven years and Intelligence for four and a half years, serving in Germany and Korea as well as the U.S. In May of 1999 Steve married Candice Hill. They later divorced. Steve was in Korea in 2010 when cancer was found in the form of a mole between two of his toes. He was medevaced to McChord AFB and began the first of many rounds of treatment for melanoma. From the start, things did not look to be in Steve's favor. The cancer had spread into his lymph system and then into his lungs. He went through three surgeries and then began the first of many courses of treatment. Steve fought hard to do all he could to overcome this vile disease. Through it all, he never complained and strove to protect his loved ones from the horror he was going through. Steve was a diehard Seattle Sounders fan and was leaving his house for what he knew would be his last game, when he took his last labored breath. Steve leaves behind his father and step-mother Mel (Butch) and Laurie Sarina, his mother and step-father Laurel and Guy Bernard, his brother Matt and wife Tiffany and two nieces Sarah and Alyssa. In addition Steve leaves step-siblings Richard, Nicole, Chris, Melinda and Drew. He will be forever missed by his many aunts, uncles and cousins who loved him dearly. There will be a gathering to remember Steve on Saturday March 17, 2012 from 12-4 at the Operating Engineers local 701 union hall at 555 East First Street in Gladstone Oregon. To anyone who knew and cared about Steve - please come and share this time with us. A special thank you to Steve's caregiver Stephanie Beck who looked after him well. Also, to the Seattle Sounders players and Emerald City Supporters.........you guys are the best !!!! Donations may be sent to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, P.O. Box 19023, Seattle WA 98109-1023. Checks may be made payable to SCCA with indication that they are in memory of Steve Sarina. Or you may call (877) 308-3117 to make a donation by phone. If Steve were here today, he would say "CHECK ALL MOLES ON YOUR BODY FREQUENTLY". The one that led to his death he knew about for years, but did not think it was any problem.