Obituary of Michael Steckey

On Monday, April 6th, 2020, Michael David Steckey, loving son and brother, passed away at the age of 61.

Michael was born on June 5, 1958 to parents: Ivan and Zyta (née Zmarlicki) Steckey.

He is survived by his Mom Zyta, brothers Dominic, Donald and sister Irene as well as numerous cousins.

When Mike was just five years old, his Dad passed away from heart failure.

His Mom had to raise four kids on her own.

Shortly afterwards the family moved to New England and settled in New Britain, Connecticut.

Mike attend pubic school in New Britain and graduated from Irvington High School.

Mike shared common interests with both Dominic and Donald and that was James Bond movies.

Once the three brothers went to the local theater and watched a 007 double feature  movie.

The most memorable was  "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" - filmed in the beautiful ski resort on Mürren in the Swiss Jungfrau.

The other movie was "The Spy Who loved Me" - filmed at Gstaad Ski Resort in Switzerland.

Both films took place in snow covered mountains and wonderful snow scenery.

After the movie was over, all three brothers left the theater to a snow covered ground. It was so apropos.

This was one of Michael's fondest memories.

Mike's imagination was fertile, full of adventure and he set his sights beyond earthly realms.

His interests made him look to the stars. He loved science fiction movies especially "Star Trek."

Mike's interest continued with an eye to the stars and he decided to buy a telescope.

He had quite a passion for astronomy.

Michael loved science and technology and his favorite hobby was to build model rockets.

Together with his brother Donald they would build and launch them out in the open fields.

Chemistry was another interest that Mike had.

He would perform experiments with his brother Donald in their "secret" lab in the basement of the house.

His sister Irene's love for cooking created an unique appreciation for a variety of cuisines but one that captured

both their hearts and that was Polish cooking, especially pierogies. Mike could eat a bowl full and lick lips with joy.

Shortly after graduating High School, the family moved to New Jersey. It was there that Mike's sense of adventure

gave him a desire to take flying lessons and he together with his brother Donald would attend flight school and take to the skies.

Deeply rooted in New England colonial values, Michael had in his heart a big dream and that was the idea of "Manifest Destiny."

This idea was a flame he could not extinguish. It was the statement: "Go West, young man" - a phrase credited to author and

editor Horace Greeley concerning America's expansion westward, that spurred Michael on...

He had to give way to this fire in his soul and consequently, Mike decided to pack his bags and go out West, to Washington state.

He chose a most beautiful city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle. To him, it was an alabaster city set on a hill. A shiny

beacon of hope with a bright future.

Mike continued his education and enrolled in the University of Washington where he received two bachelors degrees.

It was at UW that Mike met Hamed Hashimi. They studied together and became very good friends. So much so,

that Hamed became Mike's most trustworthy and loyal friend,  the like's of which are rare in today's day and age.

Hamed's loyalty cannot be understated. His character is pure gold and more precious than gems.

Over the years, Mike worked in computers sales and later for Microsoft. He also worked for a genetics company.

Mike loved to travel. He has been all over the West Coast and he loved California especially. He loved the Rockies

and the Southwest.

During the course of his life, Mike always had health issues. Like his Dad before him, he had heart problems and it

caused him much discomfort. But that wasn't all. On October 2019, Mike took ill and was admitted to the hospital.

It was there that Mike was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a very aggressive tumor of the brain. Doctors gave him 18 months to live.

Mike only lasted six months.

Mike desired a wife and children but it wasn't mean to be. Nevertheless, Mike led a full life and the world is better off for having him.

He was a joy to be with. He was extremely smart. He loved and honored his parents. He loved his brothers and dear sister.

He held all in high esteem. He was extremely ethical and was compassionate. He had no enemies and was generous.

Most of all, Mike was a spiritual person. He believed in God, the Creator the Universe.

Due to the Coronavirus Epidemic, a virtual funeral service was conducted. No gathering was allowed at the cemetery.

Michael was interred on Wednesday, April 15th, 2020 at 10:30 am at Calvary Cemetery, 5212 70th St. W. Tacoma, WA.

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