Richard “Barry” Steel, husband of Covenant minister Julie Steel, passed away on August 25, 2022, in Snoqualmie, Washington. He was 77.
Barry Steel was born on June 1, 1945, to parents Richard and Sylvia Steel in Grass Valley, California. After graduating from Placer High School in Auburn, California, he attended community college then earned his undergraduate degree from Chico State University. He later went on to receive a master’s in counseling from California State University Sacramento.
He began his career as a teacher in California, where he taught art, photography, speech, and English. He moved to Washington, where he transitioned to working full-time as a photographer and opened his own studio. It was through this endeavor that he met Julie. They were married on February 1, 1981.
Later in his career, Barry worked as a garage door technician, which gave him the chance to be very involved in raising his sons, including coaching their soccer teams, attending their sporting events, and golfing with them weekly. He cherished his role as a father and later as a grandfather.
Barry came to Christian faith later in his life. He was active in the life of the Mercer Island Covenant Church (later renamed Evergreen Covenant Church) where he assisted Julie in her ministry. He served in children’s, men’s, and assimilation ministries; taught both confirmation and adult formation classes; and served as a greeter. He was known for being able to speak to anyone and enjoyed golf, murder mysteries, cars, and photography.
Barry is survived by his wife, Julie; two children, Adam (Kendra) and Ben (Elise); and three grandchildren.
Peace be to his memory.
