Steve C. Gregory

Steve C. Gregory died July 2 at his home on Bainbridge Island. He was 53.

He was born on Dec. 12, 1955, and grew up in Carlsbad, Calif., where he board surfed and body surfed, and was a member of the Oceanside Lifeguard Service. Steve moved to Washington in the early 1980s, where he lived, worked and raised a family.

Recent-ly, Steve grew to love the New Zealand surf beaches, as well as his annual body surfing trips to Costa Rica. At home, he played golf and tennis, worked out at Bainbridge Athletic Club, and enjoyed running. He called his dear wife Anna, who he married in October 2007, the love of his life. Although their time together was short, he would tell anyone who would listen that the last three years were the happiest of his life.

Steve faced his illness with bravery and honesty, and always looked to the lighter side of life. He was a wonderful friend, with a great capacity for kindness to others. He was very much at peace with his life.

He is survived by his parents, Bill and Joyce Gregory; wife Anna; children Christen, Nicole, and Catherine, and step-children Nick and Caitie Mooney, of Bainbridge Island, and Mia of Silverdale; siblings Pam, Carol, Dave and Judson; and his eight nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Friday, July 17 at 4 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 8595 Northeast Day Road East. An online guest book is at www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.