Max Allan Steen, born on Vashon Island on Aug. 2, 1929, to Lola Jane and Garner Steen, died Dec. 21, 2009, on Vashon, where he had lived his 80 years.

At age 14, he began working for the Beall Greenhouse Company and stayed there for 38 years. When the company closed, he worked for the Bacchus Lumber Company until 1990 when he retired. He never moved from Vashon and lived in the same house all but five years of his life. He graduated from Vashon High School in 1947 and married his school sweetheart in 1950.

A charter member of Vashon Island Golf & Country Club, he enjoyed golf and making new friends. Steen was a member of Vashon Sportsmen’s Club, Teamster Union 117 and Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Association.

His friends remember him as a very quiet, easygoing, methodical, hard-working man who had a good sense of humor.

During his last five days he was cared for at Island Elder Care, along with the “angels” of Providence Hospice of Seattle.

He is survived by his family: Barbara, his wife of 59 years, son Gordon of Kailua, Hawaii, daughter Marsha (Alan) Berry of Palm Springs, Calif., grandsons Justin (Kelly) Berry, Christopher (Michelle) Steen, granddaughter Kayla Berry and two great-grandchildren, Joseph and Lillian. He leaves a sister, Marjorie Lou Andersen of Bainbridge Island, and brother Gordon (Peg) Steen of Vashon and extended family Rex and Trish Hilderman, Nali Hilderman, Emily (Joshua) Merchant and Andy Hilderman, as well as nieces Jenny Donohue and Lisa Steen and nephews David and Morgan Andersen.

A private graveside service was held Dec. 29, 2009, followed by a public memorial service at Vashon United Methodist Church.

Visit the online guest book at islandfuneral.com.