Stephen Vincent Vieira, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, man of strong faith and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully at his home in Sequim, Washington, on September 25, surrounded by his family. He was 82.
Born on March 14, 1943, in Upland, California, to Mabel and Joe, Stephen—known to all as Steve—was defined by a deep-seated resourcefulness and a commitment to helping others.
After graduating from Chaffey High School in Ontario in 1961, Steve earned his degree in industrial arts from Long Beach State College. Upon graduation, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy and attended Officer Candidate School, serving as a mechanic from 1966 to 1971 during the Vietnam War aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Bon Homme Richard.
Steve married Stephanie Smith in December of 1968 – they recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary.
Following his military service, Steve earned his teaching credential in San Diego. Shortly afterward, he was hired for his first teaching job, in Sitka. Steve and Stephanie loaded their van and headed north for what they imagined would be a one-year adventure. That short trip turned into 28 years of making lifelong friends, countless memories, and raising their two children, Cristina and Michael. Both children spent their childhoods in Sitka, and graduated from Sitka High School.
As a father, Steve demonstrated a profound commitment to supporting his children's interests and passions. One example was the cedar strip canoe he hand-built so that he could travel with Mike on a three-week, 500-mile Boy Scout canoe trip on the Yukon River, ensuring his son could pursue his passion while sharing a priceless adventure with his father.
From the fall of 1971 until his retirement in the spring of 1998, Steve taught at Sitka High School. He was a passionate advocate for industrial arts, focusing on preparing students for success in the trades. He instilled in his students a vision of a prosperous future in skilled professions, often presenting it as a vital alternative to a four-year college path. His impact was recognized in the fall of 1997 when he was honored as the Alaska Vocational Education Teacher of the Year. Steve's legacy is a generation of students who entered skilled trade professions and contributed significantly to the infrastructure development in Sitka over the last three decades.
During his time in Alaska, Steve perfected the art of resourceful living. There was seemingly nothing that could not be made, fixed, repaired, or fashioned together from parts he collected and harvested from wherever they could be found. His ingenuity was legendary: he built his own aluminum boat, perfected pulling logs off beaches for firewood, and his home was a testament to his craftsmanship.
Though he would describe himself as someone who wasn't particularly social, Steve deeply valued his friendships. His closest friends remained a small group that formed as members of the Chaffey High School Band. He placed tremendous importance on those lifetime friendships, making time annually up to his death to gather with “the gang.”
He was known for his witty and sharp sense of humor, and above all, he was a man who helped anyone in need, spending countless hours fixing neighbors' vehicles, furnaces, laundry machines, and almost anything else that could break.
In 1999, Steve and Stephanie loaded their van once again, trading the wet Tongass Rain Forest for the dry rain shadow of Sequim, Washington. They spent 25 wonderful years together in Sequim, finally getting a chance to maintain a bountiful garden and enjoy the sunny weather. They ventured around the Northwest in their 5th-wheel trailer; Steve's time camping with Stephanie and their beloved dog Willie were some of the best days of his life.
Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Stephanie Smith Vieira. He was a loving father to his children, Mike Vieira and his wife Taylor of Sitka and Cristina Vieira of Oregon. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Mabelie Vieira and Aven Vieira. He cherished the time he got to know his granddaughters, enjoying following their passions and interests from afar. He especially had an affinity for getting a weekly photo of them enjoying their "Friday Donut Day" tradition with their dad, Mike.
He is also survived by his sisters, Sheri Vieira and Nancy Vieira.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mabel and Joe.
The family extended thanks to all of Steve’s friends who assisted in keeping him independent, healthy and mentally engaged over the last years of his life. "We are forever indebted to a small army of people who loved and cared for Steve," his family said.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
