Henry Alsiet Steg, age 61 was born Nov. 5, 1948 in Sandpoint, Idaho to John and Betty Steg.

When he was seven his family moved to Oroville, Wash., to start Steg’s Apiary, the family beekeeping business. He was known as a math whiz and a track star, graduating from Oroville High School in 1967 with an appointment to the Annapolis Naval Academy. Working for the Forest Service near Winthrop, he helped construct the trail systems that led to the North Cascades Pass. He attended the University of Washington and Spokane Falls Community College before working for Caterpillar Tractor Company in 1969. Henry married Sheri Feb. 27 1970, on his parent’s 22nd anniversary. They had two sons: John and Jeremy.

His natural analytical talents led to interests in computers, strategy games, poetry, botany and photography. He described himself as a “jack of all trades, master of none” as he created inventions. He loved making fun memories such as springy shoes for his sons and cardboard kitchen appliances for his granddaughters. His interests included computer games, bowling, singing, square dancing and calling. He loved to drive fast, whether it was with fast cars or motorcycles. He liked sharing his fondness for green olives, vienna sausages, coffee and mochas to anyone who dared. He particularly loved being a grandfather, showing his granddaughters the delight of learning things.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sheri Steg, Spokane; two sons: John (Beki) Steg, Oroville and Jeremy (April) Steg, Spokane; his parents: John and Betty Steg, Oroville; one brother, Donald Steg, Oroville; three sisters: Janet (Roger) Dormaier, Lynden; Susan (Kim) Edwards, Kettle Falls; and Lynn (Bob) Johnson, Oroville; Six grandchildren: Scott and Billy Byington, Wenatchee; Kathryn St. Germain, Spokane; Gracie and Savanah “Nana” Steg, Keizer, Ore,; and Benjamin Henry Steg, Spokane; nine great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4 at the Oroville Grange Hall, 622 Fir Street. A luncheon will follow.