Steven Craig Hanberg

was taken home to his Savior the morning of January 3rd, 2011, as he stared deeply and lovingly into the eyes of his devoted bride, Teri. For those present, it was a stunning and powerful example of God's infinite love and grace. An inspiration in death, Steven was also an inspiration in life. Steven was born in Portland, Oregon on October 15th, 1956 to Theodore (Ted) and Mary Hanberg. He was the eldest of two daughters and four sons. They lived in Portland until he was five and in January 1961, the family moved to Caldwell, Idaho where Steven attended public schools. Steven graduated from Caldwell High School in 1974 and began attending Boise State University. He also attended Multnomah School of the Bible for a year. In January of 1981, Steve packed up all his belongings and moved to The Dalles, Oregon to finish his bachelor's degree at Judson Baptist College. Steven graduated from Judson in 1983, but not until asking nearly every girl on campus to marry him. After being refused by all others, one finally said "yes." After dating for a time, Steven proposed for real and married Teri Lynn Pierce on August 18th, 1984 in Portland, Oregon.After completing his bachelor's degree, Steven wasn't satisfied. He chose to continue in a Masters of Communications and Journalism program at the University of Portland. He and Teri moved into his grandfather's house in Vancouver, Washington. In September of 1986, God brought the little miracle Nicole into their lives. After completing his Masters degree in 1987, Steven joined the Luis Palau Ministries headquartered in Portland, Oregon. In April of 1989, Stuart was born and the family was complete. Steven was with the Luis Palau organization for nearly five years. In October of 1992, Steven went to work for the Raymond Group headquartered on Bainbridge Island in Washington State. The family moved to Bainbridge Island and the new adventure of "island life" began. In early 1996, Steven launched on the challenge of entrepreneurism by starting a company called Sound Solutions, which provided information technology support to area businesses. In 1999 Steven answered the call of a startup online travel company called Destinations.com and rode the "dot-com phenomenon until it went bust. After moving to Bainbridge Island, Steven had more opportunities to pursue his passion for rescuing rusty old trucks. No matter how much dirt, mold, caked grease or rust the truck had, or how much of the original truck was missing, Steven could clearly see its potential. If the vision wasn't a completed work, it was parts for a work in process. He had many works in process. If asked how many trucks Steven had, the inquirer was first required to swear a blood oath never to divulge that number to Teri.In 2002, Steven was asked to return to a previous employer, but they had changed names and locations. The Raymond Group was now Masterworks and newly located in Poulsbo, Washington. Steven was made a Partner at Masterworks in 2007. Steven worked there until his leukemia diagnosis in 2009. The firm was extremely supportive of Steven through his illness and he was grateful. Steven was also very committed to the body of believers at the Island Church. He selflessly served his church family in many capacities over the years. In the end, this love was returned hundredfold with endless support, prayer and love throughout Steven's illness. Tears did not come easily for Steven, but the outpouring of love from his church family was overwhelming. For those who would like to share in the celebration of Steven's life, please join us on Sunday, January 9th, 4:00 pm at the Island Church, 9624 Sportsman Club Road on Bainbridge Island. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Steven's name to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (http://www.lls.org/).