Steven Lloyd Shilling was born August 24th 1946 to Lloyd and Evelyn (Sather) Shilling in Eugene Oregon. His family moved to Moses Lake WA in 1950 where Steve began his primary school years. In 1960 the family moved to Redding, California and he graduated from Enterprise High school where he was very involved in sports ( football). He graduated in 1964.
During the summer months he worked construction for his Dad, in locations which included California, Utah, Oregon and Washington. He used these skills all through life and created/remodeled beautiful homes over the years as an adult.
After High School, Steve attended Menlo College in Palo Alto California, then Oregon State University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Portland State University in 1968.
As the Vietnam War was in full swing in 1968, Steve enlisted in the United States Air Force, attending officer candidate school, then flight training at Selma Alabama Air Force Base. He earned the rank of Captain, and flew C-141 transport airplanes all over the world, including in and out of the war zone in Vietnam. He was decorated with a Service During Combat medal.
In 1980 Steve moved to Seattle, Washington where he pursued a successful Medical Equipment Sales Career, where he earned multiple awards over the years.
In 1992, he met the love of his life, Lisa Shilling (Byers). They married in 1994 at The Florence Henry Memorial Chapel of The Highlands, in Seattle.
As a couple, they enjoyed Real Estate investing, where Steve put his considerable construction skills to work, as well as traveling, entertaining and enjoying friends and family. They visited over 45 countries together, cruising, sailing, car and rail trips. They were baptized together in Israel, by their favorite pastors.
Steve was devoted to his family and friends, and spent time as a Stephen Minister through Westminster Chapel, to help others though tough times.
Steve was athletic all of his life, enjoying skiing (water and snow) boating, hiking, snowshoeing and kayaking. He rekindled his love of horses with Lisa’s help.
They spent 25 winters together at their beloved Chalet @ Alpental, where Steve and Lisa hosted robust winter gatherings with loved ones, skiing and sledding. The Chalet was always filled with love and laughter.
In 2007, they bought and developed Jackson Valley Ranch, a boarding and training Equestrian Center, where Steve’s beloved horse Go Go, continues to compete and win awards. They split their time between the ranch and their home on Lake Washington.
JVR hosted Seven’s Haven for many years. A non- profit organization which paired rescued horses with kids from Ronald McDonald house who were going though cancer treatments. He was often seen as Santa @ Christmas events.
Steve lived a big life and remained humble, and as a man of Faith he always believed the best in others. He brought a light so great to this world, that even in his absence his light remains. His kind heart, integrity and encouragement will never be forgotten. He died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on 7/24/24, after a long battle with prostate cancer.
Steve is survived by his wife, Lisa, brother Don, and family ( Kay, Jon, Mandee, David, Marcus and Evelyn) son Adam(from a prior marriage ), nephews Joshua and William, nieces Madison, and Tiffany, nieces and nephews from elder brother David’s family, who preceded him in death, as well as a great nephew, Rowan who was the apple of his eye.
Funeral arrangements through Barton Family Funeral Home in Kirkland.
A private Memorial and Celebration of Life is planned for family and friends.
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