Steven Robert Salisbury, age 66, passed away January 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Steve was born in Frankfurt, Germany, on September 8, 1957, to Robert and Charlene Salisbury (his father was serving in the U.S. Army at the time.) As a child and throughout his lifetime, Steve admired and respected his father, and continued to have a close relationship with his father until his passing in 2013. Steve also had a special relationship with his mother and was thankful to be able to spend quality time with her after his retirement. Growing up, Steve was the protector, best friend, and champion of his younger sister, Julie.

Steve attended school in Auburn, Washington, graduating from Auburn High School in 1976. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Seattle Pacific University in 1981. He then earned a master’s degree in education from Seattle University in 1989. His first job after finishing graduate school was teaching at Chinook Elementary School (where he had attended as a student). He married Sherri Trudeau in June of 1990, and three months later started his first administrative position at the Arlington School District as an Assistant Elementary Principal. During his four years in Arlington, he had the joy of becoming a dad to his first two children: Aliesha and Tyler.

In 1994, he was hired as kindergarten through 8th grade principal at the Hood Canal School District, and he worked there for 3 years. He moved his family to Shelton, Washington, for this position, where his family was blessed again with the birth of their youngest child, Troy.

In 1997, Steve was hired at the Tukwila School District as the principal for Tukwila Elementary, at which time he moved his family to Sumner. When he accepted the position at Tukwila, his plan was to work there for a few years and then relocate to a school closer to Sumner. However, he loved the staff, students, and parents so much that he couldn’t bring himself to leave. He worked at Tukwila Elementary for 25 joyful years and retired in 2022.

Steve enjoyed hiking with his family (especially his frequent hikes with his daughter), biking with his two sons, walking with his wife, and golfing with his friends and family. He especially enjoyed “taking bike rides around the world” on his NordicTrack Cycle that was purchased as a retirement gift from his staff. He had a notebook in which he recorded all his trips and kept notes about each ride, and enjoyed sharing the scenery with anyone who was in the room. Most of all, he simply loved spending time with his family and was especially excited to spend time with his first grandchild, Asher.

Steve was a true servant of the Lord and a prayer warrior. During his long daily commute, he spent hours each day praying, especially for his family, staff, and students. Although Steve was an intentional and talented educator, his workplace success was significantly overshadowed by his devotion to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Steve embodied what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. He took his Bible and “Our Daily Bread” wherever he went. He lived his life faithfully loving and serving his family and friends. The impact Steve had on all those blessed to have known him will continue to yield fruit long after his passing. He will be greatly missed but we are comforted by the knowledge that he is with the Lord, and we will be reunited one day.

Steve is survived by his wife Sherri, their children Aliesha (spouse Matthew Forster), Tyler, and Troy (spouse Anna Salisbury), grandson Asher, mother Charlene, sister Julie (spouse Dan Thomas) and many nieces and nephews.

The Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, February 3rd, at 2:00, at Faith Covenant Church, 1915 Washington Street, Sumner, 98390.

Principal Steve Salisbury Memorial Fund – in Lieu of Flowers

The Tukwila Children’s Foundation (TCF) is collaborating with Mr. Steve Salisbury’s family to establish a memorial fund in his honor. In lieu of flowers or other commemorative items, his family kindly suggests a donation to the Mr. Salisbury Memorial Fund. As a nonprofit organization with more than 25 years of service to Tukwila, TCF will responsibly oversee and allocate the funds to initiatives directly benefiting the children of Tukwila. You can contribute through the TCF donation site by scanning the QR code below and following the prompts. Please remember to specify “Mr. Salisbury” in the memo line. Your generous support is deeply appreciated.

https://www.tukwilachildrensfoundation.org/donate