Steven D Mallard

Steven D. Mallard passed away on Aug. 20, 2015, due to complications of prostate cancer. Steve was born to Luther and Bertha Mallard on Feb. 22, 1953, in Boise, Idaho.

He spent his early years in Meridian, Idaho, and Alaska. He graduated from Meridian High School in 1971, where he was a proud member of the Meridian High School football team and the drama club. Steve then enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1972 and was discharged in 1974.

He married Debra Sandland in August 1973 and they have two daughters, Stephanie and Suzanne. He attended Boise State University and later graduated from Link’s School of Business with an accounting degree. He worked for Paul Roberts Company and the V.A. Medical Center in Boise, and then transferred in 1985 to the Walla Walla V.A. Medical Center, where he retired in August 2010 as a contracting officer.

Steve was an avid hunter and fisherman in Idaho and especially enjoyed being with his father and brothers and other family members in the Sawtooth Mountains. He also played competitive softball in Boise and was a member on a team that participated at the national level.

After moving to Walla Walla, he learned to play golf, which became a passion for him. In addition to golfing at the city’s Veterans Memorial course, he met many life-long friends. His golf buddies were a second family to him.

After retirement, he renewed his interest in rock hounding and lapidary works. He made many beautiful gemstone jewelry pieces that he was very proud to give as gifts.

In 2011, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer but made the most of the last four years. He traveled extensively with his wife, family and friends even though he was going through cancer treatment. He was always up for a new adventure and especially enjoyed socializing with his special group of friends including Sue, Gary, Muff, Jim, Carol and Dick. In addition, he enjoyed the time he spent with his wife’s relatives.

He was a member of the Meridian LDS Church, Milton Freewater Elks and Marcus Whitman Rock and Mineral Society.

He leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Debra Mallard; daughters Stephanie (Larry) Couch, Suzie (Scott) Buttice; and three grandchildren, who were the light of his life: Madison, Andrew and Logan. He was especially close to his grandchildren and considered them to be the best thing that happened to him.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Michael and Kenneth; and sister Jeri Franzen. He is survived by two brothers, Eugene (Cherry) Mallard of Boise, Idaho, and James Mallard of Albany, Oregon; Uncle Dave (Nancy) Mallard; Aunt Celia (Frank) McKeever; special cousins Debbie (Randy) Papin, Gail Gebhardt, Barry (Jo) Mallard and Kathy McKeever; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the staff at St. Mary’s Cancer Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for their compassionate care of Steve.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 29, 2015, at Bowman’s Funeral Home in Boise, Idaho. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary Regional Cancer Center through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA 99362.