Steven R. Picton

September 28, 1965 – February 1, 2019

Steven R Picton

Mercer Island resident and California native Steven R. Picton passed away Friday, February 1^st surrounded by family and close friends.  Beloved for his hilariously quick wit, gentle laugh, sympathetic ear and sound advice, Steve was often referred to as “the smartest guy we know.”  His counsel, intellect, jokes and relaxing disposition will be sorely missed.

Steve was born and raised in Burlingame, CA, the 3^rd of 4 children.  He led a highly athletic early life, with skiing, biking, tennis and backpacking in Yosemite being his passionate and expert pursuits.  Steve achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in Burlingame Troop 28, where his Dad was head Scoutmaster, and later attended San Diego State University, graduating from San Francisco State University with a degree in Business.  He had many fun-loving years living in the heart of San Francisco, launching his career at Macy’s where he met his wife, Teri Gibson Picton.  Steve went on to hold successful sales management positions at Nestle, Coca-Cola, and Puratos Corporation, from which he retired in 2010.  His career took his family from Northern California, to many fond years in Louisville, KY, where he served as President of the Kentucky Chapter of Crohn’s and Colitis, and finally to Seattle.

On Mercer Island, Steve enjoyed supporting his children, Lauren and Andy, as they thrived and graduated from MIHS, the University of Washington (Lauren) and Washington State University (Andy).  Football was a friendly family competition with Steve and Andy lone 49er’s devotees, everyone else a Seahawks fan, and the house divided between the Huskies and Cougars.  Steve and Teri loved to warmly entertain friends and family, with the Kentucky Derby being a special event, and any day a reason to celebrate.

Steve amazed us with his resilience and determination to manage multiple ailments beset upon him due to lifelong Crohn’s disease.  His later years were fraught with physical pain, yet he persisted with humor, dignity, loyal friendship and devotion to his family.  He stole our hearts and won our admiration.    

Steve is preceded in death by his father, Richard Picton.  He is survived by his wife, Teri; his children Lauren and Andy; his mother Pat Picton of Sacramento, CA; sisters Sandra (Mike) Hollis of Albuquerque, NM and Debra (Mike) Levine of Sandy, UT; and younger brother Dave (Sarah) of Sacramento.  Remembrances for Steve may be made to the Northwest Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, or The Boy Scouts of America.