Steven Wendell Radford

Steven Wendell Radford, a born, raised and returned resident of Rigby, passed away peacefully January 6, 2021 in Idaho Falls. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, he will be missed by all who knew him.

Steve was born October 3, 1950 to Joan June and Wendell C. Radford of LaBelle, the second of an eventual nine children.

After graduating Rigby High School in 1969, he joined the Army National Guard of Idaho on Sept. 22, 1969 and served two terms. He was honorably discharged from service September 21, 1975. A talented marksman, Steve qualified as a Rifle M-16 Sharpshooter on March 2, 1970.

In 1975, Steve met Cathryn Marie Nordstrom, a native of Carey and resident of Rigby. Despite Steve’s proud mustache and penchant for motorcycle riding, the couple were married October 30, 1976. Settling in Rigby, they had three children: Cathryn Nicole, Preston James and Jonathan David, before moving to Kennewick, Washington in 1982. In Washington, the family welcomed five more children: Kristen Marie, Steven Daniel, Marisa Ruth, Aaron Williams and Michael Gary.

Steve was a natural salesman, blessed with an easy, friendly nature, quick wit and dry humor. He had a talent for peacemaking and valued harmony and accord above all else. He was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in various callings throughout his life, including roles within ward bishoprics, ward missions, young men and scouting organizations and others.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Steve enjoyed watching the Seattle Seahawks (Go Hawks!) and was a passionate and perpetually disappointed Seattle Mariners fan. During baseball season, Steve was known to keep one eye on a losing game and one in a book. He was an avid reader, particularly of history and poetry. Like his mother Joan, he loved Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost.

He wholly appreciated nature and enjoyed camping, fishing and enjoying the Idaho mountains, especially with his sons. He became something of an amateur ornithologist later in life, and his children and grandchildren enjoyed attempting to stump him with bird trivia, an endeavor that was rarely successful.

Steve is survived by his wife, Cathryn of Rigby, his siblings Sandra Mecham of Rexburg; Cathy Anderson of Rexburg; David Radford of Orem, Utah; Mike Radford of Springville, Utah; Wes Radford of Goodyear, Arizona; Marianne Cook of Ogden; Utah and Matt Radford of Bixby, Oklahoma; along with his eight children and five children in-law: Nicole and Vern Peterson of Richland, Wash.; Preston Radford of Salt Lake City, Utah; Jon Radford of Rigby; Kristen and Rick Price of San Clemente, Calif.; Daniel and Melanie Radford of Harrisville, Utah; Marisa Radford of Rigby; Aaron and Haley Radford of Liberty Lake, Wash.; and Michael Radford and Carmen Thorley of Orem, Utah.

Steve will be forever missed by his 11 grandchildren: Chase, Nicholas and Joseph Peterson; Astoria, Sylvie and Georgia Radford; Evelyn Radford; Dresden, James and Radford Price; and baby boy Tripp Wendell Radford, due this April.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Joan and Wendell Radford and his brother, Stuart Radford, all of LaBelle.  A family viewing will be held for Steve Tuesday, January 12 at 12 noon at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 401 W 1 ^st S in Rigby. A service for family and close friends will follow at 1 p.m. Those unable to attend the funeral may watch the live stream at https://filevine.zoom.us/j/ 96711367877 .