Steven Eugene (Steve) Mushkin

Steven Eugene (Steve) Mushkin, 64, of Whitefish, Montana, died peacefully, of natural causes, Oct. 24, 2020.

He was born with Downs Syndrome on July 31, 1956, in Seattle, Washington.  Son of the late Pauline and Eugene Mushkin of Mercer Island, Washington.  Beloved brother to three surviving siblings: Michael (Kathleen) Mushkin of Port Susan, Washington, Claudia Mushkin of Anchorage, Alaska, and Timothy (Kerry) Mushkin of Whitefish, Montana.   Preceded by long-time girlfriend and soul mate Michelle Thomas of Bellevue, Washington.

Steve lived in Magnolia, Washington until 1966 when the family moved to Mercer Island, Washington.  He lived with his parents until his father passed in 2012 at which time he went to live with Tim and Kerry.  They moved to Montana in 2015 and in 2017 Steve realized his life-long dream of living independently when he moved into The Springs at Whitefish.  

Steve graduated from The New School for Special Children in Seattle, Washington. He also attended classes at Interlake Cottage School for Special Needs in Bellevue, Washington and took vocational life skills training at Bellevue Community College.  

He worked at Custom Industries in Bellevue, and at the King County Pool on Mercer Island, before starting a 20-year career as a courtesy clerk for Safeway where he split his time each year between stores in Factoria, Washington and Lahaina, Maui before retiring in 2012.

Steve was active in the catholic church of Saint Monica on Mercer Island where he attended mass weekly and served as an altar boy in his youth. He was active in his community as a 50-year member of the Mercerwood Shore Club where he volunteered in several capacities over the years and will be fondly remembered as the official swim team cheer captain.

Steve was a gentle and kind soul who made friends easily and loved chocolate chip cookies. He always had a smile, firm handshake, and big hug for everyone he encountered. Always willing to share, and help others, he will be sorely missed. In keeping with family tradition his ashes will be scattered off Napili Point, Maui in a private ceremony and whenever we see a rainbow, we’ll know Steve is smiling down on us.  

In lieu of flowers the family asks that remembrances be made to the National Down’s Syndrome Foundation.

Austin Funeral & Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for Steve’s family.