The Rev. Steven Gerald Brill was born on Jan. 15, 1957, in Murray, Utah, and died on May 5, 2022, at the age of 65, at his home in rural Montesano, Washington.
Steve was an avid fly fisherman, ceramic potter, and reader, with a touch of culinary genius. Steeped in the magic and wonder of nature, Steve enjoyed water, woods and wildlife. He had an easy smile, a deeply thoughtful mind, a fascination with geography and was a natural at Trivial Pursuit.
Steve started a career in business after he earned his bachelor’s degree. In 1991 his focus shifted to people rather than products, and he never looked back. He was a caregiver at Mid-Nebraska Individual Services in Hastings, Nebraska, administrative assistant at HALA in Aberdeen, Washington, Outstation Manager at the Division of Developmental Disabilities in Aberdeen, and Chaplain Supervisor at Stafford Creek Correctional Center. Steve served as a parent educator and family therapist with Connections in Montesano for many years. Of all the meaningful work Steve has achieved, his perfect fit was his work as our priest, supporter and friend. His focus lay where his heart resided — with the St. David community of faith and the lives he touched, particularly in support of the most marginalized in society and his ministry of inclusion. Steve was ordained into the priesthood on Sept.29, 1999, at the celebration of St. Michael and All Angels, and he now enters the realm of the angels as he joins the stars.
Steve is preceded in death by his father, Paul Brill; his brother, Tobyn; and his uncle, Walter. Those left to cherish Steve’s memory include his wife, Beth; children, Ashley and Spencer; his stepson, Paul Murphy; grandchild, Johanna Johnson-Murphy; his mother, Geraldine Brill; sisters, Paulette Schroeder and Tonya Fischer and their families; aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews, along with friends who were like family to Steve. Although Paulette, Tonya, Paul, and Jo live out-of-state, they were with Steve to say goodbye and to support Beth. They are loved and appreciated.
Our celebration of Steve’s life will be held at St. David of Wales Episcopal Church, 324 W. Cedar Street in Shelton, Washington on Saturday, July 23 at 1 p.m., followed by a reception at Colonial House, 222 W. Pine Street in Shelton. For those of you who knew Steve but are unable to be with us, his memorial service will be livestreamed by Mason Web TV, and will also be available on YouTube at a time convenient to you at https://youtu.be/yejvhQtqxko
It would mean a great deal to Steve that donations are made to St. David of Wales Episcopal Church, Box 339, Shelton, WA 98584.
Rest, Steve, and well done. You are loved deeply.
