STEPHEN RUDOLPH KOSONEN 1954 - 2009 Steve was born on August 25, 1954, four minutes before his twin brother, Stan. Steve grew up in Oroville, Washington and graduated from high school in 1972. He left Oroville to attend Eastern Washington University where he earned a degree in Industrial Technology and worked 23 years for The Boeing Company. At Boeing Steve became an expert in Lean Manufacturing, and was respected by his colleagues and management. Steve died suddenly, yet peacefully in his sleep, on January 13, 2009 at home in Mount Vernon, Washington. Steve met his soul-mate and married Cindy Mutch in 1980. Steve and Cindy worked together to build the life of their dreams and were a constant support to each other as they grew in their careers. Their relationship was one of a kind. Their love for each other never reached a plateau - it grew from year to year; they were best friends. They have three children, Stephanie (28), Davin (26) and Drew (23), who all live close to home and visit often. He was always proud to talk about their accomplishments and their hopes for the future. Steve and Cindy built a home on Lake Osoyoos in Oroville where they enjoyed frequent visits together and shared time with family and friends. Their lake home is a testament to their love of those times, the memories created, and the beautiful Okanogan. Steve was the best father anyone could ask for. His unwavering love, support and understanding was the foundation of his family. The example he set, with the integrity of his character, is something anyone would be happy to follow. He was the kind of dad who never missed a baseball game or an opportunity to say, "I love you. He taught his children to enjoy the simple things in life, like a twilight ski run or a job well done. You always knew he would be there with the best advice, which was also the most logical. This will forever give us the confidence to make anything seem possible. "Move slowly," and "Just keep putting one foot in front of the other," he would say. Like his advice, his sense of humor had the ability to make life seem a little bit brighter. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo and Ellen Kosonen, and his twin brother Stan. He is survived by his wife, Cindy; daughter, Stephanie; sons, Davin and Drew; brothers, Richard (Jeanne), Len (Caroline), David (Pam), Mark (Sarah); and sister, Wilma Alkire (Bill). Others who will miss him dearly are Cindy's parents Don and Vi Mutch and sisters-in-law, LaRayne Conley (Tim), Deb Pritzl (Dale), Miriam Gannon (Dave), and Donna Mutch. Along with many nieces and nephews, Steve's family, friends and coworkers, from all phases of his life, will miss his smile, his love of life, and his laugh. We can hear it today - Funeral Services will be held at Salem Lutheran Church - January 26th @ 1:00pm 2529 N. LaVenture Rd. Mount Vernon, WA 98273. For Steve's online guestbook please visit www.hawthornefh.com In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Steve's honor to: Oroville Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 123, Oroville, WA 98844. Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, 1825 E. College Way, Mount Vernon.