Steven Parley Jenks

Steven Parley Jenks was called home by the angels on March 22, 2016. Steve was a gentle soul, loved and respected by all he met. He was a great father, husband, grandfather and brother. We were blessed to have him in our lives.

He was born in Pocatello, Idaho on November 13, 1951 to Eva and Parley Jenks. He was their only child and was the apple of their eye. They moved to Quincy, Washington in 1954 and he and his father carved out farmland from the sagebrush. It was grueling work over many years as they developed the farm as part of the Columbia Basin Bureau of Reclamation Project.

He was a stand out football player and a wrestler for the Quincy High School Fighting Jackrabbits. He met his future bride one sunny day in September in Spanish class when her family moved from Spokane, Washington. He always said it was a great day when the Weinand sisters showed up at good ole’ Quincy High.

Steve attended Washington State University and then the University of Washington where he graduated with a degree in Fisheries Biology.

He married his high school sweetheart Jane Weinand on June 9, 1973. He went from being an only child to Jane’s family with nine brothers and sisters. He became our older brother and we welcomed him with open arms. There was never a dinner or party that didn’t start without some wise words from Steve. He commented often on not just marrying Jane but marrying the entire clan. His mom Eva was soon dubbed “our mother-in-law” and our families blended for all time. It truly was a match made in heaven.

Steve’s passion for fish and wildlife habitats defined his lifelong career. He worked for the Fisheries Department for 30 years. Steve was a passionate advocate for Fish and Wildlife in Washington. He recognized the value of educating the public for the citizens of our state regarding fish and wildlife habitats. He educated students of all ages on the salmon lifecycle and the importance of protecting their habitat.

He had an even greater passion for his family and his three children, Matthew, Rebecca and Amanda. He taught them all to fish, camp and enjoy the great outdoors of the Northwest. His love for them was unmatchable. His son Matthew preceded him in death in 2009. His daughters have continued to be his greatest advocates and fans. Rebecca and Taylor Herinckx blessed him with two grandchildren, Hudson (2) and Eleanor (1 day old). Amanda is marrying Matthew Meier this coming June and we will feel the loss of Steve’s presence greatly on this day.

Steve was respected and loved by all he met. There was never a story too long to be told or a fish too small to talk about. We were often regaled by his gift of story telling and his annual Christmas letter was a much-awaited novella. He surrounded himself with great people and great friends. You could always find him at a party at the center of the group telling another tall tale. His friends were lifelong and loyal. We will miss him daily and never catch a fish without thinking of him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to Providence St. Peter Foundation.