Astoria

May 11, 1951 — Feb. 2, 2024

Stephen Mansfield, 72, of Astoria, passed away from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) complications on Feb. 2 at Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland, surrounded by his family.

Steve was born in Palo Alto, California, on May 11, 1951, to JoAnn and Ned Mansfield. His childhood was full of swimming, tennis at the local club and family fishing/camping trips.

He studied at Utah State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and sociology. Steve met Debbie on a blind date in Los Gatos, California, and they married in 1982.

They began married life in Victor, Idaho, then moved to Pocatello, Idaho. In 1985, they settled in Astoria, where Steve had previously worked a memorable summer at Bumble Bee Seafoods, and fell in love with the area.

Steve and Debbie started and ran Coast Medical Supply and Coast Fitness until 2004 in downtown. They were partners in parenthood, business and life.

He was a loving and supportive father to his two children, Joe and Jamie. He taught them the importance of being kind, curious and taking risks. Together they had many adventures, including rafting the middle fork of the Salmon River as a family, motorcycle tours to Yellowstone National Park and the redwoods with Joe, and a camper-van trip around New Zealand with Jamie.

Steve and Debbie enjoyed family gatherings in Sunriver, Kauai, Hawaii and road trips to visit their daughter, “Ranger Jamie”’ at her latest national park job. Last year, they visited their son, daughter-in-law and grandson in Nelson, New Zealand.

Steve had many passions, including motorcycles, spending time in nature, telling stories, family history and tennis. He was an excellent tennis player, having learned the game from his father, and played throughout his life. At one point he was ranked No. 2 in doubles with his friend, Ken Quarles, in the Pacific Northwest.

He had many friendships around the tennis court, as he was a charismatic player with a good sense of humor. He loved to talk between points and was nicknamed “Chatty Cathy,” which suited him both on and off the court. Steve’s longtime tennis group pitched in to help renovate the Peter Pan (Lindstrom) Tennis Court, and he was honored last fall at the dedication.

Steve was a fixture of downtown Astoria. He spent many years renovating the Osburn-O’Brien Building at 14th and Duane Streets. Countless hours were spent rebuilding the wood windows in the upstairs apartments, chatting with passersby on the street and sipping mugs at Fort George Brewery.

During their ownership of the building, they rented apartments to the early employees of Fort George and kept rents affordable for those in the community.

He was a frequent donor to the North Coast Land Conservancy and the Sierra Club.

Steve is survived by his wife, Debbie Mansfield; son, Joe Mansfield (Raechel Frogner); daughter, Jamie Mansfield; grandson, Rowan Mansfield; sister, Merrily Doore (Dan); brother, Mike Mansfield (Theresa); and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A life celebration gathering will be held in May.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to ALS Northwest or the North Coast Land Conservancy.

Steve had a zest for life, a passion for connecting with others and a wicked sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by many.