Christopher David Steele was born in Colusa, California on February 9, 1948. He graduated from Orland High School and Bakersfield College. From 1994-2008 he worked as a food and beverages professional for the Bon Marche Seattle, where he was the head caterer for special events and employee lunches and dinners, and he also managed the employee cafeteria. He was an avid gardener, nature lover, and gem and antiques collector. He is survived by his partner of twenty-nine years, Curtis Berry, and by his three sisters, Susan King (Bill), of Orland, California; Cynthia Steele, of Seattle; and Janet Rainey (Tim), of Baker City, Oregon, as well as by his two nieces, Janeen and Michele McCormick, and his two nephews, Darrin and Jared Rainey. Chris died on November 25, 2016 in Seattle.