Ockaskis, Steve 11/12/1942 - 4/12/2020 Grand Rapids Stephen (Steve) Ockaskis, age 77, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2020. Following a stroke in 2018, Steve faced declining health with dignity and a sincere heart of gratitude stating, "I have lived a good life." Steve was born November 12, 1942 to the late Stephen Sr. and Inez (Cryderman) Ockaskis. He was preceded in death by his sister Linda Lee Sawyer. Steve is survived by his loving wife, Jan Ockaskis; sisters Dorothy Hill and Pat (Jim) Brooks and three children; Todd (Kathy) Ockaskis of Comstock Park; Theresa (Bruce) Allen of Charlotte, NC; Tonja (Todd) Bogema of Grand Rapids and six grandchildren; Alec, Anna, Brenden, Mitchell, Kiah and Brea as well as many nieces and nephews. Steve was a devoted husband and father. He valued hard work and taught countless life skills and resourcefulness to his children as well as to the students he served as a dedicated social worker at Northview Public Schools. Steve was well-known in the West Michigan area as a professional photographer of weddings, school, business and sporting events. Steve enjoyed travel with family and annual fishing trips to Canada with his buddies. After retirement, Steve volunteered tutoring children in math at the local elementary school. He was also eager to lend a helping hand to anyone who had a home improvement project to tackle. Steve will be remembered for his love of sharing playful mind challenges, dedication to improving the lives of students, spending time with family, and a passion for gardening and fishing. Steve wore his MSU cap with pride as he spent time on Murray Lake where he enjoyed hosting family and friends to a day of boating and water activities. The family would like to thank the care teams of Boulder Creek Assisted Living and Faith Hospice. A celebration of his life will be held later this summer. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: • Northview Education Foundation http://northvieweducationfoundation.org/donate/ • Faith Hospice https://faithhospicecare.org/donate/