Steven K. “Bear” Baretich, 76, lifetime Aberdeen resident and longtime Longshoreman, passed away Tuesday morning, Dec. 29, 2020, at Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen, Washington.

Steven was born on Dec. 19, 1944, in Aberdeen to Steven Anthony and Ellen (Jarvi) Baretich. He grew up in the Wishkah Valley and graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1953. In 1966, he joined the Aberdeen’s Longshoreman’s Union (ILWU) local 24. He retired in 2002 as foreman.

He was a member of the Aberdeen VFW. He enjoyed watching Jeopardy, hiking, history and loved to feed wild animals on his hikes. He especially liked to hike the Lake Sylvia area.

Steven is survived by two sons: Steven Christopher (Erin) Baretich of Tacoma, Washington and Kevin (Kari) Baretich of Wishkah Valley, Washington; two daughters: Shannon Haller of Idaho and Angela (Walter) Gillham of Aberdeen, Washington, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren whom called him “Papa Bear.”