Dr. Richard E. Steury

Dr. Richard E. Steury, 95, Internal Medicine/Nephrology and Kidney Center Founder, Passes Away

Dr Richard E. Steury, “Dick”, a pioneer in renal treatment and one of the founders of the Sacred Heart Hospital Kidney center passed away on February 27 at the age of 95.

Born on March 31st, 1929 in Danville, Illinois, Dick earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois. Dick met and married his wife, Lois Marlett in Chicago where he was training as a doctor and she was in nurses training. They were married 72 years.

With a career spanning over 40 years, Dick specialized in kidney disease treatment and patient care. He played a key role in establishing the Sacred Heart Artificial Kidney Center in Spokane with Drs. Thomas Marr and Loren Gothberg, now a leading institution for renal care. Dick was instrumental in advancing dialysis treatments, promoting early kidney disease detection, expanding home dialysis access, and mentoring future nephrologists.

Outside of medicine, Dick was a devoted husband and father who valued time with his children and grandchildren. He was passionate about outdoor activities including skiing, backpacking, and golf, and despite his long work hours, the family enjoyed winter ski trips and outdoor summer vacations with him. He was a consummate golfer who worked on his game with diligence well into his late 80s, managed a few holes-in-one, and volunteered as a WA state referee for junior golf competitions, as his own game slowed down.

Dr. Steury is survived by his wife Lois, his children Craig, (Carol), Tom, (Olga), Susie, Julie, (Peter), Ken, and 5 grandchildren. We will forever miss his love of play, dry wit and quiet wisdom. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinsons Foundation, (www.parkinsons.org).