Steve Donaldson was born July 1, 1961, to Stan and Helen Makarka of Cordova. He grew up and remained in Cordova his entire life. In 1983, Steve’s son Joshua was born, followed by his son Zachary in 1985. From that point forward, his sole focus in life was raising his boys.
Steve was very involved in the community of Cordova and was a father-like figure to many of its youth. He was deeply involved in sobriety and thrived to help others who suffered from drug or alcohol dependency. He became a certified counselor, which quickly became his life passion. He not only worked one-on-one with community members in need, he had a vision of bringing together people from all over Alaska who shared his passion for sobriety. Steve began what is now known as the “Sobriety Celebration”. This celebration has become an annual tradition in Cordova and is coming up on its 26th year. The annual Sobriety Celebration brings hundreds of people together every year to celebrate and network sobriety.
Although the sobriety movement was one of Steve’s deepest passions, his children and grandchildren were always his priority. His grandson Brody, son of Joshua and Laraine, was born in 2011, followed by Heaven Lee, daughter of Zachary and Amanda, in 2017. Steve was an amazing grandfather who always put his family before himself.
Steve’s interests included finances, dabbling in the stock markets and sharing his trading knowledge with anyone that would listen. He also owned and operated Cordova Taxi for many years.
Steve’s Native heritage was also of great importance to him. He served on the board of directors at the Eyak Corporation as well. Steve shared and gave selflessly to his family and the community of Cordova.
Steve and his mother Helen had a bond that was so strong, it’s hard to put into words. Their relationship and love for one another was bold and beautiful. In true devotion to his family, Steve took in and raised Christopher Lee Fulton, Jr. after his former wife Kathy passed away unexpectedly. His love for Christopher was that of his own son. One would never know that Christopher wasn’t his own by the way he loved and cared for him.
Steve passed away on March 31, 2019 in his sleep at home. He is survived by his parents Stan and Helen Makarka, brothers John and Jerry, sons Joshua and Zachary, and his grandchildren Brody and Heaven Lee.
A memorial service was held on Friday, April 5, 2019 at St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church in Cordova. It was officiated by Father Daniel Charles from Kenai. Pallbearers were Joshua Donaldson, Zachary Donaldson, Jerry Makarka, John Makarka, Kenny Jack, Roy Makarka, Gary Hansen and Christian Brockert. Steve was laid to rest in the Cordova Cemetery and a wake followed with many friends and family at the Pioneer Igloo. The loss of Steve is deeply felt by his family as well as the community of Cordova.
