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STEVEN COLT ALBER Steve, 72, died April 4, 2018 at Pohai Nani Care Center from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He was born March 22, 1946 in San Francisco to Ruth and George Alber. His father, a career Air Force Officer, flew P-38’s during WWII. Steve spent his childhood in Japan, various parts of the US, and in Europe. His life-long love of airplanes, military history and all things aeronautical began at an early age. Steve earned a BA in Far Eastern and Russian Studies from the University of Washington in 1968; and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the USAF at the same time. While on Active Duty, he earned a Master’s in Russian Studies from George Washington University, a Masters in Business from the U. of N. Colorado and a BA in Computer Science from Roosevelt University. Steve spent his 23-year Air Force career as an Intelligence Officer. He served in Vietnam; was stationed in Alamogordo, NM, Colorado Springs, Washington, D.C, and briefly in Geneva while assigned to work on the Salt II Agreement. He earned his pilot’s license while in New Mexico. Steve retired from the Air Force as a Lt. Colonel in 1991. His last assignment was as Deputy Commander of the 548th Reconnaissance Technical Group at Hickam Air Force Base. Steve married his wife, Linn, in 1988. Steve had a 15-year second career as an Energy Planner for the State of Hawaii. He managed "The Hawaii Energy Strategy" project, published in 2000. During part of this time he taught Business courses at Hawaii Pacific University. After he retired in 2007, Steve spent many hours volunteering at the Pacific Aviation Museum, where he was a Founding Member. He amassed a large aviation and military history library, focusing on WWII. Steve enjoyed skiing, running, hiking, sailing and doing projects around the house – especially those requiring multiple trips to the hardware store. He liked travelling, going to the opera and to Symphony concerts with Linn. Steve excelled at making model airplanes and train layouts. He continued to use this talent by creating a series of "boy" themed Christmas trees with moving parts that he donated to the Honolulu Academy of Art’s annual fundraiser. They were a huge success! Steve was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2000. He maintained his avid interest in aviation and military history, his sense of humor and his gentle, kind disposition, throughout his long struggle. He put up a good fight. Steve is survived by his wife of 30 years, Linn, his sister Leslie (Gene Medina), brother Bruce (Lynette); five nephews and three grand-nieces; Linn’s sister Jane Redmond, husband Jim; and their children Andrea WIlburn (Jim), Neil (Chloe), Leah and two grand- nephews. Private services. Donations may be made to the Pacific Aviation Museum. Arrangements Provided By: Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary |
