October 17, 2014

Wood Harbinger founder Steve Wood dead at 78

Steve Wood, founder of Bellevue-based Wood Harbinger, died Sept. 18 at age 78. He had colon cancer.

Wood started the firm in 1967 as Wood and Associates, offering mechanical engineering services from his home in Lynnwood.

From that beginning, Wood Harbinger said in a statement, Wood's curiosity and passion for problem solving propelled the firm into new markets with a variety of clients.

The firm added electrical engineering in 1980 and merged with the Harbinger Corp. to broaden its mechanical services to include industrial systems.

Wood Harbinger has been based in Bellevue for almost 30 years.

The 72-person firm offers mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection engineering, technology consulting and commissioning services.

The firm said Wood was an exceptional mechanical engineer with great vision and business sense. His talent helped sustain the firm through 47 years, despite economic downturns.

Wood emphasized highly technical design work with clients that included Boeing and the military.

Before he retired in 1992, Wood established an employee stock ownership plan. The firm said that has benefited the staff and helped make the transition to new leadership successful.

An Oct. 12 memorial for Wood was attended by family, friends and former colleagues. Wood is survived by his wife, Pat, their daughters Marci and Kim, and their son, Lane.