Steve Pool, a beloved weather presenter and journalist who worked for KOMO-TV in Seattle for 42 years, passed away on November 22, 2023, at the age of 70. He had been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, a rare and devastating form of dementia that affects people younger than 65.
Pool was born on November 5, 1953, and graduated from Tyee High School in SeaTac, Washington. He started his career at KOMO-TV as an intern while studying at the University of Washington, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and speech in 1978. He then became a writer, reporter, and eventually a weather caster for the station. He also hosted a program called “Front Runners” in the 1980s and a children’s series called “Little Steps” in the 1990s. He received eight Emmy Awards during his career and made more than 70 appearances on Good Morning America. He was also the author of a book about weather and its forecasting, titled Somewhere, I Was Right. In 2004, he was inducted into the University of Washington Department of Communications Hall of Fame12.
Pool was known for his warm personality, his passion for science, and his dedication to his community. He was involved in many charitable causes, such as the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the March of Dimes, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He also mentored young students and aspiring journalists. He was married to Michelle and had two daughters, Lindsey and Marissa2.
Pool announced his retirement from broadcasting in November 2019, after being treated successfully for prostate cancer. However, he later revealed that he had been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that affects about 5% to 6% of people with Alzheimer’s disease. This form of dementia causes progressive memory loss, cognitive impairment, behavioral changes, and difficulty with daily activities. It can also affect people’s vision, speech, swallowing, and movement. The cause of early onset Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood, but it may be related to genetic mutations or environmental factors345.
Pool’s wife, Michelle, announced his death on November 24, 2023, on social media. She wrote: “It is with great sadness that I share with you that Steve passed away peacefully on Monday. He fought a courageous battle with early onset Alzheimer’s for several years. He was surrounded by his family and friends who loved him dearly. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, son, friend, and colleague. He touched so many lives with his kindness, generosity, humor, and wisdom. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.” She also thanked the staff at the Memory Care Center in Seattle, where Pool had been receiving care, for their compassion and support6.
Pool’s death sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from his colleagues, friends, fans, and public figures. Many people shared their memories of working with him, watching him on TV, or meeting him in person. They praised his professionalism, his integrity, his curiosity, and his joy for life. They also expressed their condolences to his family and their gratitude for his legacy6.
Pool’s funeral service was held on November 29, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church of Seattle. It was attended by hundreds of people, including his family, friends, co-workers, and former students. The service was also live-streamed on KOMO-TV’s website and social media platforms. Pool was remembered as a man of faith, a man of science, and a man of service. He was buried at the Evergreen-Washelli Memorial Park in Seattle7.
Pool’s family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Steve Pool Scholarship Fund at the University of Washington. The scholarship fund was established by Pool in 2019 to support students pursuing careers in journalism or meteorology.
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