Steve Pool, the longtime weathercaster and journalist for KOMO 4 News, passed away on November 22, 2023, at the age of 70. He had been suffering from early-onset Alzheimer’s disease for several years. His wife, Michelle, announced his death two days later.
Who was Steve Pool? Education & Career
Steve Pool was born on November 5, 1953, in Seattle, Washington. He graduated from Tyee High School in SeaTac, where he was the student body president. He then attended the University of Washington, where he majored in Communications and Speech. He started his career at KOMO-TV as an intern while still in college.
After graduating in 1978, Pool became a writer, reporter, and eventually a weathercaster. He was one of the first African-American weathercasters in the nation. He also hosted a program called “Front Runners” on Saturdays, which featured stories of inspiring people and events. He won eight Emmy Awards for his work and made more than 70 appearances on Good Morning America. He also wrote 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 Fame.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce KOMO 4’s Steve Pool passed away this week surrounded by family and friends. He was 70-years-old. https://t.co/1TAKxb2SlM
— KOMO News (@komonews) November 24, 2023
Pool was known for his warm and friendly personality, his sense of humor, and his passion for his job. He was beloved by his colleagues and viewers alike. He often participated in community events and charitable causes, such as the American Cancer Society, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Special Olympics. He was also a mentor to many young journalists and weathercasters.
A Battle with Cancer and Alzheimer’s
In September 2018, Pool revealed that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and that he would take some time off to get treatment. He underwent surgery and radiation therapy and was declared cancer-free in January 2019. He returned to work in February 2019, but announced his retirement in November 2019, after more than 40 years in the business.
However, Pool also had another health challenge that he had kept private for a long time. He had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, a rare and aggressive form of dementia that affects people under 65. He had been experiencing memory loss, confusion, and mood changes for several years, but had tried to cope with them as best as he could. He decided to share his condition with his family, friends, and viewers in January 2020, in an emotional interview with his former co-anchor, Eric Johnson.
Pool said that he wanted to raise awareness and support for Alzheimer’s research and care and that he was grateful for the love and support he had received from his wife, his two daughters, Lindsey and Marissa, and his fans. He also said that he was trying to stay positive and hopeful and that he still had dreams and goals to pursue.
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A Legacy of Love and Light
Steve Pool’s death has left a void in the hearts of many people who knew him, worked with him, or watched him on TV. He was remembered as a legend, a pioneer, a friend, a father, a husband, and a role model. He was praised for his professionalism, his integrity, his generosity, his kindness, and his courage. He was honored for his contributions to journalism, weather, and the community. He was celebrated for his spirit, his smile, his laughter, and his joy.
Steve Pool’s life was a testament to the power of love and light. He touched countless lives with his talent, his service, and his heart. He inspired many people with his faith, his resilience, and his optimism. He left behind a legacy of excellence and grace. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Winter Photography
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