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Henry "Hank" Steele, age 88 of Indio, California died peacefully with his wife at his side on 17th of September after a brief illness. He was born December 10, 1935, in Princeton, New Jersey to Hollins McKim Steele and Susan Cornelia Duffield. Hank spent his formative years at South Kent School in South Kent, CT and furthered his education at Hobart College receiving an undergraduate degree and later a master's degree in communications from Boston University. Hank had a rewarding life of public and charitable service beginning with ROTC at Hobart College. He served as a Captain in the United States Air Force specializing in public relations at Edwards Air Force Base from 1958-1964. Following his military service, he began a long and successful career in resource development for nationally recognized educational and charitable institutions including Phillips Exeter Academy, the Smithsonian Institute, Johns Hopkins University, the March of Dimes and San Diego State University. He married his great love and life partner, Bonnie Jennings on Valentine's Day 1999 in Bronxville, NY. Hank and Bonnie enjoyed vacationing on the Oregon coast, Sedona, Flagstaff, Lake Tahoe, New England, Scotland (Hank's ancestral home) and cruised the Mediterranean. They enjoyed attending musicals, art shows, golf and tennis tournaments and partaking of fine dining of which there is no shortage in the Palm Springs area. Hank was a skilled tennis player and served as a ranked tennis umpire. Then he discovered the game of golf and that became his new passion. Once settled on the west coast, Hank and Bonnie pursued every opportunity to hone their game. After several years working in the San Diego area and living in Solana Beach, Hank and Bonnie found their semi-retirement "forever home" in Sun City Shadow Hills in the Palm Springs area. They started new real estate careers and did very well with Hank managing the marketing. So many new friends were made through this endeavor. With two golf courses on site, Hank was overjoyed. He also rediscovered his love for writing through the Writers Club there. He was working on his memoirs of his Air Force days most recently. In addition, Hank contributed many years of civic service to Rotary International both here and in Savannah, GA . Hank is survived by his wife, Bonnie; and nephew John Henry Steele of Connecticut. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, McKim Steele . Also important to mention is a special cousin of Bonnie's, Eckhard Konkel and his daughter, Melissa Konkel of Santa Rosa, CA, who have been "family" to Hank for many years. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: South Kent School, 40 Bulls Bridge Road, South Kent, CT 06785. Attention: Jennifer Haas 860-927-3539 or on-line at . A celebration of life will be held for family and close friends at Sun City Shadow Hills, Indio, CA.

Tributes

Henry Duffield Steele

December 10, 1935 - September 17, 2024