His name was Roy Steven Bird (RSB), though he was known to most as Steven. He was legally blind.
On December 4, 2024, Steven was assaulted while using a crosswalk in Burien. He later died from the injuries he sustained. Additional details and names are being withheld, as the alleged assailant has not yet faced trial.
At the request of Steven’s friends, Logan Brewing Company created a beer in his honor: Really Special Bitter (RSB). On February 28, friends and community members will gather for the beer’s release and a Celebration of Life. The event will take place from 4–8 p.m. at Logan Brewing’s Kent location. All are welcome to attend and support two nonprofit organizations that Steven cared deeply about.
“It truly broke our staff’s hearts because Steven was a regular customer, and we have all witnessed the madness at that intersection,” said Chris Palumbo, co-founder of Logan Brewing. “Steven and his friends approached us about a year ago with the idea for this beer. They came up with the name, selected the style, and contributed much of the label artwork.”
Chris describes Really Special Bitter as an English-style ale brewed with Maris Otter malt and Sonnet® hops. Maris Otter is a respected British heritage malt known for its rich, biscuity character and full body. Sonnet hops—also known as Sonnet Canterbury Golding hops—are an American-grown variety inspired by traditional English Kent Goldings.
Resilience and Independence
Steven was legally blind as a result of Stargardt disease. His friends say that he was resilient, independent, and deeply committed to living freely despite his visual impairment, and that he was active in his community.
Living in Tacoma, Steven relied on public transportation and strongly supported Tacoma On The Go and Nondrivers Alliance, two organizations that advocate for pedestrian safety and transportation equity. In 2017, Tacoma On The Go honored Steven as its Volunteer of the Year.
“We, along with Logan Brewing, will be hosting the official RSB Release and Celebration of Life in Steven’s honor at their Kent brewery and taproom on February 28, from 4–8 p.m.,” his friends shared. “Both nonprofits plan to attend, and Logan Brewing has generously committed to donating a portion of the proceeds from RSB sales to these organizations. While friends and acquaintances are being invited, the event is open to the public.”
“The team at Logan Brewing has been incredible,” they added. “They welcomed us to collaborate with Michael, the head brewer, to design the recipe for RSB and even invited us to participate on brew day and canning day. We are especially grateful for their generosity in opening their doors to host Steven’s Celebration of Life at their Kent brewery.”
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