A former Maple Hills teacher, known for his inspiring story of dealing with a rare degenerative disease, died last week.

Steve Birdsall taught the fifth grade, and worked in Issaquah for 23 years.

“Mr. Birdsall touched the lives of countless students, parents and staff members,” said Principal Monique Beane in an e-mail. “He has left us a great legacy and many lessons of personal perseverance.”

Birdsall battled with multiple system atrophy, a neurological disease similar to Parkinson’s.

A celebration of life ceremony will be Tuesday, February 22, from 3-5 p.m. at Lake Wilderness Lodge, 22500 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley.