Stephen James Hoskins, 55

 Stephen James Hoskins, 55, passed away at home on Friday, May 4, 2012, after courageously battling cancer.

Steve was born Oct. 10, 1956, to James and Irene Hoskins in Missoula, the second of three sons. He attended school there until the family moved to Plains in 1970. Steve graduated from Plains High School with the class of 1975.

Soon after, he joined BNSF and worked as a brakeman.

In 1976 he had a son, Andy, with his first love Janna. Steve lived in Whitefish and Kalispell, where he married Ranae Ducept in 1988. After leaving the railroad in 1991, Steve moved back to Plains, where he helped his family run the Tops Motel.

Steve loved Montana and the Wild West, and telling his grandchildren tales of how it used to be. He also loved to fish, and everywhere he went he knew someone.

In 2005 Steve found sobriety from alcoholism, through which he found peace, “and was able to meet his maker a truly happy and humble man. He joins his parents, Jim and Pat, and his niece Ashley.”

He is survived by his son, Andy, and wife, Alisha; grandchildren, Chloe and Patrick Hoskins, of Lakeside; his wife, Ranae Hoskins, of Kalispell; and children, Holly Richards, Tiffany Eddy, and grandchildren; his brother, Bill Hoskins, of Plains; his brother, Alan; nephew, Reese Hoskins of Bellingham, Wash., and nephew Curtis Hoskins of Missoula.

Steve was a very charismatic and strong man, and all who met him are not soon to forget.

“You are loved and dearly missed, may you rest in peace.”

 A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, at the Alliance Church in Plains. All are welcome to attend.