Steven Wayne Hanson, 64

Steven Wayne Hanson was many things to many people. A devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend. His smile was infectious. His positive attitude was unmatched. And everyone who knew him knew his was the best hug in the world. Steve always had a sparkle in his eye, zest for life, lived every day to the fullest, and spoke many ‘Steve-isms’ that will live on:

“Every day is good … some days are just better than others;” “Never go east in the morning or west in the evening; "No reservations, no destination," “You think that’s luck, let’s do it again!”

Steve grew up an outdoorsman. He lived in the South Fork during the summers with his parents and brothers from the time he was 6 years old, spending many years working in his grandpa’s hunting camp on Harrison Creek. As a young man, Steve was an avid horseman with much time spent on pack trips. His brother Neil can still picture Steve and their brother, Chris, riding their horses Raven and Walker D through the Bob Marshall and knows they’re riding together again in heaven.

A true Montana boy, hunting was a big part of Steve’s life. He shared many special memories on hunting trips with his father, brother, son, son-in-law, and grandsons. His brother Hal said one of the most enjoyable things he and Steve ever did together was backpacking elk meat in the middle of the night through the woods. On more than one occasion!

When the kids were young, Steve and Kim took them camping at Lost Johnny Point, boating on Hungry Horse Reservoir, woodcutting all over the South Fork in the summer, and snowmobiling in the winter. As the kids grew older, motocross took over and Steve and Tyler raced dirt bikes together for years! Steve moved on from dirt bikes (possibly after one too many broken bones) to Harley-Davidsons. He and Kim traveled thousands of miles together on their bikes with family and friends.

Steve enjoyed many overnight hiking trips through Glacier National Park with his daughters Kyla, Shauntelle, and their families. He could name every mountain peak in the valley and had been to many of those peaks by horse, snowmobile, or hike! Steve loved to "tinker." He was the handyman of all trades and could "Steve-rig" anything to fix it. He loved rebuilding pickups, specifically 1970s Fords. He would find beat-up, run-down frames and build a pickup from scratch, meticulously crafting a final product that was in mint condition. He collected and traded guns, built guns, and loaded his own shells for mornings at the range and hunting trips in White Sulphur Springs. He spent all his free time in his beloved garage. His final moments were spent in that garage and he went directly from his heaven on earth to his heaven in the sky.

Steve’s knack for teaching life lessons was legendary. There was a teachable moment in every situation. From Steve’s son Tyler:  “Perseverance. Dad was the one that, no matter what he did, no matter the situation was, would find a way through it…work, family, elk hunting, everything. There was always a good outcome. As Dad would say, ‘Everything is figure-out-able.'" 

From Steve’s daughter Shauntelle: “When I’m with my dad I feel safe. No matter what, no matter where. My dad has instilled in me morals, values, truth, honesty, knowledge, love, and life. My dad is one of the most cherished people in my life. My superhero. My idol. I love you, Dad." 

From his daughter Kyla: “There are not enough words to describe how special my dad was. We continue to love him with all our hearts."

Steve’s career began in the woods, eventually leading him to become the Superintendent of the Sawmill at Plum Creek in Evergreen. In 2000, he took over as Manager of the family business Hanson Trucking, Inc. He also served as President of the Montana Motor Carriers Association.

Steven Wayne Hanson was born May 1, 1960, and passed away Oct. 8, 2024. 

He is preceded in death by his brother, Chris (Liz). 

He is survived by his wife, Kim; children, Kyla (Sean), Shauntelle (Gabe), and Tyler (Monica); parents Skip and Marie; brothers, Hal (April) and Neil (Sandra); grandchildren, Cale, Rylee, Taytum, Jace, Liam, Mazie, and Eleia, as well as numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. 

His family will hold a celebration of life next spring.