Steve Christiansen, age 54, passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021. He was born on July 15, 1967, in Helena, Montana.
Steve grew up in Helena until he moved to Coolin, Idaho where he worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a Helitack Technican for 18 years. Steve loved the mountains and was devastated when his health issues caused him to put his career aside.
Steve is preceded in death by his father Ernest Beavers. He is survived by his mother Delores Caye of Omak, WA; his daughter Joie Lynn Clifford of Great Falls, MT; his sister Luana Beavers of Hot Springs, MT; brothers Anthony Beavers of Hot Springs, MT; Daniel Beavers of Ronan, MT; Ronald Beavers, Ernest Beavers of Charlo, MT; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends who he loved with all of his heart.
“We lost each other when you were born, found each other when you were 21 and lost each other when you were 54.” Until we meet again, Mom. Loved but not forgotten.
There will be a Celebration for Life for Steve in the summer of 2022.
Our remembrances of Steve from his IDL crew:
Steve came to Priest Lake Idaho Department of Lands via Bonners Ferry USFS in 2001 and was part of the Coolin community until 2017. Steve was part of the IDL Fire Crew and stayed summers in his trailer on the IDL compound. Fire life was ingrained in Steve and he went where the fire assignments took him. Steve was a Type 4 Incident Commander, an Engine Boss, and Helicopter Manager. He spent four years with the National Contract heavy helicopter program as a trainer for USFS Helicopter Managers all across the country. He was a kind, caring, thoughtful individual who had an affinity for animals, NASCAR, & heavy metal music.
He will be missed.