Obituary of Steven W. Hawks
Steve Hawks, longtime St. Maries resident, passed away at home on November 18, 2023, after a short battle with cancer and it’s treatment.
Steve was born on October 2, 1948, in Anchorage, AK and grew up in Fairbanks with his sisters, Karen and Melisa. His dad, Bill was a furrier in Fairbanks and his mom, June was a homemaker.
The family moved to Seattle in the early 1960’s where he made many loyal life-long friends, including Derryl, Phil, and Dave. He attended Ingraham High School excelling in all shop classes. He graduated in 1966.
Talented, creative, intelligent, imaginative, witty, well-read, he was a quick study, generous, and funny. He was an unapologetic liberal. In high school he loved to work on his cars and crazy-ride motorcycles. Later he perfected his woodworking skills and ran a small woodworking business from his home shop.
After high school, he briefly worked at Bethlehem Steel and then served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, mostly as an “airplane janitor” in Thailand and then Fort Lewis.
Steve married Deanne Ausman in 1975. They lived in Forks, WA for 2 years. They moved to St. Maries in 1977 and 2 years later moved north of town close to the beautiful St. Joe River. Eventually, they were able to buy property right on the river near their home and enjoyed 30 summers of family camping there.
Steve worked in maintenance at Benewah Community Hospital for 15 years where he made some great friends. They enjoyed many good laughs together.
Steve will be dearly missed. He was much more than the sum of what he did in life. He was a little eccentric but always good and fair, adding enjoyment to the moments you spent with him.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Karen. He is survived by his sister Melisa, wife Deanne, and his and Deanne’s extended family (the river campers).
At Steve’s request, no services are planned. He would suggest that in lieu of flowers, you donate to the Benewah Humane Society, 53 Robinson Lane, St. Maries, ID 83861.
