Thank you to Steve Hanson for sharing the notice.
Steven Wagstaff Quist
Sandy UT – Steven Wagstaff Quist, 67, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on July 13th, 2020. He was born on September 9, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Frank and Ivy. He married the love of his life and best friend, Deborah Kranendonk. They are the parents of three children, Matthew, Michelle, and Joshua.
Steven is survived by his wife; three children, Matthew (Rebecca), Michelle, and Joshua (Shelby); six grandchildren (Klaliff, Benjamin, Owen, Amelia, Colin, and Kara); one brother, John; and two sisters Kathryn and Mary.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael.
Steve was an engineer by trade, but he was defined by being a husband and a dad. Steven had a zest for life and lived every moment to the fullest. He took pride in his mischief. He was generous with his knowledge and experience. He was sensitive, sentimental, passionate, and compassionate. His choices were guided by love and his faith. Debbie was his soulmate and was the prize of his life.
From an early age, Steve was curious, inquisitive, and imaginative – these traits exemplified his life and career. He took great pride in taking things apart, building and rebuilding, and learning. He found escape and adventure on the back of his motorcycle, and exploring and climbing the hills of the Big Cottonwood Canyon and the still developing Salt Lake Valley.
As a young adult, Steve joined the National Guard and became a demolition specialist. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Utah. He was proud to be the first college-educated person in his family and continued on to a very successful career as a licensed professional engineer. During these years, he found the love of his life. From the moment he saw her, he knew she was the one. Through much persistence, he won her over and they never looked back for over 46 years of marriage. Debbie was the most important part of his life; their relationship made him whole, and neither is complete without the other.
Steve’s career took him and his young family to West Virginia and Ohio. For eight years, Debbie and Steve forged a new path, and encountered and overcame obstacles, relying only on each other. Although these years strengthened their bond and helped shape the traditions of their growing family, they also heightened his appreciation for the beauty of Utah and the comfort of his and Debbie’s family.
When the opportunity arose, Steve and his family returned to Utah and never left. He continued to grow his career and obtained two patents for automotive oil filters; he not only took great pride in the patents, but in the teamwork and collaboration they required.
On a business trip, Steve discovered his paradise. He discovered Hawaii. Upon their return to Utah, Hawaii became the vacation destination of choice for Steve and his family, always finding new adventures. Steve loved Maui, and his love for the water led him to become scuba certified. He also loved to set sail on a catamaran, to enjoy dinner, or a sunset cruise.
Steve was drawn to the outdoors. For many years, Steve’s family spent summer weekends visiting his mother-in-law’s cabin in the mountains. Steve passed on his love for motorcycles and off-road vehicles to his kids. He expended hours, days, and weeks of sweat and hard labor repairing and improving the cabin. He enjoyed spending time with his family going on four-wheeler rides; shooting bows, guns, and slingshots; watching deer, moose, and wildlife; and gazing up at the stars.
He also enjoyed hiking. Steve and Debbie loved exploring new trails, but often returned to a few select favorites and enjoyed many hidden gems that they had discovered over the years. Steve often regarded their hikes as “photo shoots,” he loved capturing memorable moments and the beauty of the world through photography.
Steve shared his passions with his kids and grandkids; he was playful and loved nothing more than to get down on the floor to play. He created an environment that fostered curiosity—building and constructing toys held a special place in his heart. He saw these as a gateway for imagination and tools for teaching. He embraced the interests of his kids, was supportive of them, and was eager to provide advice and guidance when called upon. He loved his kids and grandkids with all his heart.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 16, 6 to 8 p.m. at Mountain View Memorial Mortuary, 3115 East 7800 South (Bengal Blvd). Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 17, 9:30 a.m. at the Willow Creek 6th Ward, 2115 Sublette Pl, Sandy, UT 84093.
The funeral will be also viewable via Zoom. Please see streaming instructions below. Interment will follow at Mountain View Memorial Cemetery.
http://www.memorialutah.com/obituary/mountain-view/steven-wagstaff-quist/