Michael Joseph Hanshew was born in Cleveland, OH, on February 11, 1949, to Louise Bacher Hanshew and Robert Hanshew. He was raised by his mom and grandparents, Joseph and Nellie Bacher, in a house next to Euclid Beach amusement park on Lake Erie.

Mike met the love of his life, Sandra Kay Hugus, at Collinwood High School when he was 17 and she was 16. They married on August 13, 1971, and their years before children were filled with tennis, camping, canoeing, hiking, and biking, all with their beloved dog, Speezer.

He obtained degree in psychology at Cleveland State University, albeit on an extended timeline because apparently basketball was more fun than attending class. During college he worked at the Cleveland Boys Club, the beginning of a long career helping others.

In 1974, inspired by the John Steinbeck novel "Travels with Charley," Mike and Sandy traveled around the country in a blue VW bus, and much like Steinbeck, they fell in love with Montana. In 1976, Mike decided to move here, and Sandy jokes that she was dragged West across the Plains like the pioneer wives of old.

Mike's first job in Montana was working with people with developmental disabilities in Boulder. From there he worked his way up to the position of director of Developmental Disabilities for the State of Montana, and then director of Senior Services. He was proud to be a bureaucrat. After retirement from the state he became an expert in home health care and consulted for Consumer Direct of Missoula.

His work made a difference, sometimes in ways that few people know about. In 2007, before Obamacare ensured the right federally, Mike pushed a bill through the Montana legislature that allowed parents to keep their children on their health insurance until the age of 26. He loved to joke that it was the Chris Hanshew Omnibus Act.

His impact also went beyond Montana. For Consumer Direct, he traveled around the country helping states use federal money to pay home health care workers, usually family members taking care of loved ones. He helped develop these programs in Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada, and Wisconsin.

Mike had an intense belief in his ability to master anything he put his mind to. Armed with no real experience and a few books, he decided to build his own house. In 1984, with a three-year-old daughter, Annie, in tow and a son, Chris, on the way, they moved to an unfinished split-level in the Spokane Hills. The house grew and changed over the years, but he built almost all of it himself. We are grateful that he spent his last days at home with beautiful views of his yard and the Elkhorns.

He was a natural leader and talented advocate. He frequently dragged his children to the legislature when he was testifying, which they didn't fully appreciate at the time but do now. He was relentlessly passionate about issues he cared about, which endeared him to some and annoyed the hell out of others. He taught his children to work hard, speak their minds, step up to leadership, and advocate for others.

The family also played hard, camping, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and kayaking together. Favorite places included Seeley Lake, the Tetons, Hawaii, Utah, and Alaska. Even after an autoimmune diagnosis and an artificial hip, he back-packed in and out of the Grand Canyon with Chris. They made it back up just in time to watch the Ohio State game.

He was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents; six dogs, two cats, seven grand-cats, and two grand-dogs. He is survived by his wife, Sandy Hugus Hanshew; son, Chris Hanshew; daughter, Annie Hanshew; and son-in-law, Murry Warhank. His dog, Winnie; cat, Captain; and grand-dogs: Max and Tillie; were with him in the days before he died. They miss him as much as we do.

In lieu of flowers, if you feel so-moved please donate to the Helena Food Share or Lewis & Clark Humane Society.

A party in his honor will be held at his home next summer, his favorite season, as soon as the yard is in full bloom.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Helena Independent Record from Oct. 30 to Nov. 6, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Hanshew

Sponsored by Simple Cremation-Sunset Funeral Service.

8 Entries

Stephen Karaski

September 19, 2023

Michael was a classmate at Collinwood High School. He remained a friend during our first two years at Cleveland State University.

While at Cleveland State, we had a gym class together. One day in the gym we were shooting baskets and were approached by two other students. They wanted to play two on two. They told us that they had played varsity basketball at their suburban school. Michael and I smoked them. It is a memory that has been saved all of these years. The comment that Michael may have spent too much time playing basketball at Cleveland State brought a smile.

If my memory is correct, as to the year, the last time I saw Michael was when I went to the May Company Department Store in Cleveland Heights to buy an overnight suitcase for my trip to report for Marine Corps Officer Candidate School at Quantico Virginia in August,1971. Michael was working in the luggage department. He insisted that he would ring up the sale, so that I would have a discount on the purchase.

Seeing the obituary today has saddened me. It brings me peace to know that MIchael married his high school sweetheart, Sandy, and lived a life full of family and friends.

Michael was a man with a big warm heart.

Respectfully,
Stephen Karaski

Kris Thorne

December 22, 2022

I will always remember Mike, he was an amazing and very dedicated man, very passionate.

James Driggers

December 4, 2022

I worked with Mike for many years in the DD Division and Senior and Long Term Care. He was great to work with and I very much appreciated his thoughtfulness and vision. He enjoyed making quiet changes that positively impacted people without taking any credit for himself.
He helped me in my career as much as anyone, and I am very grateful. I regret that I didn't keep up with him post retirement, but I will miss him and will remember him fondly.

David Bristow

November 17, 2022

Mike and I had a couple of memorable conversations about the world. DDP was lucky to have him as a Director for the time he was there.

Richard Norine

November 9, 2022

I got to know Mike after I joined the staff at DPHHS Senior & Long Term Care and was impressed by his knowledge and empathy to the health needs of Montanans. He was a inspiration to me in our discussions and he was so personable and approachable. My deepest sympathies to his wife, children, and family members including his pups and grand pups. RIP Mike! Gone But Not Forgotten

Joe E

November 9, 2022

Very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I worked with Mike at DPHHS. He is a good man. Peace to all family and friends.

Lynn Trenary

November 6, 2022

Sandy, Annie and Chris I am so very sorry to hear about your beloved husband and father. My heart goes out to all of you. I know he was a wonderful and giving person and he was so lucky to have you all in his life. Sending sincere condolences and love.

Janice Frisch

October 30, 2022

Brings sadness. He was an incredible role for all of us.
He accomplished so much good for individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, their communities and government services.
He is a hero.

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