Steven Kris Shehan

Steven "Kicker" Kris Shehan, 41, passed away on January 8, 2026, in Tumwater, Washington. Born on July 1, 1984, in Shelton, Washington, Steven brought light and laughter into the world from the very beginning.

Steven was busy and an avid outdoorsman from the very beginning. He started riding a modified 4-wheeler shortly after turning 1, caught his first fish at age 2, and got his first buck at age 9. He grew up on a boat with his parents or out in the woods hunting. The memory of him getting his first buck is remembered fondly by his father, and the moment he brought it home so proudly is fondly remembered by his mother. His childhood was filled with the outdoors, no doubt contributing to how much he continued to love it into his adulthood.

He attended Shelton High School, and though he didn't graduate, he later earned his GED. This last year, he worked at Georgia Pacific, where he was recognized as Employee of the Month in May of 2025-an acknowledgment that reflected his commitment and work ethic. He celebrated that achievement at a Tacoma Rainiers game with his sister, brother-in-law, and niece, with tickets they gifted him for the Summit Club, definitely the fanciest way any of them had enjoyed a baseball game. It was exciting for all of them, but Steven may have been most excited about the ballpark food.

Steven's life was marked by a vibrant spirit and a deep love for the outdoors. He found peace and joy fishing the river-his favorite pastime-and spent countless hours casting out and waiting to hook a fish. Those memories were probably much more enjoyable than those of his sister bragging about "skunking" him when they would fish out on the boat with their dad. Music and sports were also close to his heart; he loved attending concerts and cheering on his favorite teams with enthusiasm. He was thrilled to see Morgan Wallen in concert last summer and had greatly enjoyed getting back out and socializing. It was one of the most beautiful parts of his recovery, watching him enjoy the things in life he hadn't for so long.

Those who knew Steven will remember him as loving, kind, child-like in wonder, free-spirited, and funny. His journey through life was not without challenges, but he faced them with courage and resilience. For the past two and a half years, Steven had been in recovery-a period that those closest to him describe as magical and transformative. In that time, he thrived. The last year and a half of his life was filled with happiness, vitality, and anticipation for what lay ahead. To know Steven during the most beautiful periods of his life made you one of the lucky ones.

Steven leaves behind a family who loved him deeply: his father Steve Shehan; his mother Dana Shehan; his beloved son Zakiah Shehan; his sister Heather Dover; brother-in-law Shane Dover; niece Storie Dover; and an unborn niece expected any day now. He also carries forward the memory of those who preceded him in death: maternal grandparents Helen and Leonard Christensen, and paternal grandparents Geter D. Shehan and Pansy J. Shehan.

Steven's family plans to celebrate his life later this year, in a way that honors him the way he deserves. They were and are all so proud of him and his most recent accomplishments.

May Steven's memory bring comfort to those who knew him and may the river he loved so dearly carry forward the spirit of his joyful soul. When you're missing him, crack open a thing of Good & Plenty's or Hot Tamales, make yourself a milkshake or pour yourself a glass of eggnog and smile; he would have been enjoying them right alongside you.

"Feel no guilt in laughter, he'd know how much you care.

Feel no sorrow in a smile that he is not here to share.

You cannot grieve forever; he would not want you to.

He'd hope that you could carry on the way you always do.

So, talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared,

The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared.

Let memories surround you, a word someone may say

Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day,

That brings him back as clearly as though he were still here,

And fills you with the feeling that he is always near.

For if you keep those moments, you will never be apart

And he will live forever locked safely within your heart."

-Unknown