Steven Van Sant

Apr 28, 1947 -

Dec 19, 2025

Steven was born in 1947, in Amarillo, Texas, to Joe Carrroll and Donna Dean (Davis) Van Sant, and graduated class of 1965 Tascosa High School in Amarillo. During the intervening years he and his family lived in 33 states, ending up in Alaska in 1968. Even from an early age Steven lived his life – his way! His interests included, Golden Gloves Boxing, car racing, disco dancing - he and his partners owned the first disco in Fairbanks, Alaska - stand-up comedy, acting, writing and directing multiple melodramas, skiing, snowmachining, attending Arctic Man and Trek Over the Top and learning the joys of living in Alaska. He enjoyed his years in National Guard, and he loved boating, camping, traveling along the Yukon and Tanana rivers. He was known for being kind, genuinely and deeply loved by everyone who crossed his path. He could make a room feel lighter just by being in it, and his laughter was contagious. He showed up for people, cracked jokes when they were needed the most.

In Steven's professional life, he started his career as a mapper in the Fairbanks North Star Borough and advanced to property appraiser. He went on to hold the title of Assessor in the Mat-Su Borough and the Municipality of Anchorage, then Assistant State Assessor, finally reaching his goal of State Assessor, where he became a premier instructor of appraisal and assessment. He was the liaison with the Alaska Legislative body and oversaw the assessment process for the State of Alaska. He took every position seriously, but never too seriously. He believed in fairness, hard work and doing things the right way, all while keeping his sense of humor intact. He had a gift for making even the driest topics more bearable and was respected not just for his work, but for the way he treated people.

Steven is survived by his beloved wife, Idris; and sisters, Vicki Salyer and Karen Anderson. Together Steven and Idris built a family full of personality, strength and just the right amount of chaos. He never missed an opportunity to brag on every child and grandchild! He was the proud father of Kurt, Lori, Dustin, Theresa, Kristi, Kyle and Katie; and along with grandchildren, Justin, Kirstie, Kavyn, Kenzie, Kaydence, Kenton and Mason. Two great-grandbabies are expected in March 2026.

Steven enjoyed building a life with his family, his precious dogs, Mr. Dickens, Baby Girl and Bebe. He created a bonus family of much-loved friends including, but not limited to: Karl and Kathy McManus, Wayne and Nancy Haerer, Lenny and Patti Reagan, Larry and Lynne Brown, Vern Roberts, Betty McLeod, Mikie Boehm and Roger and Christina Robertson.

Steven lost his long battle with vascular dementia and prostate cancer in December 2025. He requested no service, just a celebratory camp out with a bonfire and his family in remote Alaska. Steven leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and countless memories that will continue to be shared. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered and forever loved.