Russell 'Russ' Van Hiatt

Russell “Russ” Van Hiatt, 45 of Powell, passed away Saturday, June 11, 2022, in a motorcycle accident. He left this world with a smile on his face, doing what he loved.

Russ, as he was known by everyone, was born in Pocatello, Idaho, on Sept. 8, 1976, to Lea Ann Bucher and Van Hiatt. Russ and his brother Randy attended school in Powell.

Russ was blessed to spend 20 years in a relationship with MaLessa Jensen, and from that love, the greatest joy of his life, his son Dawson, was born. He and his son enjoyed many trips to the hill climbs, riding dirt bikes, camping, cutting wood and many other outdoor activities. Russ loved the outdoors and was always the life of the party. He was known for building the biggest “Russ” fires, having late night conversations around those fires, and welcoming everyone with a smile and a hug.

Russ was well known for his excellent skills in the tire industry and in addition he had extended his knowledge and service working at Yellowstone Motors as a Toyota mechanic. Russ was a MacGyver and could fix anything! Russ also had a wonderful sense of humor. He always had a smile on his face and a few moments to visit with his many friends, and even those he didn’t know very well. No one was a stranger. Russ was always available to help a friend, and would give the shirt off his back if you needed it.

Russ was preceded in death by his best friend and mother Lea Ann Bucher; Dean Bucher (stepfather); Kathy Aguilar (aunt); Steve Foster (uncle); Leo Russell (grandpa); and Ruth Russell (grandma).

Survivors include his son Dawson Hiatt; Dawson’s mother MaLessa Jensen of Powell; his brother Randy Hiatt; niece Mykee; nephews Landon, Christian Hiatt and family of Billings, Montana; aunt Ruth Foster and family of Pocatello, Idaho; uncle Denny and Delora Russell and family of Mackay, Idaho; uncle Lee and Kris Russell and family of Pocatello, Idaho; and so many more family members throughout Idaho and Wyoming.

To all of the many friends he leaves behind, thank you for the many loving memories. He loved you all. We will greatly miss you Russ — father, brother, uncle and friend! Ride on and fly with the Angels. We will have a big party when we meet again! “We Love you so hard!”

A celebration of life will be held June 24, at 5 p.m., at the Powell Elks Lodge.

In lieu of flowers please donate money to the Deb Martin Medical Fund Savings Account at Sunlight Federal Credit Union. Please make checks to Joetta Martin. Deb was injured in the same motorcycle accident and faces a long road to recovery. Our prayers are with Deb and her family.