Stephen Hiatt Obituary

Steve “Spike” Hiatt passed away unexpectedly on May 4, 2025. Steve was born and raised in Kalamazoo, MI. He was the son of Leonard and Patricia Hiatt. Steve grew up in Kalamazoo but spent 30 years living in California and was a Journeymen for the Local 393 Plumber and Pipefitters Union. He worked on several big commercial projects worldwide including one in Singapore, the SAP center in San Jose, California (home to the San Jose Sharks), and many others. During his younger years, he was a volunteer Firefighter at Eastwood Fire Department. Steve had a lust for life that involved white water rafting down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, Skydiving, snowboarding, and visiting places such as Costa Rica, Mexico, Thailand and yearly trips to Vegas and Arizona for Spring Training. He always had a big smile on his face and a witty remark to make. He loved watching Detroit Lions games with his son and one of his best friends, Louie. He was especially excited to watch University of Michigan football win the National Championship in 2023. Steve was a Simple Man and didn’t take life too seriously. He had a passion for old music and particularly loved going to Blues Festivals. He loved embarrassing his son Zane any chance he got as well as casually saying the most outlandish thing you’d ever hear. He was the most lovable "jerk" you could ever meet and he will be missed dearly by all that knew him. But, if he was still here now he would simply say “Suck it up buttercup”. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Patrica Hiatt. Steve, and his love for the Detroit Lions, is survived by his son, Zane Alden Hiatt. He is also survived by his sister Betsy Beatty, her husband Steve Beatty, and their two children Eric and Sarah Beatty. Cremation has taken place. Friends and family may gather to remember Steve on July 19th from 2PM to 6PM at McGonigle’s Irish Pub in Kalamazoo, Michigan.