Justen Alan Hawks

Justen Alan Hawks (39 years old) passed away unexpectedly and far too soon, on February 22, 2024. He was born at Riverton General Hospital in Seattle, Washington on July 5, 1984.  Justen is survived by his wife, Autumn Hawks, two daughters, Misla and Ellie, mother, Natasia Hope, four uncles, six aunts, 27 cousins and numerous in-laws.     

Justen was adored by everyone who met him. His kindness, silly sense of humor, and genuine enthusiasm for just about everything made him a bright light to everyone around him.  He was blessed with many kind supportive friends, many of whom he met through his love of bouldering.  Little Cottonwood Canyon was particularly special to him. When he wasn’t climbing rocks, he was clearing landings, cleaning graffiti, and exploring the hillsides.  Justen inherited his free spirit and affinity for adventure, from his mother.  He loved nature and the outdoors.  Justen spent much of his free time traveling to the many climbing gems of Utah, making friends everywhere he went.  He recently found a passion for photography, especially astrophotography.  On freezing cold nights, he could be found in the middle of the desert with 50 pounds of photography equipment, a warm cup of coffee, and his good friend Ben.

In 2012, Justen met his “lady”, Autumn, and they married in 2016 at The Gate in Little Cottonwood Canyon.  Justen was a loving, dedicated husband, and doting father to their two daughters, Misla and Ellie.  He shared with them his love of music, photography, and the great outdoors. In recent years, Justen was very busy completing pharmacy school and establishing his career, but he always made time for his family.  He was never too busy or tired to read Ellie a bedtime story, take Misla for sushi, or wash the dishes because he knew how much Autumn hated doing it.  He was a teddy bear of a man.  He gave the best hugs and snuggles, and every stress melted away when he was by your side.  Justen was also so much fun.  Any request his wife made was lovingly responded with a smile and “Whatever you want lady”, even if that request was having him dress as the bearded lady for a carnival themed Halloween. He built a climbing wall in his garage which served as a gathering place for friends and family. Everyone was welcome at his home, and he was always eager to share a new cocktail recipe, training routine, or photography doodad. He was so happy and often expressed how grateful he was for his wonderful life.  He was so proud of his family, and he shared his love for them with everyone around him.

Justen was a Clinical Pharmacist at Intermountain Riverton Hospital.  He attended Roseman University College of Pharmacy where he earned his Doctor of Pharmacy in 2021. He began his pharmacist career at Intermountain Medical Center, where he had recently completed a three-year internship. In 2022, he transferred to Intermountain Riverton Hospital, where he served in multiple positions, but was especially skilled in the Med/Surg and Emergency departments.  Justen is known throughout Intermountain Healthcare for his kindness, patience, dedication, intelligence, and great sense of humor.  And his beard. His breathtakingly beautiful beard.

Services will be at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary & Cemetery, 3115 E 7800 S, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121. Public Viewing will be March 2, 2024, 4:00pm-6:00pm.  Memorial Service will follow from 6:00pm-7:30pm.  Family and friends are encouraged to share stories during the Memorial Service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate or volunteer your time to support causes that protect our parks and canyons.

Fundraiser by Elizabeth Sebranek : Justen Hawks Family Memorial Fund (gofundme.com)