Stephen Andrew Hoch

Stephen Andrew Hoch, 63, passed away February 6th in Montrose at the home of his brother, surrounded by his family.
Stephen was born in Montrose on August 26, 1954 to the late Richard and Betty (Weber) Hoch, the youngest of 4 children. He attended schools in Montrose, graduating from Montrose High School in 1972.
Following high school, Stephen joined the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Nimitz as an instrument/control tech. He was a member of the crew on the Nimitz maiden voyage which conferred on him the privilege of being a plank owner.
Following his discharge from the Navy, Stephen worked for power generation facilities beginning with Colorado Ute Electric in Craig, Colorado. The last twenty years were spent in the Northwest, mostly in the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho area working for Cogentrix Energy.
In 2016, Stephen was diagnosed with cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation kept his hopes up but proved to be unsuccessful in providing a cure. He moved back to Montrose in late December of 2107 to spend his last days among family.
Stephen is survived by his mother, Betty Hoch of Montrose, brothers Randy (Judy) Hoch of Salida and Daryl (Mary) Hoch of Montrose, and sister Deanna Grider of Montrose, one niece Jessica Belisle of Pueblo and one nephew, Logan Hoch of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Stephen lived his life well and believed in a quote attributed to Hunter S. Thompson.
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, “Wow! What a ride!”
Stephen donated his body to the Colorado State Anatomical Board to be used at the University of Colorado Medical School for research and educational purposes. No services are planned at this time. Donations may be made to HopeWest Hospice or the charity of your choice.
He has been entrusted to the professional and dignified care of Crippin Funeral Home.