Stetson J Fancher

Stetson J Fancher, 36, brought his booming laugh, unwavering friendship, and so much light to this life.

In the early morning hours of June 12, 2025, Stetson was enjoying one of his favorite pastimes: strumming his guitar outside on the porch, beneath a full moon, when a mountain lion screamed from the wilderness and startled his dog who, in turn, took off towards the river. Without hesitation, Stetson ran to protect his beloved companion, Nash. In a tragic accident, Stetson was swept away by the high and swift waters of the West Boulder River. He passed into his eternal home in heaven that night.

Born on March 3, 1989, and raised in Billings, Montana, Stetson’s love for the outdoors—and for all things Montana—ran deep. Though his adventurous spirit took him to new places and introduced him to new people, the mountains, rivers, and open skies of Montana always called him back home.

A 2008 graduate of Billings Senior High, Stetson went on to attend the University of Wyoming, where he thrived in campus recreation and, perhaps even more so, in social life. After an extended tenure at UW, Stetson moved to California, worked in tech sales, learned to surf, and created lifelong bonds with some truly remarkable people.

From an early age his Papah taught him to live with passion, and Stetson fully embraced that lesson. He could often be found strumming his guitar or playing the piano, his rich baritone voice filling the room. He loved baking bread and attending live concerts. A lifelong sports fan, you’d often find Stetson cheering on his favorite sports teams, from the Baltimore Orioles to the Golden State Warriors, and any scrappy underdog in between. But more than anything, Stetson found the utmost joy in the great outdoors. Whether under the sun or in fresh-fallen snow, if there was fun to be had outside, Stets was there—fly rod in hand, skis on his feet, and a smile that lit up the trail.

Though his time on earth was far too short for those who loved him, Stetson filled his days with love, laughter, epic ski runs (and the occasional successful backflip), countless fly-fishing trips, and a vibrant, giving spirit that will never be forgotten. He never met a stranger and was fast friends with anyone who crossed his path. Stetson lived his life loud, fast and full of contagious joy.

Stetson is survived by; his mother Shad (Jerry) Sauther, his father Rick (Stacey) Fancher, his sister Sydney (Brady) Humphrey, along with his extended family throughout Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Harvest Church on Wednesday, July 2 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Vern Streeter officiating. Our family is tremendously grateful for our West Boulder friends and neighbors for how they showed up, and have continued to show up during this unimaginable time of heartbreak. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sweet Grass Co. Search & Rescue, Sweet Grass Co. Sheriff’s Office, Yarak Aviation, Yellowstone Co. Sheriff’s Office, Montana National Guard, or Gallatin Co. Search and Rescue.