Obituary - Stephen William Hamblock

Stephen William Hamblock, 68, passed away in Arizona December 8, 2020, at the Yuma Regional Medical Center after a short, intense battle with COVID-19.

His daughter Stephanie and brother Phil were at his side.

A celebration of Steve's life will be held at a later date when friends and family can safely gather, share food, and tell stories about Steve.

Steve's family has suggested memorial donations be made in his memory to St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Havre, MT, First Christian Church in Yuma, AZ, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services.

Please visit Steve's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com .

Steve was born a fighter January 12, 1952, in Havre, Montana, to Henry and Rosemary Hamblock. Weighing under 3 pounds, he began his life in an incubator where he spent three months gaining weight and strength to take on the world. He joined his older sister, Susan, and was soon joined by his younger siblings, Mike, Mary, Philip and Theresa.

Steve was raised in Havre and spent many hours working on the family farm north of Havre with his Grandpa Leroy, Uncle Donald, Dad, brothers Mike and Phil, and cousin Erv Hamblock. He was a hard worker and could outlast anyone to get the job done.

This work ethic transferred to his wrestling days at Havre High, where he graduated in 1970. He was a scrappy wrestler and was not one to give up a match without a fight. Fondly known as "Arnold" by his fellow Blue Ponies on the wrestling team, he was recognized for his fighting spirit and generous heart.

He married Carol Opperud, and together they raised four amazing daughters, Stephanie, Jennifer, Julie, and Jaimee. He and Carol, who were later divorced, were known in Havre as "Parents of Steph and the Triplets."

Steve started his career as a lineman with Duty Construction in Havre and moved to Montana Power in 1977, first as a lineman, then as a crew foreman, and finally as city foreman for NorthWestern Energy. Once again, his work ethic was obvious, as he was often called out on all-nighters to repair power lines after a bad storm. He was trusted and respected by his coworkers.

He worked hard and played hard. On weekends, he could be found with his family at Fresno Reservoir or any lake he could find, where he taught his daughters, nieces, nephews and friends to water ski, a sport at which he excelled and loved. His nieces and nephews all carry fond memories of Uncle Steve's good-hearted teasing. He enjoyed playing pool at the Oxford with friends, riding his motorcycle, and driving his Corvette, but his happiest times were in his boat with his "girls."

When his dad was in the care center, Steve visited him every day, making sure everything was OK and that Henry was being well cared for. He was a devoted son. He checked in on many residents when he visited his dad, bringing them french fries, ice cream, or a favorite food. A friendly hello, a big smile, and a special treat from Steve brightened the days of many residents.

When Steve retired in 2012, he vowed he would not spend another winter in MT, so he headed south to Yuma to spend winters. He enjoyed the warm weather and gathering with his friends there, and his winter retreat became his year-long residence. He would often send thermometer readings of 80+ degrees to those of us who were toughing out another cold winter.

Steve loved to stir the pot, whether he was cooking his famous chili or arguing politics or religion. In Yuma, Steve's friends could always count on him for a home-cooked meal. His self-fashioned "meals on wheels" program was appreciated by anyone who received Steve's cooking. He had a generous heart and organized get-together dinners at the VFW, Moose Lodge, or Eagles, where no one was ever a stranger. He loved to entertain, and he hosted many pool parties at his house for his neighbors and friends. He cooked large batches of food in advance and found no problem in feeding 50+ people! If anyone needed a hand, Steve was always there to help with strong arms and a big smile. He will be truly missed.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Rosemary Hamblock.

He is survived by his daughters, Stephanie (Barry) Winton, Jennifer (Rusty Juhnke) Hamblock, Julie (Jefferson) Chang and Jaimee (Jay Getten) Hansen; siblings, Susan (Allen) Knapp, Mike (Patty) Hamblock, Mary (Dick Harding) Lloyd, Phil Hamblock and Theresa (Jim Bennett) Larson; his granddaughters, Brooklyn and Tatum Hansen and Arizona and November Chang; and many nieces and nephews.