Shawn Russell Alstad

Shawn Russell Alstad, age 51, passed away peacefully at home on February 9, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, surrounded by his wife and family.

Shawn was born and raised in Sunburst, Montana, on April 3, 1974, to John and Mary Jane Alstad. From an early age, He purchased his first motorbike at the age of twelve by selling chicken eggs in the teachers’ lounge – an early sign of the determination and ingenuity that would define his life.

Shawn was passionate about sports and played baseball, football, basketball and hockey. He played catcher for the Milk River Cardinals and won the Alberta Provincial Championship. He also wore 39 on the football field for the NTC Refiners in the 1990 State Championship game.

Shawn attended MSU in Bozeman, graduating in Mechanical Engineering. During his college years, he began riding Bareback and continued for a decade, reaching the PRCA and becoming a true Montana Cowboy. He also became a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Shawn had a gift for making people laugh, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met and was well known for his remarkable storytelling ability.

Shawn built an exceptional career as an aerospace design engineer and spent the greater part of the past 25 years in Phoenix with Honeywell as a Design Fellow. Shawn was highly regarded for his brilliance, humility, and problem-solving skills, and creativity, holding thirty-seven patents with six more pending.

More than 20 years ago, Shawn met the love of his life, Erin. They would have celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in May. They loved coming to Montana for snowmobiling trips and spending time with family and enjoying nature. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, riding at the dunes, enjoying the beach and laughter with family and friends. Both Shawn and Erin loved animals and cherish their mini Golden Doodle, Ezzy.

Shawn also loved riding his bike, swimming, hiking in the desert and yearly fly-fishing trips. Since his diagnosis 3 years ago, he competed in four mini triathlons, demonstrating the same resilience and strength that marked every chapter of his life. He loved woodworking and spending time in his shop with his CNC machine and creative thinking. He also had a special fondness for cartoons, especially Looney Tunes and Daffy Duck.

Shawn was a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He will always be remembered for his kindness, compassion, humility, determination, and the deep love he inspired in everyone who knew him.

Shawn is survived by his wife, Erin Alstad; his parents, John and Mary Jane Alstad; his sister and brother-in-law, Tami and Rob Simmons; sister, Kari Alstad; his nephews, John (Lakota) Kinyon and Ron (Lexi) Kinyon, Derek Simmons and fiancé Ally Feland; and niece, Taylor (Dave) Kelleher and six great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please send any donation to the VETERANS FLAG MEMORIAL, PO 56, SUNBURST, MT 59482.

A celebration of Shawn's life will be held in Sunburst, MT on March 21st. At the Sunburst Community Center from 3 to 6 PM.