Shawna Muriel Johansen was born in Redwood City, California on December 17th 1968 and passed away peacefully on July 11th 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah at the Huntsman Cancer Center after living with breast cancer for over 2 years.

Shawna had a deep love for the outdoors that guided every chapter of her life. She began her journey as a ski instructor at Solitude Ski Resort in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she became a beloved member of the mountain and ski community in Big Cottonwood Canyon. She later worked with CTEC in Vail, Colorado, helping to build ski lifts before pursuing a degree in Environmental Science at Utah State University in Logan. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Idaho in 1999.

Her path led her to Clarkia, where she took a job as a wildland firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service. It was there that she met the love of her life and future husband, William “Bill” Blount.

Together, Shawna and Bill built a life deeply rooted in nature. They first settled in the rugged beauty of the St. Joe National Forest, where they lived for four years before transferring to the Salmon-Challis National Forest in Custer County, Idaho, which they have called home for 25 years.

Shawna worked seasonally for Idaho Fish and Game in Clayton, Idaho. The winters were reserved for skiing—most often in the backcountry of Idaho.

She continued her work in various forestry roles in nearby Challis while also maintaining her wildland firefighting skills for 18 years. Shawna not only fought wildfires but also led a crew focused on fire prevention and land stewardship—work that stood as a true testament to her commitment to protecting the natural world.

Shawna was a force of nature in her own right. She approached life with quiet strength and a big heart. She loved to ski—her friends fondly described her as a Norwegian goddess on the slopes. Natural and beautiful in every way, her deep connection to the land was ever-present. She was a true mountain woman. She carried the spirit of exploration wherever she went.

Summers were spent on the river, mountain biking, hiking and backpacking, always seeking new trails and fresh air. Her love for adventure was matched only by her deep devotion to her family and friends. She was kind and humble, placing the needs of others above her own. Family and pets were always at the center of her life, and her love for dogs was unconditional. She was a loyal friend, generous in spirit, and a source of support to all who knew her. Shawna had a love and appreciation of music, she loved attending live shows and also played the guitar and ukulele. She had a beautiful gift for turning even the most ordinary moments into something joyful—her silliness was contagious, and she could spark spontaneous laughter that made everything feel lighter. Being around her meant never taking life too seriously and always finding a reason to smile.

Shawna and Bill built their log home by hand in a remote stretch of the East Fork of the Salmon River, living a life rooted in intention, beauty, and harmony with the land. Together, they shared a love of travel and music, finding joy in both the quiet rhythms of nature and the melodies that moved them.

Shawna will be remembered for her fierce spirit, generous heart, and unwavering love for the wild places she called home. Her spirit will forever be found on the mountain, gliding through fresh powder, light as laughter. She will soar freely, like the eagles above the wilderness she cherished.

Shawna was preceded in death by her beloved brother Keven Johansen and wife Elaine Johansen. Survived by her husband Bill Blount, parents Kurt William Johansen and Patsy Muriel Johansen, brothers Aaron (Catherine) Johansen, Scott (Courtney) Johansen and Sister Linda (John Rand) Johansen and her dear friend Rachel (Mike) Richmond.

Celebration of Life

October 18, 2025 @ 1 pm

For Shawna Johansen

Dec 17-1968 -July 11, 2025

At a mountain home in Big Cottonwood Canyon near Brighton Ski Area

8165 Old Miners Lane, Brighton, Utah 84121

Food and drinks will be provided, but feel free to bring some special snacks if you like..

Family is renting the home for 3 nights and there may be space available to those that prefer to stay. Once we are closer to the celebration I will share more information.

Share your stories and special times you shared with Shawna. If you’d like to bring photos to share then please do so.

It should be a nice relaxing afternoon in the beautiful Wasatch..see you then.

Bill