Steven Michael Maggio

Steven Michael Maggio, 54, of Pray, Montana died as the result of a work accident on Saturday, September 26, 2015. A memorial gathering is planned for Sunday, October 4, 4:00pm at the Mill Creek Ranch of Jim Melin, 305 Mill Creek Rd. Steven, the third and youngest son of Rita and Leo Maggio, was born May 14, 1961 in Los Angeles County. His childhood was spent in California. He later attended Pierce College, after which he worked as a contract archeologist, moving to Nevada and later to Alaska. In the late 1980's Steve moved to Montana, where he became interested in dog sledding, working with and learning from more experienced mushers. By the mid 90's he had started his own commercial sledding operation, "Haulin Huskies", which he ran for two years before switching to sprint racing. Steve was mentored and guided by Rob Tucker from whom he obtained his best Siberian Huskies and then began breeding and building his own racing team. Over the subsequent years, Steve won numerous races with his carefully bred and trained Siberian Huskies. At one time, his dogs were considered the fastest Siberians in North America. A highlight of his mushing career was going to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, where he demonstrated sled dog racing with his two lead dogs during the medal ceremonies. Throughout his mushing career, Steve was always generous with his time and knowledge helping newcomers to the field. Steve also ran a busy and successful weed spraying business and was highly regarded for his professionalism, honesty and friendly smile. He is preceded in death by his parents and survived by brothers Craig and Brian and his 24 beloved dogs. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Stafford Animal Shelter, 3 Business Park Rd, Livingston, MT 59047. (The Guardian Angel Fund) in memory Steve Maggio. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory in Livingston.