Shane William Counts

Shane William Counts, 24, of Belgrade passed away suddenly on February 5th, 2017. Shane was born in Bozeman, MT on December 8th, 1992 to parents Lisa and Bud Counts. He was raised alongside his younger brother Cory, both natives of the Gallatin Valley. Shane attended the Belgrade schools, graduating from Belgrade High School in 2011. He then attended Helena College, receiving his Associates Degree in Diesel Technology. Shane worked at Titan Rentals in East Helena, followed by his employment with LA Construction where he worked with his uncle Lonnie and grandpa Larry, as well as various other places doing a wide variety of jobs. On December 14th, 2016, Shane married the love of his life, Sarah Newby, now known as Sarah Counts. The couple, along with their beloved four-legged fur child Izzy, lived together in Belgrade.



Shane had an extremely huge and tender heart. He loved deeply and easily moved people to laugh and smile. Shane loved the mountains and outdoors. He was on the slopes at Bridger Bowl at the age of 4 and became an excellent skier, often finding his own path to fresh powder, putting his avalanche certification to good use. He loved camping, dirt bike riding, working on cars and hunting with his many friends. He very much loved hunting and never missed a season! Shane will be remembered for his wonderful smile, his incredibly caring nature, his love, and his happiness.



Shane gave his heart to Jesus when he was 12 years of age and grew to love him more and more. He often verbalized that he couldn't wait to see Jesus face to face. He was just so excited for that day. He often got away on his own in the mountains to be with his Lord and enjoy his creation.



Shane was preceded in death by his father Bud Counts, his grandfather Donald Counts, his great-grandmother Babe "granny" Lenehan, step-grandfather Paul Berger, step-grandmother Sue Arthur, great-uncles Jim Arthur and Tony Arthur, and his cousin Katey Arthur. He is survived by his wife Sarah of Belgrade; mother Lisa Sanders and step-father Alan Sanders of Belgrade; brother Cory Counts of Belgrade; step-brother Casey Sanders of Belgrade; step-sister Courtney Sanders of Belgrade; mother-in-law Sally Newby and father-in-law Dwight Newby; grandfather Larry Arthur of Winifred; grandmother Helen Berger of Lewistown; grandmother Niff Lenehan of Belgrade; numerous aunts/uncles - Lonnie and Jamie Arthur of Fairfield, Delvin and Lori Henke of Great Falls, Terry Counts of Belgrade, Cindy Watts of Townsend, Pat Bucher of Belgrade, Cassie and Todd Montgomery of Belgrade, Robin Arthur of Three Forks, Sami and Corey Young of Billings; and cousins too numerous to mention but all very close to his heart.



A visitation for Shane will be held on Friday, February 10th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Dahl Funeral Chapel. A Graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 11th at Sunset Memorial Gardens off the Frontage Road. The pallbearers will include Cory Counts, Cameron Bucher, Andrew Bucher, Lonnie Arthur, Alan Sanders, and Dwight Newby. A Memorial service is to follow at 1:00 p.m. and will be hosted at Refuge Church in Belgrade, MT. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set-up in Shane’s honor. Shane’s memorial fund can be accessed at http://www.dahlcares.com/obituaries/Shane-William-Counts?obId=1352233#/tributeFundTab. Condolences and memories may be shared with Shane’s family at www.dahlcares.com.