Taylorsville, UT -- Steven Merrick Hansen passed away January 22, 2017 at home in Taylorsville, Utah. He entered the world August 10, 1985 in Ogden, Utah. Ten days later, he was lovingly placed with Steven D. and Sharene M. Hansen, his adoptive parents. He graduated from Taylorsville High School where he enjoyed studying German and creative writing. He served on the school newspaper staff. Merrick's love for people was only matched by his love for creatures of all types. Besides his two cats, he provided homes for scorpions, rats, and tarantulas. He considered almost everyone he met a friend. His life-long dream of meeting his birth mother was realized in 2007. He had also recently made contact with the family of his birth father. Merrick was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His career goal was to work among the Creator's handiwork; forests, mountains and wildlife. Yet he found considerable satisfaction working in the food service industry -- either preparing or serving meals to a grateful public. Emotional issues and personal choices caused Merrick's life to be a rollercoaster of despair and hope. His final months were on an upward trajectory thanks to new friends and a refocusing on things of a spiritual nature. He recently quoted the poet Emily Dickinson in a note to his mother: "Hope" is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all - He is survived by his parents, birth parents, sister Jaleigh (Andrew) Evans, nephew (Max), nieces (Jelaire and Isabelle), and grandparents Dennis H. and Colleen B. Hansen. He was preceded in death by grandparents Myrth C. and Lorraine V. Miner. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 27, 2017 at 11:00 am at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Chapel, 4760 S. State St., Murray, Utah. Family and friends may call 10:00 - 10:45 am prior to services. Merrick will be laid to rest at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 E. 4580 South, Salt Lake City, Utah.