Richard Elmo Stevens

1936 – 2024

Richard "Rich" Stevens, 87, of Irvine, California, entered eternal rest on January 21, 2024. He was born June 9, 1936 in Omaha, Nebraska, to parents Walter and Fern Stevens.

The family surname and ancestry, in fact, is St. Germaine. When Rich's father, Walter, was a young child, his surname St. Germaine was changed to Stevens, as Walter was raised by his Uncle Elmo and Aunt Mary Stevens.

Rich honorably served his country in the United States Navy Reserve for two years, then in the United States Air Force for four years.  Rich's life-long career was in the HVAC industry, which included over 15 years with General Electric in Kansas City, then in British Columbia, Canada. In retirement, he spent time as a volunteer for the National Park Service and enjoyed his camping trips to a number of national parks in western states.

An avid athletic person from childhood through his adult years, Rich was involved with and coached Little League and other sport activities. Later in life, he completed a goal to run the Los Angeles Marathon at age 50. Through his life, Rich was an animated storyteller and enjoyed sharing his adventures with others.

Preceding Rich in death were his parents, Walter and Fern Stevens; brother Robert Stevens and sister-in-law Willis Stevens; and brother Walter Stevens.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joyce (Riffel) Stevens; sons Scott (Lynn) Stevens, of Maple Valley, Washington, and Matthew Stevens of Irvine, California; daughters Christine Kirsch of Irvine, California, and Jennifer Stevens of Phoenix, Arizona; four grandchildren: Bryan (Rebecca) Stevens, Samuel (Zoe) Stevens, Kyle Kirsch, and Jessica Kirsch; three great grandchildren: Ari Stevens, Shoshana Stevens, and Azriel Stevens; nieces Pamela (Joseph) Tellez, Darlene Stevens, Mary Stevens, Deborah (David) Serrault, and nephews Larry (Valerie) Stevens and Mark (Cindy) Davis.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on February 5, 2024 at Skylawn Memorial Park, Highway 92 and Skyline Blvd, San Mateo, California. 94402.

Memorial donations in memory of Richard Stevens can be made to MemorialCare Hospice and Palliative Services, 24431 Calle de la Louisa, Ste. 100, Laguna Hills, California 92653.

John 17:3 "Now this is eternal life: That they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."