I have been out of the country the past few days and was heartbroken to get on the lodge’s wifi this AM and learn of Ken Stevens’ passing.
When I was lucky enough to be an intern photographer for the Muskegon Chronicle in the winter/spring of 2005 I got to work with and learn from Ken on a daily basis. I have met a lot of people over the years throughout my travels, but I have never met another Ken. A dedicated father, selfless beyond words, kind, funny, and an unbelievably talented journalist. To give me something to do on the weekends (there wasn’t much going on in Muskegon in March) he’d take me to his house for a home-cooked meal or to his son’s little league games – and I always had a blast playing catch with him and his son. I learned a lot from Ken in my few months in western Michigan, and it was much more than just picture-taking skills.
My heart goes out to Ken’s family and friends, the Chronicle family, and everybody who feels a little less complete with him being gone. Thanks Ken for the advice, mentoring, laughs, and late night popcorn/Chex-Mix combo in the photo department.