My Memorial Submission: My most excellent adventure with Ken. It was December 1989 and I had only been with the Chronicle 4 months. Ken and I were riding up to the Straits to see the USCGC Acacia, then based in Grand Haven, break ice. Middle of the night between Gaylord and Grayling I blow a tire on I-75. I grab the spare tire and jack, Kenny gets his gear and we do a selfie, tire and all.
Kenneth Stevens Memories
From Rose Sanocki
Ken Stevens…..always a smile…always a kind word to say!!
That is what I remember most of all.
You will be greatly missed!!! Thoughts and prayers for your family!!!!
From John Russell
I first met Ken at a Michigan Press Photographer’s Association meeting, one of the late fall educational gatherings that was held at Dave Old’s studio in Lansing in the 1980’s.
Ken was gracious and interested in my work at a smaller newspaper, and we talked about working in Traverse City and Muskegon, and how similar the places were. From that time forward, I knew at least one award would be given to Ken for his outstanding work, usually in features and sports, two bricks in the foundation of small town photography.
Smiling and always surrounded by interns and students, who were gathering for positive input from this award-winning shooter, Ken was always gracious and interesting.
Over the years I always looked forward to time spent with Ken at any MPPA event, and the occasional times we would be at a similar assignment in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, or the Detroit area.
His legacy will continue through the love and learning that he passed along to everyone lucky enough to work or spend time with him.
He will not be forgotten.
From MLIVE Muskegon Chronicle
MLive Muskegon Chronicle photographer Ken Stevens dies unexpectedly, leaves deep legacy
By Lynn Moore | lmoore8@mlive.com
MUSKEGON, MI — His photographs told Muskegon’s stories for 28 years — the tragic moments, the poignant ones and those of jubilation. He was the man behind the camera, the one with the smile and the kind words.
That’s how Ken Stevens will be remembered — for his kindness and his talent. His legacy is not only the photos that appeared in the Muskegon Chronicle and on MLive.com, but the countless young photographers whose lives he forever touched.
Stevens, 51, of Grand Haven died unexpectedly Monday, Oct. 20. A multimedia specialist for MLive Muskegon Chronicle, Stevens leaves a wife and two children — and a community of friends that stretches across the country — to grieve. [Click to read more …]
From Lisa DeJong
Kenny was one of the greatest people I’ve ever known. Truly. He was a great photographer but even a better human being. Little did we all know that Ken was teaching us how to be better people, through his empathy, humility, down-to-earth-ness and most of all – laughter. My god did we laugh…. this man would have us in tears with laughter.
Kenny never even whispered something bad about another human. My Muskegon days were my favorite memories and Kenny has a lot to do with that. What an incredible gift to work with Greg, Dave, Kenny and Brian – four incredible men. Better photography through better people. Theresa, please know that Kenny was so so so loved around the country.
He made such a lasting impression. He was my ground zero for how to be a great human being. I will miss him so so so so much. I just can’t believe it…..
From Jay L. Clendenin
Very saddened to hear that friend and inspiring human being Kenny Ken Stevens passed away suddenly. He was a great photographer and an even more amazing person. He was a staff photographer at the Muskegon Chronicle, my second photojournalism internship, for six months in the spring of 1996.
I was the California kid who had never really lived in a “winter” climate and he tried for six months to convince me to drive my little Nissan Sentra out onto The frozen Lake Muskegon, but I was too chicken! Kenny was nurturing and hilarious, always jumping onboard with whatever crazy idea myself and fellow intern Greg Frostad came up with.
