Memories

Anyone who came in contact with Kenny had 2 immediate choices. 1) Love him, or 2) Ask why you are incapable of love. He was such a pure good, I’m honored to know him.

I went to Dexter High School with Ken Stevens, and graduated from Central Michigan University in December of 1985 from the journalism program with him. During commencement, as I was taking my walk to the stage, I saw Ken in his seat, waiting his turn. I remember giving him a big smile and a wave. He smiled back, then got a frantic look on his face, grabbed his camera and quickly snapped a picture of me…he was worried about missing a photo op! Even in his cap and gown at graduation, he carried his beloved photo equipment!

It’ll be a week tomorrow and it still seems surreal that Ken Stevens has left this earth. I’ve been praying for Theresa, Jeff, and Faith since we heard the news of his passing. Today is the showing, heading to the funeral home tonight, and tomorrow is his service. So young…such a great person. Don’t take family and friends for granted, you don’t know how much time you have with them.

“(5) Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. (8)…Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:5,8 NLT — feeling sad.

Ken Stevens was one of the kindest and gentlest men I have ever known. His selflessness compared to no other. He was always willing to help encourage photo students, teach in the minority workshop, look at portfolios and come speak in the photo classes at CMU.

I had my point-and-shoot when he was awarded Alum of the Year at CMU in 2013 and I made some video clips. Today, when I found them and listened to them, I realized that in both of them he is speaking of other’s and not himself. In one, he tells the story of when he found out his wife was named valedictorian. In the other, he encourages students to apply for internships. The kindness he showed us lives forever in our hearts.

Like most others, I have been in shock over the unexpected passing of Chronicle photographer Ken Stevens. He was such a kind and gentle soul, always positive and helpful, and it seems so unfair. I can say with certainty that he and the other Chronicle photographers were always kind to me, not to mention great people to work with, as well as consummate professionals with the highest ethical standards. Newspaper reporting/photojournalism aren’t easy professions (high stress, emotionally and mentally exhausting at times and you never know what situation you are walking into), but this visual remembrance is a reminder of why we do/did it – and love it – and why it matters. RIP Ken. You made a difference. Your work made a difference. And Muskegon (and your family, friends and colleagues) will miss you.

“A TROUBLED HEART” The wind blows soft, the wind blows weak. It sings a love song, it kisses a cheek. It passes by, but I don’t see. I’m too wrapped in feelings contained in me. So what if my friend doesn’t live anymore? Should I give up life? Should I shut the door? I wish he could tell me what it’s like to die, I can’t do anything. I can only cry.If he were here, what would he think was right? He’d want me to go on to live, to fight. So blow soft wind, blow sweet blow dear. Blow wind blow, dry away my tears. Teresa, Jeffery and Faith; Jim and I are sorry for your loss, and also rejoice in knowing he’s in heaven! We will always have our memories and so many photographs he had taken of our family! We pray for Gods peace and rest as you endure your loss of Ken. He left way to soon, but God makes no mistakes. Uplifting prayers for your days ahead. Love, The Peterson’s.