Memories

I interned at the Chronicle during the Summer of 1990 and had the privilege of working with Ken and so many other wonderful, influential journalists while I was there. He was an important part of what made that summer one of the most memorable of my life.

Ken was such a kind man, a great teacher and an incredible photojournalist. He has resonated strongly in my memories for almost 25 years and I’m so sorry for your loss.

He was possessed of that unique balance of passion for his craft and passion for life beyond it that few of us obtain — and all of use pine for.

On top of the incredible talents for journalism and photography Ken had, he more than left his mark on all of us.

The enthusiasm for the creativity and hard work of all those around him was inspirational. I remember how excited he would get when anyone came back with a great shot. It was like he had done it himself. I think on more than one occasion I felt like I was less excited by my own work than he was! Such a great guy to be around.

Ken fired up everyone around him. And for the dozens of interns like me that paraded through what was inarguably one of the best photojournalism internships in the country — that particular aspect of Ken was very formative.

My deepest condolences to you — his family, friends and colleagues. As hard as it is to hear for someone who was long out of his life, I can only sympathize with the power of your loss. But I hope its comforting for you to know how much Ken’s spirit lives on in all of us.

On Monday my brother in law Ken Stevens passed away suddenly. In the past few days there have been so many beautiful tributes from his family and friends that say in so many amazing ways what we all knew and loved about him. That he was amazingly kind and generous, a hell of a photographer and hilariously funny to boot! I am so thankful for the 30 years our family had with him.

I ask for your prayers for my sister Teresa, my nephew Jeff and my neice Faith as they face the difficult days ahead. Ken, we love you and miss you always. Rest in peace my dear friend.

I’ll always remember Ken for his sparkling grin and kind uplifting words. He never failed to make me and everyone around feel worth something in the world we shared as co-workers, friends and as members of a community. He made deadlines and working weekends seem like a cakewalk!

To borrow words from Woodrow Wilson, I truly believe Ken did more than make a living – he absolutely brought a finer spirit of hope and achievement to everyone he met. He enriched so many lives with his kindness, humor, friendship & amazing talent.

My heart & prayers go out to Ken’s family, and to all of us who will miss him and all he brought to our lives.

May you rest in peace and beauty & may your popcorn bucket be ever overflowing Ken!

Traveling mercies, dear Ken. So many stories, so many hours spent working, talking, weaving words and images together. Thank you for introducing me to Teresa. Thank you; just, thank you.

Growing up on the east coast, there were times when the miserable Muskegon winters were too much for me to handle. But regardless of the day, Ken was always hunched over his computer when I came into work, and his cheerful smile immediately washed away whatever funk I was in.

Whenever we weren’t talking photos, we would ramble about the goings-on of baseball or hockey that day. It seemed every week he had another story about the Stanley Cup. By the end of my internship, he ended every email with a “Go Nats!” and I’d finish with a, “Go Tigers!”

Nearly two years and several zip codes later, Ken’s influence on my life hasn’t waned. It never will. Sure, he was a fantastic photographer and an excellent teacher, but that takes a backseat to just how genuine of a person he was. Even people who had never met him told me, “I hear Ken Stevens is the nicest guy ever!” when I mentioned I worked in Muskegon.

The news caught me so off guard, as I imagine it did with everyone who knew him. It’s not easy to hear, and harder to believe. My thoughts and condolences to Teresa, Jeff and Faith.

My thoughts and prayers go to Ken’s families: at home and at the Chronicle. Ken was a newbie staffer in Muskegon during my internship and I remember well his kindness. Very sad news for those who knew him via too brief internships and I can’t imagine the heartache for his families. God Bless.