Thousands of people throughout the area were stunned and saddened Monday to learn about the sudden passing of longtime Muskegon Chronicle photographer Ken Stevens.
A lot of people have happy memories of Ken, and I have a few myself.
I mostly remember him as a huge sports fan who shared my special passion for the Detroit Tigers.
He didn’t love sports in an angry way, because he wasn’t an angry person. He didn’t sit in front of the television screaming and complaining about this move or that trade or how they should fire the coach.
Ken loved sports for the pure joy the games brought him. I recall him being as excited as a high-fiving 12-year-old when his teams won a big game, and equally sad when they lost.
His enthusiasm for sports was infectious. He made everyone around him want to be a Tiger fan, or a Lions fan, or a Central Michigan Chippewa fan.
Yes, Ken was a Chip, through and through, just like thousands of other journalists from throughout the state and beyond.
When I think of Ken as a photojournalist, I picture him shooting high school sporting events. I always thought that was the part of his job he loved the most.
I’ve covered lots of local games and matches with Ken, and he always seemed knowledgeable about, and interested in, what was happening on the field or court. I think he loved high school sports because he loved kids, and enjoyed watching them strive, succeed and grow.
It didn’t matter if it was prep football or basketball – with the big crowds in the stands – or a high school tennis match, with only a few scattered parents watching. Ken took pictures that made all the young athletes look good. And the way he treated the kids left them feeling good about themselves.
Ken was everything a local journalist should be – dedicated, knowledgeable, passionate, and one hell of a skilled photographer. I don’t know how many photography awards he won, but I’m sure there are enough to cover a few walls.
I worked with Ken for 20 years at the Chronicle. I can’t say he was a real close friend, but with Ken you didn’t have to be.
Everyone was his friend. He was always quick with a smile, a handshake, and a kind word or funny story. He was the type of person who instantly brightened up any room – even a stuffy newsroom full of cranky, stressed out reporters and editors on deadline.
I remember a few years back, when my mother died. Ken came to the funeral home to extend his sympathies. He never met my mother, and he didn’t know me very well outside of work. But it didn’t matter. He knew a colleague was hurting and wanted to say how sorry he was.
It meant a great deal to me.
I remember my last day at the Chronicle. A small group of close friends gathered at a bar after work to celebrate with me. Ken showed up too, just because that’s the kind of person he was.
I don’t recall Ken ever uttering a negative phrase about anyone. I doubt very much he had an enemy on the planet. He was a kind person who treated everyone with respect and looked for the best in people.
They say the good die young. Ken Stevens was as good as they come, and he died far too young.
We at Local Sports Journal extend our heartfelt condolences to Ken’s wife, children and the rest of his family. We hope they can take some comfort in knowing that he was a terrific man who touched a lot of lives in a very personal, positive way.
His life was too short, but it was very worthwhile. He will be mourned and missed by more people than he ever would have imagined.
Thank you, Steve, for this tribute to Kenny. Our Tiger talks usually consisted of "Name that obscure Tiger" from when we were growing up … Les Cain, Tito Fuentes, Mike Kilkenny.
Thank you, Steve, for this tribute to Kenny. Our Tiger talks usually consisted of "Name that obscure Tiger" from when we were growing up … Les Cain, Tito Fuentes, Mike Kilkenny.
Steve, your words of tribute to Ken are right on. Thank you. He was an amazing human being. His kindness and care of others will always be admired. I wanted to be just like him! I grieve today knowing that earth has lost one of the best people that God ever created.
Beautifully written! Thank you for sharing what is in the hearts of all of the Chronicle family past and present, who had the pleasure of working with Ken.
RIP Kenny…It was an honor knowing you…laughing with you …shooting with you.
Ken had such a gentle spirit. When working with Ken he always had a smile and kind words to share. Hugs, Reenie & Warren
Well said !!
Thanks for your words, Steve. I miss our Chronicle family. This is all so hard to believe right now.
Well said, Steve. Ken touched our lives in so many ways! Kind, intelligent and thoughtful; could make an ordinary day seem so interesting and fun, through his lens! May you find eternal peace in the loving arms of God. Bless you and your family!
Very well done Steve. Tough time for our Chronicle "family."
So many wonderful memories, so many hearts he has touched. He taught us all how to be a better person. Thanks Steve for such a well deserved tribute to a man who will always be family. – Lynn
When reading this all I could think of was, "that is the same Ken I know". I am so saddened by this news. I last saw him at the GH vs RP game and we were joking about taking video. He was just always so kind and had that big smile. I just can't believe he has passed.Thank you for your article, his family must be in so much pain yet comforted by all the love and support.
Wonderful tribute Steve. He was truly a great person to be around and will be sorely missed.
Well spoken words Steve. Our Chronicle family lost a very special friend an member. Not only he loved sports he also was an outstanding 1st baseman watching digging and stretching to make the play . He was there for me when i needed him the most only had to ask him he was all in. He's going to be missed. R.I.P. " KennyBob "
ken was an amazing person that touched many peoples lives in the most positive ways. He brought smiles to everyone around him and never had a bad thing to say about anyone or anything
My son and Ken's son were classsmates since kindergarten. We met when our boys played soccer in kindergarten. He loved what he did and was good at it. My dad was a professional photographer for over 40 years, so we shared that same interest. Ken was the type of person who always stopped to say hello whenever he saw you. One of the best family pictures I have is one Ken took after the GH Bucs football team won the OK Red Conference championship by beating Muskegon in 2010. My son was the QB for GH and we were with him on the field after that game. Ken told us to turn around so he could get a shot. By 10 the next morning, he was at my front door with a beautiful picture that I have cherished since the day he gave it to me. No words to express how many lives he touched, or how much he will be missed!