Obituary of David Roy Stevenson

David Roy Stevenson David Roy Stevenson passed away on June 13, 2011. He was 78. David was born in Spokane, WA on December 27, 1932 to Arthur L. and Anne Stevenson. He was raised in Spokane and Seattle, WA. He graduated UC Berkeley with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a life long supporter of California, having lived in San Francisco and Santa Cruz. He often reminisced at how amazed he was that in two minutes he could be at the ocean. He truly loved living in Santa Cruz County. David worked as an Engineer at Lockheed Missiles and Space Division. After retiring he taught oceanography and computer science with Adult Education. Family and friends were always his main focus in life. He volunteered at his granddaughter Rosy's classes at Green Acres Elementary where he was fondly referred to as "Grandpa Dave". Woodworking was one of Dave's favorite pastimes. He crafted wooden toys which he would then donate to local organizations at Christmas time. He also volunteered at the Boys and Girls club of Santa Cruz by teaching a woodworking class. Dave was an avid photographer his entire life. He loved taking pictures at all family get-togethers and in daily life. During the last years of his life Dave began to express himself through whimsical caricature cartoons. Dave always had a love of sailing. He owned 3 sailboats throughout his life which he sailed at Pine Mountain Lake, Clear Lake, and the Monterey Bay. Dave enjoyed watching and playing sports. He regularly took part in a game of golf. He also made it a routine to play Bocce Ball at Bocci's Cellar every Wednesday. Growing up in San Francisco made him a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. Dave fell in love with traveling during the last years of his life. He took a once in a lifetime trip to Greece, Turkey, and Italy in 2008. He appreciated being able to gain a different perspective on the lives of others. In the final year of his life Dave became a devoted member of the 545 Moose Lodge. It gave him great enjoyment to be part of the group and he made some amazing friends. He also became involved with the SIRs luncheons which gave him a great sense of camaraderie and intellectual stimulation. Above all, the most important thing in his life was his family and friends. Dave was someone who would do anything to help someone in need, whether it be a family member, friend, or stranger. The love of his life, Bette Rae Stevenson, of 51 years preceded him in death. He is survived by daughter, Patty, son-in-law Juan, and granddaughter Rosy Enriquez of Santa Cruz, Ca. Son, Mark and granddaughters Claire and Kelsey Stevenson of Caldwell, ID. Brother, Wally and sister-in-law Mary Alice Stevenson of San Francisco, Ca. Sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sharon and Bob Mangan of Penn Valley, Ca. As well as many other friends, nieces, and nephews and his dogs, "The One Eyed" Dude and Maggie. A memorial service will be held on Saturday June 25th beginning at 11:30 am at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel in Santa Cruz. A reception will follow at the Santa Cruz Moose Lodge #545, 2470 El Rancho Dr, Santa Cruz, Ca 95060. Following his wishes, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer care of Patty Enriquez, 834 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, Ca 95062.