Birth date: Jun 11, 1956 Death date: Jul 2, 2015
Brian Donald Stevens, age 59, passed away Thursday afternoon, July 2, 2015. He was born June 11, 1956 in Muskegon to Leon and Madelyn (Shelkey) Stevens. Brian was a U.S. Army Veteran and worked as a machinist for Lift Tech and Sin Read Obituary
I will always remember Brian for giving me a gift and a memory while working one year at Lift-Tech.
My father, Phillip, worked there for forty years (dec'd. Nov 2009) and once told me how he was showing "this new kid" how to run various machines in the dept. He said his name was Brian but wanted to be called "Cowboy" and he ended up buying my Dad's wood tool chest and tools when Dad retired. Some of those tools belonged to and were used by my grandfather (Clarence) when it was "Manning, Maxwell, & Moore" and "Shaw-Box Crane", and also by my Dad's older brother (Robert) during the summer of 1944 between high school and being drafted in the fall (killed on Okinawa, May 1945).
I remember as a young kid when my Dad sanded and refinished that old oak tool chest and re-lined the drawers with new green felt.
In October of 2004, when I was 52, I started a year-long temp position at Lift-Tech subbing for a National Guardsmen sent to Iraq, in the same dept where Dad had spent so much time, and there soon met "Cowboy". It was he who told me that he bought my Dad's tool chest.
He then took me over to his lathe, and there it was! Instantly, I was 10 years old again, watching the 'old' man spend all this time reworking some old box. Inside were many tools, some shiny, some old. One of them was a six-inch steel ruler with my grandfather's hand-etched signature. Wow!, I was overcome as I hadn't seen it before.
Later, I told Brian I would like to buy that ruler if he decided to sell it. He said he used it quite often and had no plans to sell any of his tools.
Almost a year later my term ended and I was to start a new job at a place called Sintel.
On my last day, Brian walked over and handed me my grandfather's ruler. I was surprised he remembered my interest and asked him what he wanted for it, when he told me, "Nothing. It means a lot to you, it's a gift."
I learned a lot about Cowboy that day.
A few years later I got to thank him again and visit him often as he too ended up at Sintel.
Thank you, Brian.
Dear Stevens Family and Friends,
I wasn’t privileged with the remarkable acquaintance of Mr.Stevens as you were, but it saddens me to read of your tremendous loss. Please accept my family’s sincerest condolences. It brings great comfort and hope to many to know that The Almighty God and Creator promises to rid humans of death,pain, sorrow, and outcry, very soon, in his Word The Bible . May you all have peace.
Remembering a "True Friend" whom I worked along side with for 15 years. If he wasn't leaving me laughing with his humor, then probably feeling irritated by his comment's or opinion's. But, at the end of the day he was an all around good guy who was always there to lend his hand in help if you needed it.We shared many things about growing up as well as talking sports and his "favorite team" the Pittsburgh Steeler's.Although you were taken from us way to soon, your now in the "Best Place" free from suffering and together again with your father and brother. "Thanks Brian" for the advice you gave me along the way as those memories will forever be with me. And I'll never forget the strong Love of Life that you had for your Family. My "Deepest Sympathy" to David, Brian, Mark, Madelyn and the rest of family and friends. RIP Brian You Will Never Be Forgotten! Jeff Holstine.
You were there, to put me in a sheep riding contest at the rodeo when I was little. A few years later, you were there when I went from riding a sheep to riding horses. You were there for the winter sledding trips and the wrestling practices, to see me in the hospital after my car accidents and for both of my weddings. You were even there to give me a little 'tough love' when I needed it most, but I always knew that even though the love was sometimes tough, it was still LOVE. You have always been there for me, and I know you always still will be. I love you and miss you dearly.
-Your niece, Shelby
Brian, David and Madelyn, Im so sorry to hear of Brians passing - My heart felt condolences to yous and Mark. Im at a loss for words. May he rest in peace, God Bless
-Debra Dykstra
MontcalmCo, MI
