Richard John Stevenson passed away January 8, 2021 at the age of 71. Richard (known to friends as Dick) was born in Knoxville, Iowa May 16th, 1949 to Leland Stevenson and Joyce Stevenson (nee Neal). The Stevenson family moved to Arizona in 1955. Dick graduated Alhambra High School in 1967 and attended Arizona State University before serving in the Arizona Air National Guard from 1970-1976. He also worked in the family pizza business, Gino’s Pizza which was founded in 1957, starting in 1965 and owning his own store from 1973-1987. From there Dick centered his career around his love for animals from 1987-2014 with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. His career was peppered with many fascinating, adventurous stories working with the public and animals in the valley for 27 years. Dick met his wife, Diane Stevenson (nee Anderson) in 1971 and the two were married for 48 years and had 2 children.
Dick enjoyed Arizona history, particularly the Wild West years: reading books on the subject, watching movies and documentaries of the West and traveling to historic ghost towns and sites in the state. He loved a good road trip, traveling around Arizona sightseeing and visiting national parks and monuments. He loved being outdoors and curated many fond memories with friends and families camping, fishing and hunting in Arizona. Dick loved dogs and they him. If you ever had the pleasure of having him in your home, you would find him hanging out with the family dog! He was happiest with a dog by his side (or on his lap, in his bed, or tucked into a sweatshirt) and was a true dog whisperer.
Richard is survived by his wife Diane Stevenson and children Tim Stevenson, Shelley Hazelett (Aaron) and grandchildren Anderson, Parker and Morgan and two brothers, James L. of Phoenix Arizona and Douglas C. of Pinetop Arizona.
Due to the Covid19 pandemic, there will not be a service at this time. A memorial to be held at a later date when it is safe to do so.
In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the animal rescue organization of your choosing or Maricopa County Animal Care and Control.
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