Robert William Stevens

Robert W. Stevens, 81, passed away unexpectedly in Seattle, WA on June 21, 2017. He was born in Coquille, OR to Stanton and Eva on March 23, 1936. He grew up on a small farm outside of Myrtle Point, OR, where they had dairy and beef cattle. The family owned Stevens Hardware store where he worked and learned how to fix just about anything! He was involved in 4-H. He graduated Valedictorian in his high school class.

He attended Willamette University in Salem, OR where he met his first love, Marilyn Ludlow in 1954. They married September 10, 1957 and after he graduated in Economics from Willamette in 1958, they moved to Seattle where he attended graduate school for his MBA at the U of W. He taught undergrad accounting classes.

His first job was at the Boeing Company, but after about 5 years he was appointed Treasurer for the United Methodist Church Pacific Northwest Conference in 1966. The rest of his career was devoted to his role as Treasurer (retiring in 2000), as well as serving on numerous local and national boards for the church, Wesley Homes, Seabeck Conference Center, his local church – Haller Lake United Methodist. In these last 4 years working at Crista where he and Phyllis (married 2001) lived, to help on financial committees and many other organizations. His ability to see “the big picture” of financial decisions was so appreciated by the committees he served on.

A quote from Rev. Melvin M. Finkbeiner at a recognition event for him in 1990 sums it up, “Robert W. Stevens – forward looking, hard-headed, soft-hearted, unceasingly curious in matters financial, guardian of all fiduciary interests.”

And a quote just recently, from Kevin Anderson, Administrator for Wesley Homes, “His wisdom, encouragement and guidance as a Trustee was admired and greatly appreciated by all who served with him. He used prudent caution, but was never afraid to press for moving forward to expand, improve and further the mission of the organization.”

Within United Methodism, he served as Treasurer 1966-2000, Jurisdictional Conference Delegate 1968-1996, General Conference Delegate 1976 – 1996, Treasurer Western Jurisdiction 1975-1988, General Conference Board of Finance and Administration (GCF&A) 1972-76 Audit and Review Committee, 1976-1984 general member, General Board of Pensions member 1984-1992, Vice President 1988-1992, United Methodist Health Care Task Force Chair 1989-1992, GCF&A Investment Committee 1992-2000, Plan of Organization and Rules of Order of the General Conference 1992-2000 (Secretary 1992-1996).

He loved his family. He was a very loving father and grandfather and supported and encouraged Paul and Ruth, Ashley, Alex and Ben growing up and as adults. He was an amazing caregiver to Marilyn until she passed away in 2000 shortly after he retired. He enjoyed boating activities. He taught over 100 people to waterski, even though he never did it himself. He was very kind and patient while teaching. Boating related vacations to Lake Crescent, Lake Goodwin and Lake Roosevelt with family and dear friends were annual events. Boat camping in the San Juan Islands was a favorite summer activity and he continued to join Ruth and her family each year on Sucia Island, his favorite. Until his stroke in 2011, he was an avid gardener, both flowers (an expert in roses), berries and vegetables. He would often plant over 1000 annuals each year. He loved watching the Mariners and enjoyed travelling to spring training with friends from church as well as attending games with Paul. Also, several times he and Phyllis invited all of their family to a game when it was Haller Lake UMC night. But, mostly he watched them on TV and very recently that was a favorite time spent with Phyllis. He loved music – especially classical and pipe organ. He had season tickets to the Seattle Symphony since the early 1970’s and to encourage the love of music he and Marilyn took his grandchildren to “Discover Music” concerts when they were young.

He was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Marilyn. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, his sister, Geranna Fleming, his son, Paul (Pat) Stevens, and daughter Ruth (Greg) Hilborn and his grandchildren, Ashely Stevens, Alex and Ben Hilborn, and a niece and nephews. Also, Phyllis’ family, the Mortensens, Russ, Marta and their families.

Memorial Service will be on July 7th, 2:00 at Edmonds United Methodist Church. 828 Casper St. Edmonds, WA

Memorial gifts in honor of Robert W. Stevens may be made to Wesley Homes Foundation or Seabeck Conference Center.

Memorial donations can be made to Seabeck Conference Center -www.seabeck.org or mail to SCC 13395 Lagoon Dr NW, Seabeck, WA 98380.

This is the link to go directly to the donate form: https://seabeck.fastercampaigns.com/ The Seabeck.org has a big donate now button on the bottom.

Wesley Homes Foundation and put in the memo: tribute to Bob Stevens. Our address is 815 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198. Our website is also a very easy place to make a tribute gift and that can be found at www.wesleyhomes.org. There is a “donate” button on the top right hand corner of the website and there is a place to dedicate a gift in honor of a loved one.

Arrangements under the direction of Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Seattle, Washington.