Ben Alvin Stevenson

Ben Stevenson, of Ridgefield, Washington passed away Monday, October 18, 2021 at age 79. Ben was preceded in death by his wife, Gwen Stevenson, just two weeks prior on October 3, 2021, and by his parents, Bernie and Aileen Stevenson. He is survived by his sister Linda (& Peter) Sternitzky, and by five children, twelve grandchildren, his nephew and niece, and their children and grandchildren.

Ben was born June 25, 1942 in Portland, OR. He grew up in Walla Walla, WA, where he met his first wife, Shirley Dick. Before they married they moved independently of one another to Portland, OR. There they married, worked to put each other through college, and had their son, Bret Evans Stevenson. Ben graduated with a BS in Business from Portland State University and enjoyed a career with the Federal Government, first for the Corps of Engineers and then with Bonneville Power Administration.

In 1969, Ben met and married Gwen Joy, who had three children from a previous marriage, Kristi (& Geoff) Carvey, Steve (& Julie) Joy, and Greg (& ReNai) Joy. Together they had Todd (& Sonja) Stevenson. Grandchildren include Keely & Trenton Stevenson, Ben, Katie, Sebastian & Sylvie Stevenson, Justin (& Beth) and Jenna Joy, JoHannah (& Yves) and Landon Joy, and Kaya & Ayla Carvey. Ben and Gwen celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary in April of this year.

Ben was a star football player during high school and loved sports all his life. He and wife Gwen were Portland Trailblazer season ticket holders for 50 years. He also enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s football, basketball, baseball, and soccer games. Ben and Gwen always had a couple of dogs, which were good companions for them. Ben loved keeping up on family news and often boasted of his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments.

Ben will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. His sister Linda says in their later years they never ended a conversation without an “I love you”. Ben will be entombed on October 23, 2021, together with his wife Gwen, following a private chapel service at Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary in Portland, Oregon.