Nelson Kay
Stevenson
1930 - 2019
Nelson Kay Stevenson launched his eternity, reunited with "Jo Babe", and went exploring on October 3, 2019 after a short trial with cancer. Kay, fourth son of Merlon L & Katie Lynn Peterson Stevenson, arrived in Ogden, Utah on June 5, 1930. Excelled at art, football, swimming, and track at Ogden High School. Served in the Great Lakes Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Met gorgeous red-headed, Jo Anna Waldrop, on his mission and married her December 19, 1952 in the Salt Lake Temple. Children Larry (Carol) Stevenson, Mary (Howard) Schmidt, Nancy (John) Van Slooten, and David (Julene) Stevenson; 23 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren (2 more coming soon) & 5 foster children blessed their marriage. Jo and one grandchild precede him in death.
Graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in Art in 1955 Moved to Burbank, California to begin a long career as graphic communicator. Worked 12 years at the prestigious Tri-Arts Studio. Started N. Kay Stevenson & Associates. Clients included Mattel Toys, IHOP, Max Factor, RKO Radio, Capitol Records, Redken, Phizer, Elk Grove Press, Glendale Hale Center Theater, and more. Designed original covers for Open Any Door, Saturday's Warrior, My Turn on Earth, & Tiny Tim's Second Album. His bust of Amelia Earhart resides in the Southern California Aviation Hall of Fame. Worked for the Church of Jesus Christ as creative director of The Liahona & Senior Art Director to the Ensign. Served as president of the Association of Latter-day Media Artists (ALMA)
Kay loved the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Taught seminary, institute, Sunday School classes, and was a sought-after speaker for 5+ decades. Served as bishop of 3 wards, on the high council, and on the General Aaronic Priesthood manual writing committee. He remained dedicated to God's plan of happiness to the end of his life.
Survived by his 4 children, 22 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren (6 were born within a week of his passing, 2 more will come soon), and 4 brothers.
Services on Saturday, October 12 at 135 A Street, SLC: Visitation 10:00-11:30 am, funeral at 12 noon. Interment: Stevenson Family Plot, Farmington City Cemetery 500 South 200 East, Farmington. In lieu of flowers, donate in Kay's memory to the General Missionary Fund or the American Cancer Society.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Oct. 10, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Nelson Stevenson

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5 Entries

Felicia Slawson Bazaldua Grady

February 24, 2024

I learned today that N. Kay Stevenson passed away 5 years ago and was saddened by the news. I had always hoped our paths would cross again in this lifetime. Back In the 70s, he was an inspiration to me shortly after I joined the church at the age of 17 and we were in the same ward then. Around that time, he taught the Stake Young Adults classes -- or maybe it was Institute; I don´t remember which one -- but I remember how I loved his lessons! He was always prepared to teach, and his style was riveting - scientific, spiritual, and humorous, somehow all at the same time.

One evening, I invited my scientifically-minded, agnostic brother to go with me to one of those classes. His past impression about my friends from church was that "they were all about fake smiles, red punch, and handshakes." But that evening, my brother had nothing else to do and agreed to go with me. To his surprise, he was immediately drawn into the lesson that Brother Stevenson was teaching and wanted to know more. He ended up joining the church, serving a mission, and later marrying in the temple.

A different time, following the first-ever ALMA meeting, Brother Stevenson asked my opinion about the new organization, and I began rattling on about something-or-other until it suddenly dawned on me, oh no, he was actually LISTENING to me! I wasn´t used to adults doing that to me, so up to that point, I wasn´t even paying attention to what I´d been saying! Haha! He was always so kind and made me feel I mattered.

My mom (not a member of the church) and my stepdad (an inactive member) were so impressed with Brother Stevenson that they asked him to officiate at their wedding in Burbank, which he graciously did.

Brother Stevenson was a talented artist and a good man, and I feel blessed that he was part of my world for a while.

Mitchell Heinze

December 17, 2023

So sorry to hear of Kay´s passing. I just found out today, that he passed away 4 years ago. I´ve been coming to Utah for a few years now, and I think of Kay every time I do. This time I did some research with the hopes of possibly reconnecting with him just to say hello. Sadly I learned he had passed away.
I´ve worked as an illustrator for over 30 years and during that time there were only a few people who actually made a significant impact on my life. And Kay was one of them, maybe the only one? Certainly the only one who made a lasting spiritual Impact. I worked for Kay while he was at the Ensign, producing many illustrations for him. I believe he went to bat for me many times. I can still hear his upbeat, strong, loving voice giving me inspiration. I got the impression that he cared about me personally, and not just about my talents. I could feel his spirit through his voice. He used to call me the `curmudgeon´ and I believe he meant that in the most loving way possible. At least that is how I took it.
I can credit him, in part, as a reason why I still have both feet in the gospel. I guess I really didn´t know Kay that well, but he still made an impact on me, blessing my life, and I´m grateful for that. After reading Kay´s obituary, I´m not surprised that he was a Bishop in 3 different Wards. It sure seems like he equally blessed the lives of many people, including his family. And its is beautiful to see that he has such a large posterity.
Much love his entire family!
Mitchell Heinze, illustrator

Mrs. Gordon T. Allred

October 11, 2019

You can't imagine the debt of gratitude our family owes Kay. He was the one who set the example and convinced Gordon, who was only nominally interested in the Gospel of Jesus Christ through their years at Ogden High, that he really needed to go on a mission. Because of Kay's influence, Gord really gained a powerful testimony that radiated down through our family, blessing us and all who knew him. Kay was a delightful, inspiring and cherished friend. I suspect they are having a great reunion! May the Lord bless you all to feel Kay's love and presence always. Love, Sharon

Marene Foulger

October 11, 2019

My condolences to the Stevenson family, how joyous it must be for Kay being reunited with his Jo, but also having a laugh or two with my mother Jo. Kay was an upbeat and pleasant man to be around. My thoughts and prayers with you, special on Saturday.

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Dee Jacobs

October 10, 2019

Dear Children and Dee, Dwight and Grant,
Born months apart in Ogden, Boys State, missions same time, Stevenson/Jacob deer hunting partners with our brothers and Dads, Merlin and Heber, over the years. Close friends--though mostly living far apart---. What a Great Guy Kay was---and is in other realms.
He was easy to love and I loved him---along with so many whose lives he touched. Fantastically gifted artist and loyal, devoted son of our Heavenly Father.
So disappointed that we cannot be with you for the funeral, but our hearts will be there. God bless his and Jo Anna's children, grands and great grands. He was a great and good man.

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