Rick Stevens

1946 - 2021

Rick Stevens
February 16, 1946 - August 2, 2021
Boise, Idaho - I was born to Lester and Irene Stevens on February 16, 1946 -- a proud 5th generation Boisean. My parents allowed me to make many of my own decisions growing up but also taught me the responsibilities that went along with those decisions. For this, I have always been thankful.
I was raised in the Pierce Park area with my older brother and sister, Gary (Carolyn) Stevens and Sheryl (Eddie) Woods. It was a great place to grow up as there were many kids my age to do things with, many of whom are my friends to this day.
I also grew up with my older cousin Diane Tinsley Aeschbacher, 13 days older as I always reminded her in our later years.
I attended Pierce Park Elementary School, North Junior High, Boise High and Boise State University. Upon graduation from BSU, I joined the Navy and entered Officer Candidate School at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. After becoming a commissioned officer, I was assigned to the Naval Air Station in New Orleans, Louisiana. My time spent in the military gave Margie and me some of the best memories of our early marriage years exploring historic New Orleans and other parts of the South.
After completion of active duty, we returned to Boise where I went to work for Boise Cascade in the Building Materials Division for ten years. After a brief period in the construction business, we moved to Atlanta, Georgia where I was Regional Manager for a lumber company. We then moved to Washington, North Carolina where I became General Manager of a lumber company. While in Washington, I started a building and land development company which soon took my full-time attention. After 20+ years, I retired from my companies and we returned to Boise. I am very thankful for the many friends we have in Washington and the value they added to our lives.
When told I had a terminal illness, it made me reflect on my life and what, if any, meaning it had.
I was fortunate to be able to reflect on my marriage to my high school sweetheart, Margaret (Margie) McDonald. We celebrated our 54th anniversary last June.
We had two sons, Christopher (Julie) and Matthew (Kaidi). As a father, I am proud of my sons' accomplishments and the families they formed. They brought two ladies into the family that I love as if they were my own daughters.
The greatest gift of all was our four grandchildren: Alexandra, Chase, Wyatt and Emery. Whenever I am with them, all my problems cease to exist.
When I reflect back on my family, I can say, yes, I am leaving this world better off than when I entered.
As I say farewell to my friends and family, I hope you will remember me with a smile and not a tear, and please take time to tell your family and friends how valuable they have been to you throughout your life.
Remember the best things in life are the people we love, the places we have been and the memories we have made along the way.
Love you all,
Rick
A viewing will be held Monday, August 9 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Alden Waggoner Funeral Chapel, 5400 Fairview Avenue, Boise, Idaho. The funeral chapel service will take place on Tuesday, August 10 at 11 a.m. at Alden Waggoner Funeral Chapel followed by a graveside interment at Dry Creek Cemetery, 9600 Hill Road, Boise, Idaho.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for September 11, 2021. Announcement to follow.