Obituary published on Legacy.com by Ricker Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Woodsville on Apr. 16, 2025.
Frederick (Fred) Alan Stevenson, age 71, of Peacham, VT, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025. He was born on August 17, 1953, in St. Johnsbury, VT, the son of Stuart Otis and Esther (Gadapee) Stevenson.
Fred attended Barnet Schools and graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1971. On November 9, 1974, he married Cheryl Berwick, the love of his life, and together they shared 50 wonderful years.
Throughout his life, Fred was a hardworking and versatile individual. He worked for Harold (Jr.) Dunbar Plumbing, various local farmers, and Caledonia Sand and Gravel, where he cherished the opportunity to work alongside his father. He also contributed his skills to Fairbanks Scales in both electronics and on the factory floor, earning bonuses for his cost-saving suggestions. Fred further worked for EES Carpentry and the Town of Peacham, often juggling multiple jobs simultaneously.
A true entrepreneur, Fred established his own auction business. He possessed a genuine passion for auctions and a remarkable talent for the "song" of the auctioneer. He also fondly remembered plowing snow for his father.
Fred was deeply involved in the Masonic fraternity, holding the distinguished titles of Past Master of Pulaski Lodge, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and Mount Sinai #3 Shriner. He was incredibly proud of his affiliation and spearheaded a significant yearly donation from the Masons to the
Alzheimer's Association in loving memory of his mother. Fred also served his community as a Fire Warden and past Fire Chief, playing an integral role in organizing the annual fireworks display for Peacham. He was a dedicated member of the Vermont Auctioneer's Association and the National Auctioneer's Association, generously volunteering his time to raise thousands of dollars for fire departments, churches in Vermont and New Hampshire, and schools. In his leisure, Fred found joy in mowing lawns, often doing so for family and friends simply for the pleasure of it and to lend a helping hand.
A devoted fan of car racing, Fred traveled extensively to races in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Canada, and Florida, as well as many local tracks. He shared a special bond with his nephew, particularly during his younger years, when they were inseparable at the races. In his younger days, Fred also enjoyed ice fishing and hunting and was known for his spirited adventures snowmobiling. He and Cheryl enjoyed many years of camping and motorcycle rides together, where Fred readily struck up conversations with fellow campers. He held a deep appreciation for nature in all its forms, marveling at the sky, especially the moon, and admiring architecture. Travel was a shared joy with his wife and his aunt Laura, with a memorable stop being a tour of the State Penitentiary in West Virginia. He even convinced his in-laws to join them on a trip to Tennessee. Fred also developed a fondness for the Amish country of Ohio and Pennsylvania.
An enthusiastic cook, Fred loved preparing breakfast for any visiting hunters. Old Orchard Beach in Maine held a special place in his heart as his favorite vacation spot, where the sound of the ocean brought him immense peace. Fred was a talented woodworker, crafting birdhouses, end tables, beds, risers, chairs, tables, and countless other items. He generously shared his skills by teaching woodworking to 4H girls and assisting children at the local school in building birdhouses.
Fred embraced life with a spirit of fun and approached everything with sincerity. He was known for his infectious belly laugh and a mischievous smirk that often hinted at impending good-natured trouble.
He was a loving companion to his dogs, with his last dog, Paisley, being a particularly devoted buddy who stayed close by, especially when he wasn't feeling well.
Above all else, Fred cherished his family. He would do anything for them and consistently extended his kindness and support to neighbors and friends with the same unwavering passion.
Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Cheryl Stevenson; his siblings, David Stevenson of Barnet, Cheryl Slayton and her husband David of East Ryegate, Richard Stevenson of Barnet, Virginia "Ginny" Douse of East Ryegate, Norman Stevenson and his wife Penny of West Barnet, and Janice Page and her husband Frank of Groton; and numerous cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Stuart Otis and Esther Stevenson; his sister-in-law, Marilyn Stevenson; his brother-in-law, Timothy Douse; and his sister-in-law, Paula Stevenson.
Donations in Fred's memory may be made to
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929 and online at www.stjude.org/givehome, or you could donate to the
Shriners Children's, PO Box 947765, Atlanta GA 30394 and online at www.shrinerschildren.org and click the donate button.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of the NVRH Medical/Surgical Unit, The Pines Rehabilitation, Peacham Rescue, and Calex Ambulance for their compassionate care.
Services will be on Monday April 21, 2025, at 11AM at the Peacham Congregational Church with the interment to follow at the Peacham Village Cemetery.
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