Stanley Leonard Stevenson passed away on February 19, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of adventure, resilience, generosity, and love.

Stan was born on January 5, 1950, in Cortez, Colorado, the youngest child of Helen Marie Smithson and Thomas George Stevenson. He grew up on the Stevenson homestead alongside his older sisters, Gerrie and Sue, surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and countless cousins. His childhood was filled with freedom, imagination, and mischief—raising a pigeon, exploring the ancient cedars, climbing apple trees, and even putting saddles on mice at his Grandpa's honey bee farm.

After his parents divorced in 1963, Stan moved with his mother and sisters to Grand Junction, Colorado. His family later grew to include his half-brothers, Joel in 1964 and Michael in 1965, from his father's side, as well as step-siblings Debra, Jerry, and Jimmy back on the homestead.

Stan graduated from Central High School in 1968 and later completed trade school, among numerous masters and skills. He married Linda Fast, and together, they raised Troy and welcomed sons Brandon and Rodney.

Following his divorce from Linda, Stan moved to California in 1989, where he began a new chapter of life. There, he met and married Mary Rotzin and lovingly adopted her sons, Darren Rotzin and Thomas "Tommy" Rotzin, embracing them as his own even after their divorce.

Stan lived boldly and enthusiastically. He traveled throughout the Middle East, China, Tijuana, Belize, and anywhere else he could find adventure. Whether scuba diving, skiing, skydiving, exploring new cultures, meeting interesting people, or simply seeking new experiences, Stan embraced life to its fullest. He believed the world was meant to be explored, and people were meant to be known, seen, and heard.

Highly intelligent and endlessly curious, Stan loved building, creating, engineering, reading, journaling, learning, and tinkering with anything that had parts to tinker with. He was a lifelong student of life and a man who never stopped asking questions. And exploring the answers.

He was also a man who faced tremendous challenges. Stan overcame addiction during his lifetime and persevered through difficult seasons with courage and determination. Though he spent years in the custody of the State of Colorado, those who truly knew him understood that his struggles never defined his character. He was passionate, complex, and deeply human, with a heart far larger than his hardships.

In his later years, surrounded by cherished family like his beloved sisters, nieces, and brother in law Richard and friends, Stan found peace, acceptance, and a deeper understanding of his own worth. Despite insecurities that few others could see, he grew into a man who understood just how deeply he was loved.

Stan was no stranger to anyone in the neighborhood. Children knew him as the man with the popsicles. Dog walkers knew him as the man who carried the treats. Neighbors knew him as someone willing to help repair a vehicle, work in a yard, or lend a hand whenever it was needed without being asked. Elderly neighbors knew him as someone they could count on. His generosity was woven into the fabric of everyday life.

He loved music, celebration, laughter, and gathering people together. The beauty of colors and light, the outdoors and nature. He was often the life of the party, yet also a safe harbor during life's storms. He encouraged bravery, inspired others to change what they could and accept what they could not, and somehow managed to find humor and gratitude even during difficult times.

Many looked to Stan as a mentor, friend, and example of perseverance.

His life reflects a quote:

"The best portion of a good man's life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love."

Perhaps no words better describe the life he lived.

Each night, Stan faithfully wrote a simple affirmation in his journal:

"I am thankful. I am grateful. I am blessed. I am healthy. I am happy. I am loved. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Isn't life wonderful?"

After cancer treatments took his voice, he added one final line:

"Thank you for hearing me."

Those words now serve as a lasting reflection of a man who appreciated life's simplest gifts and never stopped finding reasons to show up and be present. Gratitude.

Stan was preceded in death by his parents, Helen Marie Smithson Stevenson and Thomas George Stevenson; his sister, Sue Billings; his brother, Joel Stevenson; his son, Rodney McKean; and his adopted sons, Darren Rotzin and Thomas "Tommy" Rotzin. Step brother Jerry.

He leaves behind his Brother-in law Richard Billings, sister, Gerrie DelTondo and husband John; his brother, Michael; his numerous neices and nephews and their children, his sons, Troy and Brandon McKean; grandchildren and great grandchildren, his step-siblings, Debra, and Jimmy; along with countless friends, neighbors, mentees, and loved ones whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

His memory will live on through the stories he told, the adventures he inspired, the lives he touched, and the kindness he freely gave.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Brown's in Grand Junction, Colorado, followed by a reception at The L House at 3:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather for food, desserts, fellowship, and remembrance.

Stan loved life, and he loved the people in it. Though he is gone from our sight, his laughter, generosity, courage, and gratitude remain with us.

Isn't life wonderful?