Jack Dewain Stevens Jr.
April 29, 1951 - June 26, 2004
Jack Dewain Stevens Jr., beloved son, husband, father, friend and firefighter, was taken from this world on June 26, 2004. Jack was participating in a charity motorcycle ride near Stevens Pass, Washington at the time of his death.
Jack was born April 29, 1951, in Salida, Colorado. The family later moved to California where Jack attended El Dorado High School in Placerville. It was there that Jack began his love for the fire service. Jack served as a youth volunteer for the Rancho Cordova Fire Department, spending weekends, summers, and other available free time visiting the firehouse in the hope of becoming a firefighter.
At the age of 18, Jack moved to Washington State and continued working toward his goal. Jack worked as a volunteer firefighter at King County Fire District 2 from 1969 until 1976. In 1976 Jack realized his calling when he accepted a fulltime firefighter position with the City of Tukwila. Jack remained there until his death, serving nearly 28 years.
Jack's accomplishments in the fire service are many. In addition to his regular duties, Jack was also a Hazardous Materials Technician and served in that capacity for the FEMA Disaster Medical Assistance Team and the Urban Search and Rescue Task Force. He completed five missions on behalf of FEMA including deployments to Okalahoma City and New York. Jack was honored to serve on these deployments, and each left a lasting impression on him and everyone that he shared his accomplishments with.
It took many years to find the love of his life, Kathryn. They were married on November 4, 1984, and spent nearly 20 wonderful years together. Their love for each other, their families, and dedication to serving others has forever enriched the lives of all they have touched.
In addition to Kathryn, Jack is survived by his daughter Cheryl Stevens of Seattle and her children, Jacob and Kelli; son Bryan Stevens of Spokane and his daughters, Meagan and Katelyn, and daughter Traci Wilson of Des Moines; his mother Billie Braddock of Orting; three brothers and four sisters, and a large extended family of uncles, aunts, in-laws, nephews, nieces, foster children, and the fire community.
There is no doubt that Jack has left his mark on this world. He was honest, generous, loving, and kind. Everyone Jack came into contact with was treated as a friend. As we celebrate Jack's accomplishments and bid him farewell, we can rest assured that he is forever in our hearts and now enjoying the fruits of his labor of love as promised to him in heaven.
"Jack was a friend to
everyone in the department, His loss is devastating."
Tukwila Fire Chief Nick Olivas.