November 27, 1958 ~ January 14, 2010

Edward Wright Stevens, 51, of Lindon, passed away Thursday, January 14, 2010 after a long illness. Ed was born on November 27th, Thanksgiving Day, 1958 in Provo, Utah, to Barbara and Merlin Stevens.

Ed grew up in Orem and California. He attended Orem High School, and then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to the Norway, Oslo Mission. He spent a summer working there after his mission. Norway was a country that he loved and missed.

After his mission he went to BYU and earned a bachelor's degree in design engineering. Soon after graduating, he married Anne Marie Swanson, a native of Southern California. They were married in the Los Angeles Temple on June 23, 1984. They made their home in Lindon where they raised their three daughters: Karli (21), Madeline (18), and Adrienne(13).

Although Ed was employed in the software industry for many years, his real love and passion was music. He was a gifted singer, songwriter and guitarist. He was also an avid hiker, a HUGE Utah Jazz fan, and loved watching border collies herd sheep in sheepherding competitions.

Most of all he was a gentle giant. He was a sincere and kind man who treated his wife and daughters like angels. He is a nobleman who will be greatly missed by his wife, daughters, his border collie Max, his family and his friends.

He is preceded in death by his father Merlin, two nieces, Keri Lynn and Elora and a nephew, Ben. He is survived by his wife Anne, daughters Karli, Madeline and Adrienne, mother Barbara and stepfather Glen Nelson, sisters Denise and Karen; brothers Dee, Gary and McKay and their spouses.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in the Lindon Tenth Ward Chapel, 1051 East 200 South, Lindon.  A viewing will be held from 12:00 - 1:45 p.m. prior to services on Wednesday.  Interment will be in the Lindon City Cemetery.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.  In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Edward Stevens Memorial Account at any Wells Fargo Bank. 

We love you, miss you and will honor your memory. Just remember, it's 'Never Goodbye.' "

Condolences (15)

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Brenda Brashier said:

I am so sad at Ed's passing. He and Anne have been great friends to me the past 18 years. Ed gave me many priesthood blessings over the years and was a wonderul example of how a man should treat his family. I will miss his sense of humor that always shined through in conversations. I can't seem to find words that would truly honor his memory. Anne, Karli, Maddi and Adrienne, I pray you will feel his presence watching over you as a guardian angel in the years to come until you meet again. All my love, "Auntie" Brenda

January 17, 2010

Whitney Harken said:

Dear Anne, Karli, Maddie, and Adrienne, My heart is broken for your loss. Ed was an amazing man. I think your description of Ed as being a gentle giant describes him very well. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Anne, please let me know if I can do anything to help you. Love, Whitney Harken

January 17, 2010

Hanne Sterri said:

Hvil i fred.

January 17, 2010

Michael Spencer said:

I was very sorry to hear about Ed's passing. I recorded his first album of songs at my house in the early 80's not long after he returned from his mission. Our connection was through Gary Seastrand, whom I have known for many years. 'Til we meet again, Mike Spencer

January 18, 2010

Tom Rhoton said:

Anne, Karli, Maddie and Adrienne, I'm so sorry this happened, yet so happy that I have been able to call him, and you my friends for so many years. We've played live music nearly a hundred times together, and I enjoyed them all. Thanks for the friendship, the laughter, the music, the memories and the late night jams. My life is better for having known Ed. I can't wait until we can play music together again. Tom

January 18, 2010

The Treg Anderson Family said:

Our heart breaks for your loss. Ed was a wonderful home teacher for the few months he was assigned to us. We loved watching how he treated his girls and will miss his smile. Reiterating what Whitney said, Gentle Giant is a fitting title. We feel so privileged to live in your neighborhood. All our love, Treg, Lisa, Drinda, Brianna, Josh & Zach

January 19, 2010

tom and kim said:

tom and I worked with Ed at music events for years. I didnt know him well but could sense he was a very kind man. you could tell he loved his wife! I hope your family can find some peace and happiness during this difficult time. kim

January 19, 2010

April Meservy said:

Anne, Karlie, Maddie, and Adrienne, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Ed's death. I cannot imagine the grief you must be feeling right now but I want you to know that my prayers are with you all. Ed had a way of making everyone around him feel special... I know that from my experience with him. He was genuine goodness - and always made me feel important and seemed to believe so much in the music I was working on (which meant lot to me coming from him). He radiated warmth and kindness - and love for you (his family). Being a part of the Homestead Concerts he worked so hard to make happen will continue to be a cherised memory for me. I know that he (and you too Anne) sacrificed a lot of time & invested a lot of heart and energy into helping others and giving them a venue to express their hearts and music. I wouldn't be surprised if Ed is up in heaven creating the latest greatest Ed's party band. ;) I send my love and heartfelt sympathy. I know you were all the joy of his life - and you will continue to be in my prayers... Much love, April

January 20, 2010

Lynne and Rich Glassford said:

Anne, Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. If there is anything that you need, please don't hesitate to call us. You are not alone, we want to help you, just ask!! please. Love you, Lynne

January 20, 2010

Cori Connors said:

Dear Stevens Family- The musical community of Performing Songwriters in Northern Utah is enriched and indebted to Ed and to Anne for the service and the talent you so abubndantly shared through the years. It is rare to find the musical and lyrical talent of someone like Ed, but it is even more rare to find that talent to be as affable and thoughtful as he was. His professionalism, added to all this, made him unusually fun to work with and we will all miss him dearly. Prayers for Anne and the girls. May the remaining members of the "Stevens Party" feel Ed's presence always.

January 20, 2010

John W. Borland said:

Dear Stevens Family, I was very sad to hear of Ed's passing. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless you and your family at this difficult time in your lives. You will be in my prayers often. Sincerely, John W. Borland in Tacoma, Washington

January 20, 2010

Stacilee Oakes Whiting said:

Dear Stevens Family, I am so saddened to hear of Ed's passing and your loss. Ed was a bright spot in many people's lives, and I'm sure he will continue to be working for your happiness and future on the other side of the veil. My family and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Ed was truly a kind giant. I first met him at a gig at Borders, and he was so supportive of my music, which meant a lot to me. Ed emanated positivity and helped me get on my way. He did great work on the Homestead concerts and other TSSA efforts. He made everything seem easy, less scary and positive, and he was very encouraging. He was a great example of being unselfish and kind--even to people he didn't know well (like me). I pray for your peace and happiness in knowing he did well on this earth and I'm certain he will continue to work hard and look forward to being reunited with you. Best wishes to each of you, and I and my family will remember you in our prayers. Thank you for supporting Ed so he could be such a beacon of kindness to so many people. I do hope you can often feel Ed's presence near and bask in the comfort of good days to come. I know they will come. Sincerely, Stacilee

January 21, 2010

Tim Heaton said:

It's very sad to hear that Ed died so young. I knew him in Norway and he was such a nice guy. I've heard his companion Elder Montgomery also died some years ago. I posted my two photos of Ed in Norway at http://people.usd.edu/~theaton...ay-01.html I wish all the best to Ed's family at this sad time. -Tim Heaton

January 29, 2010

Anne Stevens said:

Hi Tim, This is a message from Ed's wife, Anne... Tusen takk for bildene. Thank you also for your kind words. He was and is as nice of a person as he seemed. We were and are blessed. Many thanks! Anne Stevens

February 06, 2010

Anne Stevens said:

Greetings and thanks from Anne and girls. We truly appreciate all of the kind words and comments left by so many kind people. Your love, prayers and support have truly been sustaining us during this heartbreaking time. I am glad that people feel the greatness of who he was and is. Our deepest thanks to all of you. Anne, Karli, Maddi and Adrienne.

February 06, 2010