Obituary of Richard D Stephens

Richard D. (Rick) Stephens September 4, 1942 - July 9, 2014 Richard D. (Rick) Stephens, 71, passed away on July 9, 2014 at Renown Regional Medical Center, Reno, Nevada after a 15 year courageous battle with prostate cancer. He was born on September 4, 1942 In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the third of eight children, to Kelly and Mildred (Jeffrey) Stephens. Rick grew up in Oklahoma City, OK. He graduated from John Marshall High School in Oklahoma City in 1960. Rick knew that he would need either a skilled trade or a college degree so he became a journeyman plumber. Shortly after that, he realized he did not want to spend the rest of his working days crawling under the homes of Oklahoma so he ventured on. He moved to Lincoln Nebraska, where he got his first taste of insurance sales and service. The thought of a new life and a new beginning was just too much to resist so he took advantage of the McCulloch offer and Holly Flight to visit Lake Havasu City. Smitten with the desert and his desires for a challenge and a change, he moved to Lake Havasu City where he became an active and devoted member of the community for the next 44 years. He was here for the Bridge reconstruction and dedication and often marveled at McCulloch's vision in those early days. Rick became an active and a proud booster of Lake Havasu, almost immediately. He was Past President, Vice President and Treasurer of Lake Havasu City Jaycees. When the Jaycees disbanded and the building they owned was sold, Rick was instrumental in having the proceeds from the sale be donated to the City to be used for future Fourth of July fireworks displays. He was Past President, Vice President and Director of Lake Havasu City Chamber of Commerce. When Lake Havasu became an incorporated city, he was appointed to the first Council and was sworn in, along with six others, by then Secretary of State, Rose Mofford, in a ceremony under the London Bridge on October 9, 1978. Past President and active member of London Bridge Rotary Club. During his tenure as President, he, the Club and the City worked diligently together to bring about the formation of Rotary Community Park. President/CEO of AJS Insurance Services, Inc. As owner of this two person insurance agency, he worked it tirelessly and continuously. When he sold it in 2007 the agency had grown to locations in Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City and Kingman. There were over 50 employees and he was proud of them all. Not being one to just sit back and relax, he continued working for the new owners right up until his passing. Rick married the love of his life, Beverly (Sweet Pea) on May 31, 1975. Together they shared an unforgettable 39 year ride and one which will be remembered forever. He is also survived by his two daughters, Robin (Bryan) Feero and Dori (Mike Hicks) Mendenhall; six grandchildren, Kelly (John) Phillips, Ryan (Carrie) Feero, Jonathan Feero, Stephen Feero, Tori (Terrance) Witten and Katie Mendenhall; six great-grandchildren, Zachary, Delaney, Payton, Braxton, Tanner, and Carson. He is also survived by one sister and one brother. He was very close to and is survived by his extended family, Jeff and Tracey Bergstrom, Andrea and Brian Castle, Don and Peggy Latterman, Tom and Trish Charno and all their children. Rick's two recent passions were working with London Bridge Rotary Club on their homeless children project and the formation of Little Libraries in the Community with the assistance of London Bridge Rotary Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to London Bridge Rotary Club, P O Box 549, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405-0549, for either of these projects. A celebration of Rick's life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 4:30 pm at Shugrue's Bridgeview room. The light has gone out on a man who was admired and respected for his integrity, professionalism, positive attitude and unabashed emotion. His cheerful, fun loving unforgettable smile and laugh will be remembered by all. Rest in peace my love. Services were placed with Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory. Thoughts and condolences may be sent to Rick's family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.