Richard S. Stevens

Richard Stevens, age 94, passed away peacefully after a long and full life. A devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Richard was known for his deep love of the outdoors and his adventurous spirit that kept him active well into his ninth decade.

A proud lifetime member of the New Hampshire Grange, Richard earned an associate degree from the Thompson School of Applied Science at the University of New Hampshire despite losing most of his hearing in his late teens. He spent the first third of his life working on the Stevens Dairy farm in Brentwood, NH, and the physical demands of working on a dairy farm laid the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to hard work. After graduation from UNH, Richard joined his brother Walter at the State of New Hampshire Game Farm in Brentwood, raising and releasing ring-neck pheasants for game hunting. When the Game Farm closed in the mid 1970s, Richard transferred his state employment to the New Hampshire Highway Department until his retirement.

Richard was happiest out and about in nature. He was an avid hunter, hiker, fisherman, and skier. He had a special love for the Stevens family camp on the Exeter River, and he was tireless in maintaining the waterway by clearing downed trees and debris to help ensure safe passage for everyone traveling the river. Once the river was clear, he was free to navigate the river on his small boat or the large family raft - with a hearty wave and "Hello" to everyone he met. His dedication to preserving the river reflected his deep connection to the land and his commitment to protecting the places he cherished. In the limited time he was indoors, he would be cheering on his beloved Boston Red Sox or enjoying some friendly competition with friends and family playing cribbage, bridge, and a variety of card and board games.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Betty Ann (Field) Stevens, his treasured granddaughter, Brittany, and all of his six siblings: Clinton Stevens, Arthur Stevens, Walter Stevens, Robert Stevens, Marjorie (Stevens) Prina, and Herbert Stevens.

Richard is survived by his two sons: Richard and Raymond; his beloved grandchildren, Briana, Carter, and Spencer, along with their families; his cherished great-grandson, Jacob; and his girlfriend/fianc? Betty Standing.

Richard will be remembered for his strength, resilience, and his unwavering commitment to living life on his own terms. He leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories, stories of adventure (such as skiing Tuckerman's Ravine), and a reminder of the beauty in living a life connected to nature and the things he loved.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 29th from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Brewitt Funeral Home (14 Pine Street, Exeter, NH), and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 30th at 11:00 am at the Pilgrim United Church of Christ (197 Middle Rd, Brentwood, NH) to celebrate a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a conservation or wildlife organization in Richard's memory, keeping alive his passion for the natural world.