Beautiful Carl was a role model for me. My father was very sick and could not show me all the 'dad' things I needed. Carl provided some of those missing things just by being himself. I have very fond memories of him  making BBQ chicken on the grill he made himself over a wood fire from wood he collected from an apple tree in his backyard. Carl taught me how to BBQ, how to build a wood fire and even build a BBQ out of bricks. 

Carl was quite a craftsman and built so many beautiful wood cabinets in his garage turned wood shop. I always admired and inspired by all of the practical skills Carl had and how well he used them. Carl was a problem solver, logical and organized. That inspired me to pursue what became my lifelong career in computer science. 

Carl was always ready to answer a question and educate you if you asked. I am forever grateful that both Carl and Audrey lived next door. Their down to earth, common decency and open hearts helped me in ways that I didn’t appreciate until I was much older and wiser. You will be missed.

Carl John Stevens Sr. was one of the finest men I've ever met, hands down.

Carl was a skilled storyteller and humorist.  More important to me as a clueless youth, he was also a true master of Demon, a super-fast card game where one has to be quick as lightening to survive the hands, much less to win the game.  Playing against Carl was always an extremely risky enterprise for a skinny, airheaded waif.  Invariably the manic sessions led to bruised hands and arms (mostly mine). Naturally I never won a game, but what a blast it was to see the master in action.

My many trips up north with the family were also a blast. One never knew what Carl might be up to. He was always in motion, and always ready to roll out a new joke or gag. Did I fall for them? Always! He told me once that someone had to ride in the trunk to secure the trash we were hauling to the dump, and it had to be me because I was so small. I jumped right in and how he laughed and laughed. It led to many years of gentle lambasting (even through to adulthood), but I didn't mind.  

And I fell for his tricks again on another trip up north.  At the wheel, he suddenly turned and told me to hurry up and get my pen and paper ready. A minute later, with my pen at the ready, he pointed up as we passed under a large overhead sign, "Drawbridge Ahead." Aha!  Foiled again, but I was always happy when Carl was laughing.

I fell for all of Carl's tricks, and he loved it. I understand much better now that he loved to use humor and laughter to build lasting bridges.

Carl possessed a vast storehouse of wisdom and knowledge and employed it liberally to create lasting connections to those around him. It was only many years later that I came to realize and appreciate that Carl epitomized the might and wonder of the self-made man, incredibly endowed in both mind and body, always ready to lend a willing hand to all in need.

Carl was incredibly wise, complex, generous, and caring. What a beautiful man!

Carl and Audrey will always hold a special place in my heart.
They always treated me and my children so kindly.
Two of the nicest people I ever met.
Loved them both.
I will miss them both.

OBITUARIO

Carl John Stevens

8 enero, 1923 – 25 mayo, 2023

Kaul Funeral Home

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios