Obituary: Frederick (Fred) Mark Stevens

Frederick (Fred) Mark Stevens passed away on November 3rd, 2023.

Fred was born on December 2, 1951 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to C.F. Stevens and Mary Elizabeth Maybin Stevens. He was from a military family and spent most of his childhood in Salinas, California where his father was stationed at Ft Ord. Growing up on coastal farmland, he spent many of his childhood days combing beaches, finding his love of the outdoors, and developing skills as a photographer. He graduated from North Salinas High School in 1970 with letters in riflery and cross county track.

Fred attended the University of New Mexico for several semesters and worked as a photographer for a photo agency based in Dallas, Texas. Later, he worked as a staff photographer for the magazine Schema XIII, in Santa Fe, NM.

Fred joined the Air Force in 1971 during the Vietnam War era and was stationed at Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, NM as an Avionics Specialist on the F-111 airplane. He served for a year in Thailand at Takhli and Korat Royal Thai Air Force Bases.

While stationed at Cannon, Fred volunteered to teach a photography course for service members and families. One of his students was a farmer's daughter, Eva Brown, the daughter of Delbert and Verla Brown of Portales, NM. Fred and Eva fell in love and were married on September 2, 1972. They spent the next 51 years together, resided in Portales, and raised 3 children.

After his service in the Air Force, Fred attended Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) and worked part-time on the Brown farm. He learned a great deal about production and agricultural accounting. He graduated with dual Bachelor's degrees in Computer Information Systems and Accounting. While in school Fred taught computer classes at the ENMU Portales and Clovis campuses. Post graduation, he spent several years developing and marketing a software package for agricultural enterprises. His program suite was sponsored and sold via Farm Credit Agency offices throughout the Southwest and Midwest. Fred next worked at ENMU as a computer systems developer. He later worked for the NM state District Attorney's Office developing an integrated system for DA offices across the state.

Though his technical skills were stellar, Fred's true passion and most amazing gift was photography. He found solace in nature and discovered beauty and spirituality in uncommon places. In 1992, Fred established Silver Trails Photo Seminars, a business and adventure where he taught participants in-depth photography concepts, lighting, and composition in the most photographically prolific places of the West and Southwest. Sites included the Grand Canyon, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde, and Bryce and Zion National Parks. He especially loved to feature Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and sites in New Mexico, including White Sands, New Mexico churches and missions, the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge , and the northern New Mexico Rocky Mountains.

Medical issues did not allow Fred to endure the physical demands of his photo seminars, and in 2003 he discontinued seminars in favor of sales of his own photographic work online and via art shows across the Southwest. He retired in 2013.

While his children were growing up, Fred was intensely involved in the Boy Scouts of America. He was the Portales Pack 11 Cubmaster for 7 years and Troop 11 Scout Master for an additional 6 years. He shared his love for nature and taught many young men outdoor, camping, and life skills. While his children attended Portales High School, Fred was a committed Ram Band Dad and supporter of the Future Farmers of America Program.

Fred was an intelligent, adventurous, and creative man. He was a wise and patient teacher and mentor. He loved traveling with his family, 60s and 70s music, and watching thunderstorms on the front porch. Perhaps Fred was best and most affectionately known by many friends and family as “the funniest man ever known” for his quick wit, hilarious stories, and ability to brighten any room with smiles and laughter.

Fred's greatest pride was his devoted 51 year marriage to the “love of his life” and best “trailmate”. He and Eva shared a fun, spontaneous, and loving time exploring life together.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, parent in-laws, and favorite uncle Father Clifford Stevens. He leaves behind many who cherish him, including his wife Eva Brown Stevens of Portales; son Matthew (Matt) and Judith (Judy) Dye Stevens and their children Travis and Joel of Portales; daughter Erika Stevens Olinger and David Olinger and their children Luke and Elyse of Edmond, Oklahoma; son Aaron Stevens of Portales; loving sister Lisa Stevens Vasquez and her husband Richard Vasquez of Kaiser, Oregon. He will be missed dearly by his nieces and nephews, poker buddies, and many of his “kids” who considered him a father figure in their lives.

Friends and family are invited to honor Fred at his Celebration of Life reception to be held December 10, 2023 at the Portales Inn / Best Western business suite from 2:00-4:00pm. The informal reception will feature Fred's favorite photographic works, his favorite music, and his favorite people sharing their best stories and cherished memories.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Wounded Warriors Project.