I’ll never forget the first time Gary held our daughter-she was just born and he sat in the window seat in the hospital room cradling her in his arms ever so gently as she peacefully slept. It was the sweetest moment, time seemed to stop and all became quiet.  I saw how much he loved our girl and I loved him even more for that. He always wanted to spend time with his Alexis, even changing her diapers, getting up in the night to give her a bottle or getting her off to sleep. He was a great help during those early days when the hours were so crazy. I can’t tell you how many times he went off to work exhausted. He took to fatherhood like a fish to the water.

Gary was responsible for so much gossip on DAP. When I was on the program, I was good friends with Paul Leonard, another engineer at Boeing. Paul and I had to continuously correct the rumor that we were dating which Gary was 100% responsible for.  For the record, we have never dated -- just good friends.  I remember if Gary ever saw us together, at lunch or just around the building, I would think "oh crap, here we go again."  Gary definitely made work fun and entertaining, whether it was to just come chat (about another rumor no doubt) or to come complain about how everything on the program was screwed up. He was so good natured about everything, even when complaining about management's latest antics, that it was hard to be in a bad mood after talking to him.  He definitely loved being a father which was apparent to anyone he ever talked to. He always talked about what he was doing with Alexis that weekend or what they had done recently.  I still can't believe he is really gone and I will miss his smiling, gossiping ways every time I come back to visit everyone at DAP.

I had the pleasure to work with Gary at various times over the past 12 years at BBJ and DAP.  When ever I would come into the office and Gary was around he would take the time to come over and ask how I was doing and what was new.  His concern was genuine and sincere.

He always had a great smile and positive attitude.  Those in the BBJ and DAP communities will miss him greatly.

This is one of the Scott C-40Cs at Avex in Louisiana.  It is probably 0932; the first C-40C to deliver to Scott AFB.  Gary was at Avex to suppervise the wieghing or the airplane after paint. 

Hey Gary, Vicky, Connor, Morgan and I were at your place this past weekend.  First morning we were at your place it was clear and crisp, Mount Rainier was standing majestic through the saddle of two mountains - bet that put a smile on your face. I saw your view of Lake Sammamish and the road into Issaquah - I bet you enjoyed those views too. (Your Dad pronounces Issaquah - Ishshaquah) I met you 20+ years ago, when you first came to the Seattle area, going through the interviewing process to work at Boeing.  I remember how excited you were to be living and working in the Northwest - fishing, hiking, skiing, golfing, biking, canoeing - you did them all.  Enjoyed your company whenever we did things together or being at family functions, it was a comfortable friendship that came easy.  You would laugh at yourself as easy as you would laugh at others. I know you are not here physically and I'll miss you, but I will  remember you as you were and will carry that with me.  PS... Gave your Dad a hugg for you the day we left to fly back home.               

I knew Gary over many years but did not have the chance to know him really well.  I wish to say that he was obviously very smart and always helpful, from quite a few exchanges we had.  He had a fun witty fiestiness and as others have said did have a great sense of humor.  He would say what he thought and I will miss him.

Larry Brugge

Appreciate the well thought humor noted above and have many found memories myself as Gary was unique every day we worked together.

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Gary R. Stevens was a Superior Weights Engineer at the largest aerospace company in the world. 

This is based on the following engineering skill management attributes; 

-  Ability to apply advance technical knowledge in weight & CG analysis tools

-  Ability to apply technical knowledge to support operational customers

-  Ability to perform component & vehicle mass modeling and structural analysis

-  Ability to perform Air Vehicle level management & Integration

In short, he "smoked" many of his engineering peers in these areas based on his ability to work both analysis and design engineering domains. 

His application knowledge and experience was noted many times by his peers, leadership and customers as he earned their respect and trust.

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With fond memories and condolences to his family.

Keith C. Rushton (Casey) & Family

Gary took a bit longer to deconstruct his. He rode his mini-bike up and down and over and back the five acres in Minnesota we called home.  As I recall, he had no fear.  He would fly up the side of a hill without even caring what might wait for him on the other.  He was all smiles and intensity when he was on that thing.  Mine sat lonely in the garage beause I was afraid of it. 

At some point - and my brain is fuzzy here because I was probably only 8 years old - things started to go wrong with his bike from his heavy handling.  The button starter no longer worked and you had to touch the metal handlebar with a live wire to get the bike started.  He began to ride mine, even though it was a smaller model and he looked ridiculous on it and it didn't do nearly what he would have liked, having a smaller engine. 

I remember being angry with him for riding mine. His body was too big for it and I had seen how he had ridden his own into the ground.  I don't recall how this all ended.  I suppose I was upset with him for awhile, and either took my case to the folks or just let him have the bike because I never rode it anyway.  

I remember Gary pushing things to the limit and enjoying every minute of it. He was always a tinkerer and could fix anything, keeping the mini-bike and snowmobile alive in a sort of MacGyver fashion with duct tape and hairpins, long past their useful life. 

As you well know Gary loved anything that flew. Back when we were first married and living in SOCAL, Gary happened upon the stunt kite craze and of course he had to have the biggest and the most agile kite we could afford. One beautiful, sunny Saturday afternoon we headed over to the empty field across from our Condo complex to fly his “Power Kite”. Gary instructed me to stand by in case of strong winds, and I was puzzled by his instructions as there was only a slight breeze. Once he launched the kite it took off and pulled him clear across the field: all I could see through my tears of laughter were the tracks he left, but not him. I found him all the way at the other end of the field covered in dirt; his shorts completely filled with sandy dry soil and various plant material. Luckily, he wasn’t hurt and we laughed ourselves silly for a good half hour before we could get up and look for his beloved “Power Kite”. He never flew that kite again without my holding on to him as an anchor. We had a lot of fun times flying that kite.

Gary was probably one of the very first people I met when I started at Boeing in 2006.  He would initially stop by just to BS, share some jokes (usually off-color :) ), and talk about the demise of the organization.  We became very good at "feeding" off of each others sarcasm.

About 2 years after I met Gary, I noticed a change in his demeanor and asked if everything was okay?  He began to share many personal things with me regarding his personal struggles as he was going through his divorce, wanting and trying his best to stay an in-touch Dad to Alexis.  We shared many of his frustrations and tears during this time and laughed often about a few "dating mishaps."

I know he thought he was only getting support for his situation during our nearly daily "counseling sessions", but he gave me support every day by trusting my input and opinions and also letting me know his appreciation for the support I provided not only him, but an organization.  I will always miss his little boy grin and mischievous side.

Love and miss you always - Glenda

So if you ever wanted to know what was looming in the air or how screwed up Management was (yes, this seems to be a reoccuring theme?) Gary was not far...he would be quick to tell you what was on his mind even if it was to much information at times, and always left making you laugh.  I personally am not sure I have met someone as intriguing as Gary and I know he was one of a kind, he was one that you just could not help but like and get along with.  He will be missed by all but never forgotten, God Bless him...

Mike Loyd

I joined DAP in 2006 and Gary introduced himself to me during my first week on the program.  A week later I had to travel to Louisiana to visit our paint supplier.  Gary was so nice and provided me with brochures on the area and offered A LOT of advice...

Tips on Traveling to Louisiana...According to Gary

1) Do NOT stay on the 1st floor of your hotel.  The maids open all the windows and the snakes climb in when they're not looking so always pick a high floor and always be on the lookout.

2) Don't go for morning runs by yourself and instead stay close to a large group.  The last time we went there someone went for a run and there was a WILD ALLIGATOR walking around on the street

3) Keep an eye out for mad escape lab monkeys.  They are EVERYWHERE even in the sewer drains.

Turns out Louisiana was fine but Gary had me 100% scared stupid and completely convinced that Boeing was sending me to a dangerous and crazy swampland.  I had a great time and never ran into an alligator, found any snakes in my bed, or was attacked crazy lab monkeys.  But it was great trip and Gary had a great laugh when I got back (and after I yelled at him for tricking me).  Gary was the best storyteller and I, being so gullible, was his perfect victim.  

Kristyn Bonilla

I used to talk to Gary about his bicycle, because that’s my hobby outside of work.

So one day, Gary came up to me and just said he was going to get "colored nipples for (his) bike". That’s all he said and he grinned. It took me a couple minutes and some bad visuals, until I figured he was talking about changing the spoke nipples, (fasteners that connect the bicycle rims to the bicycle spokes) to a trim color that matched his bicycle. He thought it was funny and he told me he was telling some people this, completely out-of-context, just to watch their expression. It was hilarious. I will really miss Gary's sense of humor.