Updated: 11 March 2008
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Updated: 11 March 2008 |
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Please use the form at the bottom of this page if you want to pay your last respect to Dave Stevens. | |||||||
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March 17, 2008 at 08:03
Thought you'd like to see this. I became friends with Dave over the years from the Comic Con in San Diego and other appearances he'd make at Golden Apple or Wonder Con. He was always kind to me and while we weren't real close, he always remembered my name when we met and reminisced. We'd talk a lot about what was going on in life when we did meet. Always had time for me even when his Bull Dog Studio booth was crowded. If he couldn't talk, he'd always give me a wave hello when I passed by and I would meet up with him later when the crowd dwindled down. Over the years, he was so generous when I would buy a print or sketch book from him. He would usually give me a discount or he would give them to me for free and usually personalized. When my daughter was born, he let me pick out a Rocketeer print for her. He then signed it to her as I told him maybe one day she could pose for him when she got older. He said that he wasn't sure if that was a good idea as he wasn't ready to get that old yet. Sadly, I won't be able to throw that idea out to him again. He was a great guy and I will always consider him a friend.As for this picture, I was out with Michael Kaluta, Charles Vess and a bunch of other artists one night and he strolls in with the Bettie Page look alike. I told the pretty lady I was sitting and talking with at the time that I have to bug Dave and take a picture of him because he can't stand it when I do that. I go up to him and say "You've got to let me take a picture of you now with this pretty lady". She giggles and he whines "Oh alll riight!" This was about 2:00am in the morning! He told me to send it to the web-site. For some reason, it wouldn't let me do that. The next year, I see him in San Diego and explain that I had trouble with the site as he thanked me for taking it. Over the years, my ex wife and I would always take a picture of him every year and while he would always give us a hard time about it, he would always be generous and pose. He was always grateful when I gave the pictures to him the next year. If I can get them from the ex, I have some great pictures of him and Jewel Sheppard together. It shows Dave and his sense of humor. You'll have to see them to believe them if interested. It will make you laugh. I'm heartbroken about his passing but know that he is now out of pain and leaving a legacy of art that won't soon be forgotten. He never will be forgotten as long I'm on this planet. I'm sure others feel the same way. Thanks, Dave. Scott 
Click on the image to see it in full size. March 17, 2008 at 09:26
My deepest condolences to all his family and friends.
all is work was outstandingRest in Peace. Ian Bishop March 17, 2008 at 12:30
Rest in peace friend and know that your works will always hold a special
place in a young boys heart. Gob bless you and the rest of the Stevens clan. The Cottrells March 17, 2008 at 20:21
Milton Berle, at the ceremony for the Three Stooges Star on the Walk of
Fame on Vine Street in Hollywood, spoke about what a dishonor it was to be honoring
someone after they were no longer around to enjoy the accolades. But an award or
Walk of Fame honor does not mean someone was not greatly appreciated by peers or
fans of that individual's work...whether or not anything was mentioned in person or
not.Therefore, it is definitely a great testament of how well liked Dave's work was/is and will continue to be for years to come. I always had the feeling that Dave appreciated more the physical award he received as the first recepient of the Russ Manning Award for Most Promising Artist/Talent...and, even more so the myriad fans that would approach him at conventions to say how much they enjoyed his work. I have known Dave since he first helped out at the San Diego Comic-Con, and, although we never hung out a lot, I always considered him a very good friend. After moving away from San Diego, visits to San Diego were mostly during the convention while I still lived in central California...and then those visits were even less when I moved out of state. Dave was always one of those old friends I made a point of meeting up with at the convention, and I always enjoyed our conversations. Dave will be forever remembered like his idols (Jack Kirby, Russ Manning, etc.), and does not need any a myriad of awards and such for that memory to stay alive. I'm certain that there will be various firends who will continue to keep his memory alive at panels at San Diego Comic Con and beyond, as he left behind one of the finest comic book characters in recent memory and he also brought to the public's attention a better awareness of Bettie Page. I'm rambling on here a bit, but as Mark Evanier said, it's difficult to stop writing about Dave, as somehow, by doing so--and I am paraphrasing what Mark had written--those memories of Dave might fade away. Yes, at some point, in the coming weeks or months or years, fewer words will be written about Dave, but he WON'T be forgotten. I hope this page stays up for quite a long time as a testament to Dave, so that others who never knew him personally can read how well Dave was loved as an individual, as well as an artist. Dave, I'm sorry that I missed you at the 2007 Comic-Con, which was the first I had the opportunity to attend in many years. Thanks for the enjoyment you brought to so, so, so many people. I will miss your smiling face and the enthusiasm and passion you displayed for your art. I will do my best to keep your memory alive. Your Friend, Bill Lund March 17, 2008 at 20:37
I never meet Dave Stevens.
But I found his art to be
inspiring.Pete Murphy March 17, 2008 at 20:48
Dave, we'll miss you a lot, buddy. You were a class act as long as I knew
you. I first met Dave at the San Diego Con and then got to know him better a few
years later when I stayed at his house during a visit to San Diego in the mid-70s.
From the first, I knew Dave was someone special. He was one of the most amazing
artists I'd ever seen, a superlative inker and draftsman. In person, Dave was
surprisingly humble. He knew how good he was, but never made a big deal out of it.
Dave was always just good old Dave, a nicer guy you'd rarely meet anywhere. And he
matured into one of the best illustrators in America. A consumate professional and
perfectionist, Dave was consumed with doing the best job he was capable of, which
severely limited his output. But, hey, what he left behind is almost all pure gold.
I'm sorry his run was so brief, but his talent and genuine niceness burned like an
amazing skyrocket through the lives of anyone lucky enough to have known him. So long, Dave. Clean skies, hot jets! Steve Ringgenberg March 17, 2008 at 20:50
If only all those who as gifted as Dave were a humble. A gentleman and an
artist, who leaves behind images that make us all see beauty and when possible have
fun has left us. Robert Leavitt March 17, 2008 at 21:45
I met Dave @ Chiller Theatre in NJ October of 2000. He was a great guy. He
personalized all the comics I had that day and I have a Betty Page tattoo on
my arm from his Rocketeer NYC adventure.Bri 
Click on the image to see it in full size. March 17, 2008 at 22:59
To Dave's friends and family and Fans everywhere: my deepest sympathies. A
tremendous loss. I met Dave on several occasions at comic cons and conventions. He
always had time to talk art and sign books. I wish I knew him better. I will miss
his art and his kindness.Phil Pankow March 17, 2008 at 23:50
Comicon's gonna'be empty without you this year,....gone to team up with
Kirby...save room for me,....thanks for the sketch.William (Swann) Clausen March 18, 2008 at 00:31
I first met Dave in the pre-Rocketeer days. I was sharing an apartment with
John Pound on Park Blvd. We didn't have much furniture, just a couple of old doors
laid across the top of file cabinets and saw-horses, some stools and one padded
chair. Not much on comfort, but a great place for budding artists to work. The
apartment became quite a hangout for a number of local artists.John had a gig doing illustrated filmstrips for schools, with dozens and dozens of fairly detailed paintings and he enlisted Dave to help him out. The first time I met Dave was impressed not only by his skill and attention to detail, but by what a really nice guy he seemed to be. Over the years all of those impressions of Dave proved true. As time passed we mostly saw each other at the San Diego Comicon. I'll always remember his friendly smile and ready greeting. As for his art, it speaks for itself. What more can I add? I'll miss you, Dave. Dave Clark March 18, 2008 at 04:32
Make the hay while the sun shines. My uncle used to say that. As you would
guess, it means do something when there is the opportunity. We all have
opportunities, but what do a lot of us do? Some nothing, some a little, and , guys
like Stevens, a lot. And with the unimaginable weight he was carrying, he never
stopped. Comico sent me out to San Diego some years back. It was there that I briefly met Dave Stevens...I wanted to talk to him then, and tell him how much I admired his work (and even maybe try to get him to do a Next Man pin up for the book, impossible...!) but between panels, and signings, and parties, (and softball games) I didn't get a chance to. Later, as I began to break away from Comico, I heard that Dave was coming to Norristown for a visit, I imagine for his dealings with them...Great...right in the middle of another feud; so I missed another chance. So I never really got to know him. But my God, what an artist!!! What a perfectionist! This is frustrating! And not fair! But his life and his immpecable art are a lesson to us all. Make the hay while the sun shines. Vincent Argondezzi March 18, 2008 at 08:18
The gorgeous and lush artwork that Dave Stevens has done has been an
inspiration throughout the years. Such a talent only to be taken back to Heaven to
paint the angels now. He will be sorely missed by friends, family, admirers and
anyone that has ever had the pleasure to have met him.God bless you, Dave Stevens and eternal thanks. Dave Chow March 18, 2008 at 14:43
Dave's stuff was a breath of fresh air in the comics field and an
inspiration. Whenever I was drawing Dale in the Flash Gordon newspaper strip, I
always wanted her to look like a Dave Stevens drawing.My heartfelt condolences to the family. -Jim Keefe March 18, 2008 at 16:18
The world of art is less with Dave's passing.I have been an artist for most ny 54 years and dave's works are some of the best I have seen in the business. He has left a legacy of wonderful art behind for the future illustrators to learn from. He will be missed. John March 19, 2008 at 01:47
2008Just yesterday a friend of mine told me the creator of the Rocketeer had passed away. First thing I said was- nuh uh (what!)naw. 1990s For a short time I worked for Capital City Distribution and of all the deluge of stuff of comics and the like- Dave Steven's was a huge beacon of quality and beauty. I can't tell you what that means to an artist with aspirations. Many could say well there's all this crap here or there for whatever reason they might have. I can always point to Mr. Steven's stuff and quiet the droll criticism of the media mind. Peace forever my artistic friend, JustJohnny March 19, 2008 at 03:26
I know very little about this man Dave Stevens, but what I do know is the
impact he had on our son Victor. I can remember how his wonderful pin-ups
influenced our son and his attempts at his own art work. He was a great roll model
and want to say "Thanks for being who he was to so many people, including our son".
It is hard for someone like myself to understand the true beauty of artists such as
Dave, not being a collector as my son is, and can only see it through my sons'
eyes. He will be sadly missed. Nancy Burgeson March 19, 2008 at 03:48
After I saw The Rocketeer on the silver screen, I immediately sought out
the source material--and as wonderful as the film was it didn't prepare me for the
extraordinary beauty of Dave Stevens' art. His love of 1930s aviation and adventure
was evident in every panel and his attention to detail kept me riveted to his
images, discovering something new within them every time I reread the stories. Of all the comic book characters whose adventures I'd read and loved over the years, only the Rocketeer inspired me to do something I had never even considered doing--painting a model. When I bought the Screamin' vinyl model kit of The Rocketeer, I left it in the box for years because I was afraid of ruining it. And when I finally gave myself permission to try, I took my time and enjoyed bringing my model of The Rocketeer to life color by color. I was even a little sad when I was finished. This is a gift Dave Stevens gave me. I'm sorry I never met him to tell him so. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Paul Wargelin March 19, 2008 at 06:07
Is there really enough room in my house for Dave Stevens......? NOT
REALLYEvery image you see has been signed... can you believe I didn't even show my comics? Bulldog Cafe Forever! Tommy 
Click on a image to see it in full size. March 19, 2008 at 09:52
I was just going on to dave's site to check out his artwork and to find any
books published by him when I read of his passing.I am very sorry for his families loss this was quite a shock to read this. My thoughts are with his family and friends, and we have lost anther great artist. But he has left behind a great body of work to inspire all those outthere who wish to create and inspire others and for family and those who knew him you have the gift of memories. God bless you Dave Lennox Braithwaite March 19, 2008 at 15:12
I did not know Dave, but I have always enjoyed his work. The Rocketeer
stands out in my mind as one of the coolest intellectual properties ever. I am
saddened to know that I will not see any new work from such an amazing artist.For his family, I am sorry or your great loss. Jason Williford March 19, 2008 at 16:58
My deepest condolences to Dave's family. Dave was a great childhood friend
that will always be remembered. He would take a plain white t-shirt and transform it
into a work of art with Spidey or the Hulk in vivid colors from his magic markers
and his very talented fingers. He did have a bit of mischief about him that always
made it fun to be around.We didn't seem to stay in touch very often, yet when we got together it didn't take long to start talking about the "good old days in Boise". It is an honor to be able to say that at that point in our lives we were "best friends" Daunt Whitman March 19, 2008 at 18:08
I hadn't seen Dave in about 10 years, but I will miss him forever.The world has lost an amazing artist and a true gentleman. My deepest condolences to all. Andrew Clement March 19, 2008 at 18:38
I'm gravely saddened to hear we've lost my favorite pin-up artist of all
time. I was once a Bettie Page Look-a-Like contest fanatice...participating in the
Dragon-Con contest made famous by Dave Stevens comic, The Rocketeer. I felt
extremely honored to be one of the many "Bettie's" to have known him. He was always
so gracious to fan girls like me who fawned all over him at every convention. He'll
be sorely missed by us all...Heidi Parker March 19, 2008 at 22:08
You were the best Dave.... you r 2 women what ice is to lemonade on a hot
summer day!!!!! God bless you my friend!! R.I.P.Darryl W. March 19, 2008 at 22:14
Your frienship meant the world to me.Cheers Dave. . . Kent Steine March 20, 2008 at 04:45
So one of my favorite artists is gone and even ten days after the fact I
still get kinda teary-eyed thinking about it. Looking at his work and/ or reading
Rocketeer would always lift my spirits. I think we're all very fortunate to have
experienced Mr.Stevens' talent - he was the best THANK YOU for the influence Evan Quiring Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada March 20, 2008 at 05:39
Dear Dave, Thanks so much for the autographed copy of your Rocketeer comic
book. Jerry and Peggy Vernia gave it to us 15 years ago when we were just four
little boys. We are so sorry you are gone, now the angels in heaven will enjoy your
wonderful artistic talents.Sincerely, Brandon, Brent, Colin and Peter Soder Roseburg, Oregon March 21, 2008 at 17:03
Although I have expressed my heart-felt sadness at Dave's passing
elsewhere, I would like to do so here as well.I will always remember with much fondness the enjoyment Dave's work brought to me as a younger reader when I first read the Rocketeer adventures as a back-up to Starslayer and then in their own book. It was a pleasure to meet Dave in person at San Diego 2002 (thanks for the intro Kelvin!) and I wish I could have met up with him again. We will all miss him dearly. Regards, Royd Perth, Australia March 21, 2008 at 21:08
The news about my friend Dave hit like a physical blow. The best in the
business and a great guy to be around, full of the contrasts of his humility, his
fashion sense and his bursting-out art. I hope you're up there in a studio full of
gorgeous women to draw.Malcolm Bourne 
Click on the image to see it in full size. March 22, 2008 at 09:35
I was truly shocked and saddened to read of the passing of Dave Stevens. I
have waited for years for the continuing adventures of "The Rocketeer." It pains me
that he will no longer soar the skies.Dave's artwork and colorful characters inspired me to write and draw my own comic book. I dreamed of the day we would meet as equals. But as they say, As long as we remember them and cherish them, they will never truly be gone. He will continue to inspire us and generations to come. Dave, thanks for making a man feel like a kid again. Benny Escamilla March 22, 2008 at 14:18
I first came across his work years ago through "The Rocketeer" movie and I
thought it was totally amazing, especially his cheesecake-style art.Even though I regret that he will never get the chance to visit the UK and the world will be poorer for his passing, at least the world was blessed for having a talent as great as his... Jason Kinnison-Holmes March 22, 2008 at 14:42
His art touched three generations of our family. Our condolences and respectsJeffrey Farrell March 23, 2008 at 18:59
I was shocked then deeply saddened to learn of Dave's passing.
He was incredibly gifted and his work will endure.Condolences to all those close to this unique craftsman bALdwin March 24, 2008 at 00:17
I want to send my best wishes to Brinke during this difficult period and
know that Dave will be missed by her so much, and by Dave's many fans across the
globe. I know my mate Brandon James and myself send our best wishes to her and that
Dave's wonderful talents work will be much missed. And so much kudos goes to him
also for the rebirth of Bettie Page in the burlesque iconography...I hope you be enjoying your new home free of pain in a pace where the Rocketeer always flies free... Ciao from the Blue Mountains, overlooking Sydney, Australia David Priol March 24, 2008 at 00:23
The man made his mark, didn't he?!Duff Moses March 24, 2008 at 02:55
While in art school I was introduced to Dave's amazing work and I was an
instant fan and admirer. He will be greatly missed.To Daves family and friends my thoughts and prayers are with you. God's blessings. Oliver March 24, 2008 at 05:02
As an artist myself, Dave Stevens re-inspired me when ever I needed it. Everytime I ran out of that artistic fuel he was always there. He projected the classic style I thought at one time had gone by the wayside. He kept it very much alive and myself as well. He left us a legacy that will live on to benefit the artist needs of the world. Peace, Allen Maes March 24, 2008 at 16:04
Dave's fun-filled pin-ups always make me grin. They're also a major
influence on my photography.Requiescat in pace. We are diminished. Richard Gugeler March 24, 2008 at 18:25
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dave Stevens. I got introduced to
him via the Rocketeer. I enjoy the film very much and still watch it on DVD all the
time. My son recently got into the character as well and it's nice to be able to
share that with him.Dave was a very talented artist and it's rare to have heard of someone in this day and age of instant gratification to be meticulous and take his time to complete something so dear to him. Rest in Peace Dave. Jason March 25, 2008 at 03:36
as a strugling artist Dave Stevens was one of my first influences when i
was young The Rocketeer was one of my early inspirations for the storytelling to the
way Dave could nail the female form to even his inked lines. My trade paperback
copy of the Rocketeer is dogged and beaten up from all the reading and studing as
well as the poster book he came out with. This is a true talent that the world of
comics and illustration shall miss ....thanks Dave for helping a young artist's
imagination soar along side of you. Eric Swanson March 25, 2008 at 14:02
I just read about him in a tattoomagazine from 1995 I think and I was so
amazed by his pinup drawings! He inspired me to draw like.. alot! Even for just a
week. He will be remembered.Tina H March 25, 2008 at 17:57
This is truly a sad day!!! Dave will always be one of my favorite artists
and his Rocketeer series was the first set of comics I ever collected!! When the
movie went into production I was stuck on Terminator 2 and regrettably couldn't
break free to work on Disney's version of Dave's Rocketeer!! Although I got a helmet
from one of the model makers, It will always be one of my great Hollywood regrets!!
It was always a treat to stop by and have dave sign one of his cool pin up posters
at Comicon and talk about his up coming projects. His work always inspired my movie
and TV illustrations, and many of his famous pieces were recreated as a homage and
used as background pieces in many Star Trek episodes. Dave was a brilliant talent
and he put a new pizzaz in all of his pin up work, and he really advanced the genre
and made it his staple of achievement!!! His fondness for aviation and nostalgia
made his art something that had an appeal across the generations of fans!!! Dave
will greatly be missed and with the inspiration and huge body of work he has created
he will never be forgotten.John Eaves March 25, 2008 at 19:21
Dave you were the most generous, and giving person I have ever met!!!!. I
will miss you, and I will never forget the great times we had at Associates in Arts.
Thank you for your friendship and sound advice.Rayban Canas March 26, 2008 at 20:45
Dave, you were a huge inspiration and your work was unparalleled. thanks
for brightening up my lifeKW March 26, 2008 at 23:51
I was introduced to the Rocketeer by my father when I was just 7. Now 20
years later, I feel as if a part of my childhood died with Mr. Stevens. Thanks for
everything sir, I wish I could have met you. Elliott Toman March 27, 2008 at 05:57
Dave Stevens' Rocketeer got me into comic which got me into Bettie Page,
which got me into Pin-ups and Pulps and all things wonderful and beautiful. My life
has been made so much more wonderful because of Dave Stevens. The world is a less
wonderful place now that he is gone.I would like to send my deepest condolences to his friends and family. Russ Peak March 27, 2008 at 17:32
Dave and I had been friends for over 20 years. I stopped calling and
emailing around 2 years ago due to my own fight with breast cancer. I knew he was
ill at the time and I just never wanted the "cancer" word to come up in our
conversations and spoil 20 years worth of an almost perfect friendship.My last phone call with him was about some personal stuff, getting old and having to deal with bifocals. We ended that phone call as we have always ended them, with gut busting laughter. God, he had a wicked wit. Had I known that was going to be my last conversation, I would have told him what a good friend he was and how blessed I was to have the gift of his friendship. Alot has been said of his immense talent but he was also a very kind man and generous to his friends,fans and colleagues. I have seen him help out his friends in may ways from sending money to those that were struggling to helping a widow of an art colleague sort out her husband's affairs. Also his encouragment and advise have probably sparked a whole new crop of artists. It would be interesting to read future bios of budding artists just to see "Dave Stevens" name listed as an influence. I had my CAT scan done yesterday and I was on my back thinking as the machine was taking it's pictures above me, that this (the hospital) was the last view that Dave had before he passed on. Even though he was surrounded by his loved ones, I am sure that is not how he would have chosen to exit this world. So make a donation to the HCL Organization that is listed on this site's home page. I would love to see this horrible disease (or any other type of cancer for that matter) eradicated before I leave this earth. Rose Loomis | |||||||
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