Updated: 4 Jan 2010
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Updated: 4 Jan 2010 |
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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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June 2, 2008 at 05:40
He will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends.Scott Schneider June 6, 2008 at 22:36
It's truly rare that you're touched by a death of someone you never met,
but Dave Stevens brought so much joy from viewing his work, you felt like you did
know him! It was such a unique graphic style and you can tell how much fun he was
having, no matter how long he took. On a selfish level we get no more beautiful
artwork from Dave, but we still have his extant output to look at for the rest of
our lives.Thanks so much Dave Stevens! Kevin Nicastre June 9, 2008 at 23:02
Dave was a gifted illustrator who set the bar for what comics could be.
Early in my carreer he encouraged me to switch to inking with a brush over a pen
and it changed my work for the better. He even inked one of our Grendel covers(#4)
to prove it to me. Every time I saw Dave, I felt that I was in the prescence of one
of the great American illustrators. He was a mentor and inspiration. His work and
will endure for generations to come. Thanks for everything you gave me, Dave. I
will miss your wit, charm, and vision.Arnold Pander June 16, 2008 at 04:04
I was beside myself when I found out today that Dave had passed. He kept
his illness from me. I met Dave at a horror film convention in Hollywood. I think
way back in 2002. I modeled for him quite a bit when we first met. The modeling
gradually faded out. I never imagined that he was ill. I guess he never wanted to
trouble me. He was the biggest gentleman, and one of the nicest human being that I
have ever met. I will miss him greatly! I am am thankful for all of the fond
memories that we shared. My deepest sympathies go out to his family.Heather Ann Smith 
Click on the image to see it in full size. June 18, 2008 at 12:28
Dave you flipping rocked. Good old Cliff Secord will reign forever in my
mind as one of the all time great heroes.Mathew D. Rhys June 24, 2008 at 17:46
Thank you so much. As talent goes he was amazing but his taking time to
talk to people and kindness was unmatched. Thanks again for so much beauty and fun.Sean Wyett June 25, 2008 at 18:21
I met Dave Stevens at a couple of DragonCons in the 90s. He was great to
talk to. The Rocketeer is IMHO the best graphic art character created in the last
half of the 20th century. Dave was one of the best artist ever. He will be missed.Gilbert Huey June 26, 2008 at 00:59
As avid fans of Dave's work, the staff at Acme Archives sends their
thoughts and prayers to his friends and family.Acme Archives June 29, 2008 at 07:36
Today I learned about the passing of Michael Turner. It made me think a
lot about Dave Stevens as well. It was THE ROCKETEER movie and comic books that got
me back into collecting comics. Eventually my interests evolved into collecting the
statues of the comic characters, and then to custom painting and now to sculpting.
I was extremely fortunate to find an original bronze ROCKETEER statue, which is the
prize of my collection. And to compliment it I custom painted the resin version
that was produced by BOWEN DESIGNS.Here it is as a tribute to Dave. Chris R. Bormann 
Click on the image to see it in full size. June 30, 2008 at 20:43
I have 16 pin up drawings, mostly of Bettie Page, at
www.jamesmaystock.com/drawings. None of them would exist without the inspiration of
Dave Stevens who was a remarkable artist and designer. I used to buy comics just cuz
they had a Dave Stevens cover. Bought the 1st Rocketeer comic when it came out and
really marveled at this guy's talent. Dave Stevens upheld the great tradition of
comic art on the highest level. His love and knowledge of that tradition very much
shows in his work and that work fueled our visions and dreams. Like other great
artists in the field, Dave Stevens showed what was possible. Now, I hope Dave is
chewing the fat with Jack Kirby, Burne Hogarth and Alex Raymond. They are all part
of one big and very entertaining family.Jim July 12, 2008 at 18:07
When I read the Con Schedule and saw the Tribute listed, I was stunned. I
had no idea that he had passed away. Much too early. As a late bloomer to comics, I
missed alot out there early. God Bless the Comic-Con and all of the artists and
comics that I have come to know over the last 10 years. Dave Stevens was one of the
most talented artists I have ever met. I absolutely loved the Rocketeer and the
period in which it was drawn. The movie was great as well. However, it was the
artwork and story that I really enjoyed the most. I'm so glad that I got to meet
Dave a few years back. One of the nicest fellows you will ever meet and a consumate
professional. We will miss you Dave and your awesome work. With Fond Regards, Daniel Holub July 14, 2008 at 07:06
Starstruck just blew me way and I am so sad to read about Dave's early
passing.Martin Buckingham July 15, 2008 at 00:01
I was devastated to learn that Dave had passed away. My condolences to his
family, he was way too young to go. Being 55 myself, make me more aware of my
mortality.I first was aware of him in the Rocketeer comics, years ago. He was such a fabulous artist and I loved his style so much. He was so much more polished than most of his peers. He will certainly be missed. Rest in peace, Dave. John Garrett July 19, 2008 at 10:32
Its so sad to hear he passed away too early. I have been a huge Dave
Stevens/Rocketeer fan for many, many years, and even did a Rocketeer/Betty tatoo on
my arm 10 years ago so you will always be with me Dave. Youre the best. always!!!Atle Eriksen July 19, 2008 at 20:26
Dave and I worked at Hanna-Barbera in the late 70's, and had lots of laughs
and good times together. I'm really sorry to hear that he's gone.Jim McLean July 22, 2008 at 11:46
Unbelievable.I never knew him but I will miss him. "see you around Rocketeer" Roger July 23, 2008 at 04:51
I am sadden to learn of Daves passing. I have been a fan for many years. I
had a chance to meet Dave in Dallas a few years ago. He signed everything i put in
front of him and answered all my questions. It was one of the greatest joys of my
life. He was a master of his craft and a friend to all. He will be missed.Eric - Texas August 19, 2008 at 23:09
I had hoped to see much more from you, Dave. I guess I'll have to make do
on what you gave us. Your work has been an inspiration to myself and so many
others. Rest in peace.Matthew Haupt August 20, 2008 at 07:02
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-- DAVE ...stairway to heaven.
Mike Lester
August 20, 2008 at 12:09
Dave Stevens and Frank Frazetta are two of my heroes. I was saddened to
hear the news of Dave's passing. Dave made me fall in love with Bettie Page and
become an avid collector of Bettie Page memorabilia and Stevens art. Thanks Dave for
your fantastic creativity and unmatched work.Tim Robinson August 22, 2008 at 22:01
Just found out about his passing today(8-22-o8)!Just want to thank him for
the Rocketeer and his love of good artwork and his help in my discovery of Bettie
Page! Gone But Not Forgotten!Morris Turner August 23, 2008 at 23:33
I was a friend of Dave's back in high school (in Portland) and I had some
items I thought his fans might enjoy. One is a pencil sketch of Superman he'd done
for some aborted advertising project we were working on. The end project was to have
a Superman model holding a 7-up bottle, if I remember. The two other pics are from
our high school yearbook in 1971. One is his sophomore picture - I was a senior- and
the other is a picture of the drama department stage crew, of which he was a member.
These can also be found at www.Flickr.com/photos/3_cool_cats. Enjoy.Lloyd N Phillips 
Click on a image to see it in full size. August 30, 2008 at 19:00
I am deeply sorry for his loss. I guess Rocketeer is REALLY flying high now.George September 19, 2008 at 23:41
His work was an inspiration to so many, and his memory will live on through
the wonderful creations he shared with us.Anthony September 23, 2008 at 01:17
I'm so sad. How could I have not know of Dave's passing. My thoughts and
prayers go out to Dave's family and friends. A true inspiration to me. Such a great
loss.Dave Place October 4, 2008 at 01:26
no lo puedo creer! recordé uno de mis dibujos preferidos del Sr. Stevens y decidí chequear la página, a ver en que andaba este genio, y descubro que ya no está fìsicamente entre nosotros, lo admiraré eternamente, mi fascinación por este gran artista no se acabará nunca!la belleza de su arte perdurará por años...Andrea October 24, 2008 at 17:50
It is sad to see such great talent cut short. I am able to remember him
daily by viewing is art in my house.Bob Gage October 28, 2008 at 02:40
I met Dave for a brief moment at Comicon in the early 90's. I had collected
all of his work since the first episode of Rocketeer, including covers, etc. When I
saw him I was a little starstruck and fumbled around for the words to tell him how
much I enjoyed his work and appreciated the effort he obviously put into it. I was
the biggest gushing geek but he was so gracious and kind and spent a few moments
chatting, even though I'm sure he had other things to do. It made me like him even
more. What a great guy. This note is way over due.I was sorting a huge collection we had bought the other day and my friend laughed every time I paused on a comic that had something that Dave had worked on. Even though I've been out of the industry for many years I still recognize every issue he touched and like it as much now as I did when I first saw it. Thanks, Dave. Matthew Alexander October 31, 2008 at 18:31
I was very sorry to learn just a few minutes ago of Dave's passing. I had
the good fortune to meet him about a year following the release of The Rocketeer.
At the time, I had one of the largest collections of Rocketeer goodies and Dave was
trying to find a cookie jar. I gave him one that I had (the other I own still
adorns my kitchen counter), as well as a Disney cast member only watch for the film.
He was very gracious, very grateful, and kindly offered to sign a few items for me.
He treated me with great respect and spoke to me as an equal - not a talented
writer/creator with a goofy fan.Rest in peace, my friend. Mike Kilgore November 1, 2008 at 05:19
Somehow this news escaped until now. I am saddened. I still have a
Rocketeer shirt I bought 20 years ago while in high school. Whenever I saw Dave had
a new project out I felt not just an excitement but anticipation of meeting an old
friend.My prayers go out to his family. Matt November 11, 2008 at 01:22
Here I am late to the scene as always. But, Rest In Peace man. Drinking
one in your memory. May your rockets carry you high!!JM December 18, 2008 at 05:02
I am writing this on the day after beautiful Bettie was layed to rest in
Westwood, California. On 12/16/2008.Thank you Dave Stevens for all the things you created in the image of Ms. page. THEY WERE GREAT. Larry A. Rosa December 24, 2008 at 16:44
And now we've also lost Bettie Page this month. I would never have believed
it if told a few years back that Bettie would be outliving Dave, let alone both of
them passing on in the same year.But here's to the huge talent of those two sweet souls, and to flights of fantasy that will live forever. Ed Gauthier January 5, 2009 at 07:16
Met Dave at Chiller Con in NJ years ago. He was gracious and kind, signing
many comics and other memorabilia for me. Just finished Brush With Passion and
reading his own words moved me deeply. The artist at odds with the art and the
ticking clock. A humble man with great talent. I hope he found peace and
satisfaction in his last days. He is in Heaven hanging out with Ms. Page. Lucky
guy.Gary January 20, 2009 at 21:31
We will miss you very much. I ask God to bless you ; on this part of your journey. God Bless......Scott House February 10, 2009 at 09:56
There isn't anything that I could add that hasn't already been said more
eloquently that what has already been said. I only recently started getting back
into the world of comics. So needless to say, I just found out about his having
passed away. Wherever you are, know that talent like yours and the legacy you've
left behind will go on inspiring artists for generations to come.Mario Mora March 3, 2009 at 14:26
When I was about 14, I came across a a book in a white elephant stall for a
buck fifty.
It was the Rocketeer graphic novel, and I had some pocket money to blow so I picked
it up.
It was full of Action, women and Flying men.
I'd seen nothing like it before and it rocked my socks off.
Since then, I've carried it with me every day of my life. 23 years so far.
It started a life long love of pulp fiction, film noir and art deco.
If it wasn't for the Rocketeer, I'd more then likely have become a very bored and
unfulfilled plumber.
Today marks my third year as a level artist and feeling a little nostalgic, I
figured I'd look up what was the biggest influence on my life, The Rocketeer.
I'm completely gutted to find that Dave Stevens has passed on.
Just wish I could have at least bought the man a drink.Wherever you are mate, thanks. Every day I'm letting my imagination get away with itself and I'm not knee deep in someone else's shit, I owe you brother. Morgan O'Sullivan March 16, 2009 at 00:47
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends
A stellar talent who gifts will be missed.David E. McClain March 21, 2009 at 02:54
I credit Dave Stevens' Rocketeer comic book for my renewed interest in
comics as an adult reader. His work, which I discovered in the early '80s, was fun,
exciting and beautiful, and his love of the pulp-action genre showed through on
every panel he drew. I was fortunate enough to have met Dave once at a comic book
convention and he was so personable and charming that I will always cherish his
kindness to me as much if not more than his artwork. He was a fine man and a superb
artist and I, along with all of his fans I'm sure, will miss him. My heartfelt
condolences to his family and friends.Bennett Neuhauser November 21, 2009 at 20:05
In wanting to do something grand with my imagination I find that I am too late. Too late to ask questions or permissions, too late to meet Mr. Stevens. But, realizing that I still have my imagination to share, and Dave Stevens helped me to develop it.Thank you Mr. Stevens you are my hero, the true Rocketeer! Robert Jones November 28, 2009 at 06:58
I met Dave a number of times in the nineties, and he was always the most polite, most accomodating, most gentlemanly person at the shows we attended (separately). A few times, we'd cover each other's table for a break or snack. At closing of the shows, he'd watch my stuff as I trucked load after load to my vehicle. Then we'd load all his gear onto my cart (he didn't have one at the time, but it made for a few less trips) and we'd both leave together. He was talented, smart, humble, nice and this world is a little smaller place without him. Darren Dew December 8, 2009 at 20:56
I read Dave's book, & spoken to Chris Warner and had to express a heartfelt, and a frustration at seeing such a budding painter, fall.It hurt. Good bye Dave Stevens. The creative world is...just that much less from your passing... Robert S.P. Lee | |||||||
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