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STEVENS -- DONALD PHILIP Age 96, passed away July 28, 2011 at home after a brief illness, surrounded in love by his five children. He is survived by his five children: Nancy Comprelli (Frank) of Moraga, CA, Mary Gadeken (Arlan) of Kennewick, WA, Phil Stevens (Lynda) of Albuquerque, Gail Turner (Harry) of Oak Harbor, WA, and Mark Stevens of Albuquerque; ten granddaughters; two step-grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Nan Stevens; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and beloved Betty, his wife of 60 years. Don was born June 28, 1915 in Boulder, Colorado to Harold and Florence Stevens. As a boy, he loved hiking, camping, and fishing in the Colorado Rockies. At age 16 he met the love of his life, Betty Gilbert. They dated for seven years before marrying in 1938. He earned his degree in Architectural Engineering from the U. of Illinois, graduating in 1938 at the top of his class. He worked as an architect in Denver for a year, then returned to the U. of Illinois and received his Master's degree in 1940. He taught architecture there until 1942, when he accepted an associate professorship at the U. of Texas. In 1948 the family moved to Albuquerque, where Don became a partner with Gordon Ferguson, forming the firm of Ferguson-Stevens Architects (now SMPC Architects.) He was the primary architect for both Presbyterian Hospital and Lovelace Clinic during his 37 years in practice. He also designed the original BC Indian Hospital, numerous other local and state hospitals, the former Albuquerque National Banks, several public schools, and St.-Mark's-on-the-Mesa Episcopal Church, where he was a member since 1948. After Betty died, he also attended Montgomery Church of Christ with his son, Mark. Don served on the City Planning Commission, the NM State Board of Examiners for Architects, and the Albuquerque Symphony and Child Guidance Association boards, was a 50-year member of Kiwanis, an active member of State and National A.I.A., and served on committees for both Industrial and Hospital Architects. During his professional career, Don's honesty and integrity was his trademark. Don retired in 1985. In 2001, he received a Special Recognition Award and Lifetime Achievement Medal from the NM Chapter of A.I.A. He was also honored in 2002 by the local A.I.A. chapter with its first ever "Consistent Quality of Professional Practice" award. Don loved to hunt and fish, especially with his sons. He and Betty enjoyed traveling together, as well as many wonderful visits to (and from) his entire family. Don treasured two trips to England with family members to trace his parents' roots. Along with being acknowledged as a prominent local architect, Don will be primarily be remembered as the most generous, loving, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family was always his first priority, constantly thanking them for the utmost joy they brought him. Don's every action portrayed his deep faith in God and reflected his strong values. He always put others first and never failed to acknowledge even the smallest act of kindness to him. He was an amazing man who had a profound and positive impact on all who knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed, but he has blessed and enriched our lives forever. We cannot adequately thank our brother, Mark, who gave up his career to become Dad's loving and devoted caregiver/companion for the past decade, enabling Dad to remain in the home he had designed and which held so many special memories. Memorial Services will be held at St. Mark's-on-the-Mesa, Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Albuquerque Christian Children's Home (5700 Winter Haven Dr NW, 87120) or All Faith's Receiving Home (1709 Moon St. NE, ABQ, 87122.) To view funeral information or leave condolences please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Donald's care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services Sara Road Chapel 4310 Sara Road SE
        Published on: Sun August 07, 2011