George Stevens

STEVENS, GEORGE MONTAGUE In celebrating the long life of George Montague Stevens, his family will first remember his love and devotion to his beautiful wife of 65 years, Virginia Mignon (Scarbrough) Stevens. Stevens, the grandson of New Mexico pioneer, Montague Sheffield Stevens, died Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at his home in Albuquerque, and is at peace with his Lord at the age of 85. George Stevens was born May 15, 1927 in Magdelena, N.M. on a ranch that Montague Stevens acquired shortly after moving from England in 1881. Montague Stevens, a descendant of the Duke of Buckingham, was a legendary New Mexico hunter and rancher as well as the author of the book Meet Mr. Grizzly. Montague first came to New Mexico to assist the U.S. Calvary in their hunt for the Apache Chief, Geronimo. Like his grandfather, George Stevens was a great storyteller and blessed his family with tales of New Mexico's early history, stories of his long career as a Border Patrol agent and Federal Investigator for the Immigration Service, and tales of his amateur career as a boxer. George Stevens had many passions in life and his love of boxing was one that began at the age of four and was with him to the end. Stevens' boxing career began after a bout with typhoid fever that had led to a physician encouraging him to go through the rigorous training regimen of a boxer in in order to help strengthen weakened legs. That advice helped produce one of New Mexico's top-ever amateur boxers. Known throughout the Southwest as Georgie Stevens, George posted an amateur record of 104-3. One of Stevens' favorite memories was a fight card in which he and his two brothers, Ricky and Gordon, all emerged victorious. His ring titles included: Golden Glove championship, a lightweight Southwest Amateur title (13 states) as well as was the U.S. Army's Middleweight Champion during his service in our Armed Forces, going undefeated at that weight. In his first Golden Gloves tournament at the regional level, Stevens established a Southwest Region Golden Gloves record with a knockout at the 38-second mark of the first round. Stevens had been listed among the nation's top amateur boxers and after his service in the U.S. Army, enrolled at the University of New Mexico to fight on the Lobos' boxing team. The UNM boxing coach at the time, Willis Barnes, said Stevens was the best amateur boxer I've ever seen. The legendary Albuquerque Tribune sportswriter, Carlos Salazar, covered Stevens' boxing career and used to tell of how Stevens once knocked an opponent through the ropes and onto Salazar's lap. Salazar said Stevens had a Joe-Louis-like left hook. This same great World Heavyweight Champion later tried to sponsor Stevens' ascent into the pro ranks. Stevens turned away from a pro career to begin a new life as a husband and father. Instead of joining Louis' stable of young pros, Stevens joined the U.S. Border Patrol. Stevens, a 1945 graduate of Albuquerque High is survived by his wife, Mignon, his four children: Meave Stevens Dominguez and her husband Jerry; Tracy Ingles and her husband John; Richard Stevens; and Lynne LaBeau and her husband Wayne. He is also Survived by eight grandchildren : John Ingles Jr., Cameron Ingles, Elisa (LaBeau) DiMenna, Holly LaBeau, Jared Dominguez, Jalen Dominguez, Trevor Stevens, Kelsey Stevens as well as two great-grandchildren; Kayley LaBeau and Madeleine DiMenna. He was preceded on the path to the Lord by his parents, Alice Romero and George Stevens Sr.; his brothers, Gordon, Patrick and R.G. and survived by his brother, Rickey Stevens as well as his sister Alice Best. His family is blessed with the knowledge that George is now with his Savior, Jesus Christ, but George will forever be in their hearts and their prayers. The Memorial viewing will be held between 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday evening, June 22, 2012 and followed by a Memorial service at 11:00 a.m. the morning of Saturday, June 23, 2012. The Memorial viewing and services will both be held at French Chapel located at 10500 Lomas Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Please visit our online guest book for George Stevens at www.RememberTheirStory.com. FRENCH 10500 Lomas Blvd NE 505-275-3500

George Stevens

May 15, 1927 - June 19, 2012