Jeff Stevenson Remembered at Crystal Cove
Throughout the years here at the Cove, many people have come and gone. One of those special people was Jeff Stevenson, who passed away late last year. Jeff could often be spotted driving around the Cove in an electric golf cart with his signature hat and warm smile. Jeff was a Crystal Cove Beach Cottages Guests Services employee and his job was to shuttle cottage guests from check-in to their historic cottage rental. He was quick to engage in friendly conversation and prepare visitors for their memorable stay at the cove. His laid-back style and demeanor was the perfect fit for the relaxed, vintage Cove vibe. Jeff left a lasting impression on everyone he worked with.
Jeff Stevenson was born in New Hampshire. At a young age, his family moved to Newport Beach, California where he grew up. His life led him down many different paths through the years, including running an advertising business as well as a landscape business. While working at Newport Dunes, he heard about the job opening at Crystal Cove, and jumped on the opportunity. It would take two attempts, but eventually he got the job and became a Cove fixture for over 10 years. He was beloved by staff members, who recall he had a particular fondness for sweets, and was quite adept at sniffing them out.“ Jeff was an authentic man who was quick to talk of lessons learned and about his beautiful family,” said co-worker Chris Williams, “He had that sage wisdom that only comes from a life well lived, with both highs and lows. He made it very clear he was currently experiencing the very best time of his life. It’s perhaps why we miss him so much: he was living his best life together with us, and it was inspiring. Jeff was a Cove legend and lives on in the hearts of those he touched.”
“One of his favorite things about Crystal Cove was all the special people he would meet each day,” said his wife, Shirley. “Some of them became close, lifelong friends. Crystal Cove meant a lot to him.”
When he wasn’t at Crystal Cove, his time was spent on building projects, making jewelry, ballroom dancing, and spending time with his grandkids. Shirley has a large collection of Jeff’s sea glass he gathered from the Cove that he used to make his jewelry. She plans to give it to staff members. “Just as something to remember him by.” Jeff certainly will be fondly remembered.