Sedona AZ (March 1, 2021) – Stephen E. DeVol, Owner/Publisher of Sedona.biz, passed away peacefully at home in Cornville on Friday, February 26, 2021. Steve was a long time resident of the Verde Valley and Sedona, arriving in 1987. Steve’s community service spanned his entire tenure in the area and included serving on the Board of Directors of Keep Sedona Beautiful and ultimately serving as President of the organization.
Steve is survived by his wife, Suzan Drury and their beloved dog Gracie, his sister Diane DeVol Petrusich of Sedona, niece Ann Hamilton (Dan) of Cornville and nephew Andy Petrusich (Charlotte) of Camp Verde.
Old Friends
Up through the sandstone rocks and sage I hiked, early morning. Dimly lit the trail I stepped, as snow flurries swirled around. High up the place I sought, to settle down on my rock of choice with a view. A place I often go to gaze upon the Yellowstone Valley as it stretches out its arms to hold the Beartooth strong. I too, reach out and touch with my mind’s eye, seeing far, remembering much, never letting go. For, who I love, they will always be. Made whole from memories past, I hold them close. I see them fresh and young as if time had not been born. My love of them will never leave, for they are who I am. Their memories strong and full of life, the comfort that I seek, they bring. For when I think of them, my sadness fades, for back alive they come. Next to me they stand, and I see them clear. We stand together, side by side, never losing sight wherever they have gone, for they have a home in me.
— Written by Ken Deaver of Billings MT, Steve’s lifelong friend and surfer buddy
More about Stephen DeVol
Stephen DeVol’s love for the Sedona area began the moment he stepped off the plane at the small Sedona airport in 1987, leaving behind in California a successful career in Thoroughbred horse racing photography. From 1987 to 1999, DeVol owned and operated One Hour Photo Express at the “Y”, the first on-site photo lab in Sedona. He expanded the lab to offer digital imaging services and improved sales by 200% in two years, in part due to his “hands on, whatever it takes” management style and his innovative reconfiguration of the processing work flow.
Involvement in the local community has been one key to his business career. Over the years, DeVol has overseen many media projects in Sedona’s political arena. Also taking a roll behind the scenes for the Voice of Choice for State Route 179, a non profit group, DeVol oversaw the radio promotions for the group’s various projects. He also produced two videos which were pivital in presenting the group’s view point to the citizens and members of the state government.
DeVol served on the Board of Directors for Keep Sedona Beautiful and further served as President of the organization. In 2007, Steve received the Keep Sedona Beautiful prestigious Norman McGee Award, KSB’s highest recognition of an indivual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and service, continued over a number of years.
In 1999, DeVol launched Sedona Arizona’s first commercial independent television station via the Sedona Channel , which NPG Cable provided distribution on channel 57. The following year, the station was upgraded as a regional cablecaster, and relaunched as The Arizona Channel moving to the channel 18 dial position. The new station became the only local television outlet serving the Verde Valley, and Northern Arizona, for the exception of Gannett Owned NBC affiliate KNAZ-TV 2 in Flagstaff. The Arizona Channel provided local community news, political talk shows, sports, as well as classic syndicated programming such as The Lucy Show, and Bonanza.
In the fall of 2005 DeVol signed up for the Zaki Gordon Institute of Independent Film Making and his film “Opera Diva” won best documentary in the student film festival. “Opera Diva” premiered in the independent film festival circuit at the Sedona International Film Festival in February 2007. In March 2007 DeVol received another award from the Zaki Gordon Institute for Best Camera for his camera work in “Daddy’s Girl”.
DeVol assumed ownership of Sedona.biz in 2010 and developed the online platform to serve as a vital resource for news and events in the Verde Valley and Sedona, as well as a forum for diverse voices and opinions.
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23 Comments
SO very sad to hear of Stephen’s passing. My late husband and I were frequent customers at his photo shop on 179 at the “Y”. It was always a pleasure going in to have all our real estate photographs developed for our Real Estate company Shannon & Associates. Stephen was always very welcoming wearing a big friendly smile. I still miss those days after all these years. Sedona Biz is the best source for Sedona local news and Stephen and his wife Suzan have always done a wonderful professional job. I hope Suzan will be able to continue as it is a news source surely needed in Sedona and will keep Stephen forever in our minds. My condolences to you Suzan but, unfortunately there could never be enough to comfort you. I lost my husband in 2001 so have great empathy for you.
Love and Blessings,
Joan Shannon
315 Smith Rd
Sedona
I am saddened to hear that Steve has passed. His contribution to providing a news and viewpoint alternative in Sedona will be his most important legacy.
I was a frequent guest on his independent television station. Steve moderated the program with thoughtful and in-depth questions. His reporting was unbiased and unedited. Quite a different approach from the editorials in the Red Rock News.
We have lost two important figures in local journalism in the last few months.
Rest in peace, Rita Livingston and Steve DeVol. You will be missed.
Rob Adams,
Former Sedona Mayor
I am so sad to hear of Steve’s passing. He was such and kind and helpful person, an intelligent and hardworking news provider, and really made one feel like family. Steve and his wife Suzan have consistently helped spread the word, and believed in the cause – and always published snippets sent in from me for all types of things Old Town Cottonwood: from North Bend Studio, OTA events and Art Walks, The Muse Gallery, medical fundraisers… the list goes on. Always kind and supportive in every way, and a pleasure to run into at the Sedona International Film Festival and other events. When I was at the peak of my health issues and in the midst of a number of lifesaving emergency surgeries, Steve came to my place and filmed me (at the time living in a hospital bed in my studio with home care nursing) to make a video to draw attention to my much-needed medical fundraiser. The funds that were raised paid a newly-needed staff to keep my Bed & Breakfast, The Annabel Inn, open, as I couldn’t perform any of the duties anymore. My heart and sympathies go out to Suzan and his family. I can imagine there is a hugs hole that his presence once filled – and much heartbreak.
With great sympathies,
Annabel Sclippa
Old Town Cottonwood friend
DEAR SUSAN, I AM SO SAD TO HEAR YOUR NEWS. WHAT A MOVER & SHAKER STEVE WAS TO OUR LITTLE, GROWING COMMUNITY. I FIRST MET HIM AFTER THE “FLOOD OF 1993” WHEN I WAS WALKING ACROSS HIS CREEK-SIDE SEDONA PROPERTY LOOKING FOR MY CROQUETTE SET WHICH HAD FLOATED DOWN STREAM IN 3 + FEET OF WATER. HE CAME OUT WITH A GUN TO CHASE ME AWAY THINKING I WAS A SCAVENGER! LATER MET HIM AT THE ONE-HOUR PHOTO WHILE WORKING FOR PHOTOGRAPHER MARGARET JACKSON. WE HAD A GOOD LAUGH AT OUR REUNION. SMALL TOWN STORIES DO TRAVEL FAST AND WE ALL HAVE HAD THEM. MAY THE COMING MONTHS BE GENTLE FOR YOU BUT TO REMEMBER TO CELEBRATE ALL THE GOOD TIMES. SINCERELY, CAROL HAZELETT
I can’t even count the times that Steve helped me out in various in many situations in real estate and art. He was always a willing cocreator and a willing helper. I’ve always appreciated him so much what an unusual and special being we have lost.
Steve truly was a ‘one and only’. He always had an infectious smile and went above and beyond to make everyone ‘a friend’ and the world ‘a better place’. Those of us who knew him when he owned the Kodak store at the Y, to his almost running for City Council, to being a key figure in the beginnings and throughout the Sedona International Film Festival and of course the inception of his long running passion, Sedona.Biz, followed the life of a true Sedona Icon – with respect and awe… My twin sister Jennie and I actually both knew and adored Steve. May he rest in peace. A candle will be lit indefinitely in his honor alongside my sister’s – as well as the many, many friends we have lost this year.
Jawn and I were saddened to learn of the loss of another leader in our little community. Steve was important to helping Sedona become a better place to live…for everyone. He was there when his friends and neighbors needed him. And he was a good man. It’s good that Sedona.biz is continuing in a way to carry on his legacy. Thank you, Suzan, for sharing him with us.
Such sad news. My heartfelt condolences to Susan. Not only was Steve an important voice in our community and someone who helped so many others find their own voices, but he was such a nice, caring, warm person. I am so glad I had the chance to meet him. His passing is a profound loss.
Kathy Kinsella
March 1, 2021 at 6:00 pm
Sad news indeed to learn our community has lost a dear person who served his beloved community with energy, integrity and humor. Steve and I worked on projects of all sorts together back in the day.
One of our projects included a strategic planning retreat with KSB. Steve worked tirelessly cementing my deep regard for his character and work ethic. He will be missed. My deep condolences to Susan.
Donna Michaels
Yes Steve had the Sedona Cam up on Airport mesa for a few years… we could see the Rocks and clouds and traffic…. Fly high Steve Blessings to the family…. Lib
The passing of Steve DeVol is the saddest news we’ve heard in a long time! Steve enriched the lives of everyone in our community and helped to make our community the vibrant and welcoming place it is universally known as. Nobody did it better.
Our deepest condolences to Suzan and Steve’s family!
I join all above in singing Steve’s praises. He brought so much to our community. Just recently I pestered Steve for the release of copyrighted video material for Sedona Women; he came through.
Our hearts go out to Suzan, his uber-talented wife, whose diverse skills met her match in Stephen. We are sad for you and for his extended family and community.
Rest in peace my friend.
STEVE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. MAY HE REST IN PEACE. HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND AND GOOD MAN. MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY.
BLESSED BE,
ANTARAH ROSE
I’ll miss you, friend… already do.
Such a great Friend of Honor and Integrity, since 1987.
Among all the notations I”ve read here with which I agree whole heartedly, my experience with Steve has always been on the Creative side. His eye from behind any type of camera could move the viewer of his work to tears. His sly humor got me every time, too! And his generosity just flew out of his open, courageous heart
Heaven has received a very special Angel.
Paramahansa Yogananda is especially pleased to have Steve Home again.
It is we here, still Life Living on this plane who feel such loss.
Many Blessings and Comfort to Suzan and both families.
Sunshower
Steve —
I will always remember you as a gentle soul making a difference with integrity and love.
Sedona has lost one of her treasures. Thank you for all that you have done for our town and all that you did for Rob and I.
You will be missed my friend.
Fly free —
What a treasure he was in so many ways. Our latest “together” was a video shoot for Big Brothers Big Sisters, at the Maybry ranch, video taping “Little’s” with their “Bigs”, for BBBS. Steve was particularly impressed with the Ken Rouse’s little, and asked if Ken would go somewhere else so Steve could interview Ricky separately. The results were so touching. Steve had a gentleness about him that encouraged people to dig deep. And, he did so many videos of performers and events at Ken’s Marketplace Cafe.
He will deeply be missed.
Beverly Kievman Copen
We were completely saddened to hear the passing of our special friend Steve DeVol. God gives us many gifts in life, parents, children, animals, even friends; but his special gift was the blessed union to his truest life-living-partner wife, Suzan. Steve was a real individual – Intelligent — successful and unassuming. He will greatly be missed. A message never truer than this one: “What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the Sunset.” – Crowfoot
Our condolences greatly, Kathy and Joe Partch
So sorry to hear….He was always so kind, nice and available to help me get killer photos of homes in the past when I sold Real Estate. Someone used the word “gentle’ and I so agree.
I have known Steve Devol for over 25 years and he was a great friend. We met at the City of Sedona Community Development Department offices when he proposed re-development of an uptown property.
We got to know one another even better when Steve began the Sedona Channel (later the Arizona Channel) in 1999. Steve decided to broadcast Sedona Red Rock High School Scorpions football games and asked if I wanted to do the announcing and play by play. I jumped at the chance and along with my good friend, Dick Deal, we announced Scorpion football for two years and one year of basketball, with Steve being the mastermind, director, producer, camera man and anything else he could think of to make the program a success. We had a blast together broadcasting home games and going on the road with the Scorpions. Oh, the stories I could tell about our road trips!
When Steve purchased Sedona.biz, we again began producing a local sports show called Scorpion Sports, showcasing the sports programs at Red Rock HS and interviewing players and coaches. We would also do comedy……or at least what we both thought was comedy!
Steve had the biggest and warmest heart of anyone I knew! He was genuine, authentic, passionate and compassionate in everything he did. He gave his heart and soul to Sedona! Sedona has lost a legend and I have lost a great friend……..sending positive thoughts and lots of love to Suzan.
Steve was a gentleman and a gentle soul who loved Sedona and worked hard to manifest the beauty of the area and to protect it. Steve and I worked on many projects together as part of Keep Sedona Beautiful and beyond that too. Rest in peace Steve.
I met Steve when he owned the camera shop many moons ago. We became friends and shared an interest in the direction Sedona was heading just before incorporation. We had many common goals and worked together with other concerned Sedonans to offer opinions and suggestions, as well as volunteering time and energy – Voice of Choice for 179 being just one of them.
He will be missed. His love for Sedona will be missed. He fought the good fight and championed causes that resulted in making Sedona a better place to live today.
He sought out the beauty Sedona had to offer and shared it with all those who surrounded him. He attracted authors, photographers, writers, poets and others to grace his webcast.
I will keep Suzan, family and friends in my thoughts. He is remembered fondly!