Stephen James Lovell

(1952 – 2019)

We were deeply saddened to lose longtime Trustee Stephen James Lovell on Friday, August 9th, 2019. He passed surrounded by love and family. Stephen served as a Trustee of The David and Lura Lovell Foundation from 1994 to the time of his passing. He and his wife, Jayne, who served on the Foundation’s Board of Advisors for many years, supported advancing women and girls (gender parity) through the Foundation and their own personal philanthropy.

Stephen was the oldest of David and Lura Lovell’s four children. He settled in Kona, Hawaii where, while sitting on the beach during an eclipse, he met his soul mate, Jayne Dunford, and they began to live a lifelong love song. His family and friends will remember Stephen’s keen mind, curious and compassionate nature, and how he cherished each and every second of life; but most of all, his open heart and his modeling of unconditional love. Stephen is survived by his wife; his siblings Ann, Robert and Sara; seven nieces and nephews, and three great-nieces.

Stephen made many contributions to the Foundation over the past 25 years, but probably his biggest was his commitment to stand up for the legacy of his parents, articulating what they would have wanted the Foundation to be and become.  As anyone in philanthropy knows, this is not always a popular stance to take, and it took great courage and compassion for Stephen to hold steady to that course, while showing understanding and kindness to everyone involved. That was the core of his legacy, which continues to serve the Foundation on a daily basis as our philanthropy grows in size and complexity. The Foundation trustees, staff, consultants and friends will be forever grateful for Stephen’s service and loyalty to the legacy of his parents as he helped to guide the Foundation into the future.

Stephen was fond of the Oregon County Fair’s program Culture Jam; 442 Lawrence Street, Eugene, OR 97401; and Friends of the Future’s program Earl’s Garage; PO Box 2655, Kamuela, HI 96743. Please look them up if you are interested in donating in his name.

Please click here for an article on Steve’s legacy in the Hawai’ian press.