Obituary

It is with heavy hearts but extraordinary love and remembrance, that we announce the passing of Mike Stevenson. Predeceased by his parents Mike and Kathleen Stevenson, and leaving with a lifetime of beautiful memories his devoted wife Susanne (Matthews) and his beloved children Samantha and Matthew.  Mike’s family were his greatest joy and the loves of his life, and his legacy will be his children who embody the very best of their dad. He is also survived by his in-laws Lloyd and Jean Matthews, Steve and Stephanie Matthews, Geoff Matthews and Sue Good, Elizabeth and Danny Williams and Heather and Charlie Poisson; nieces and nephews Rayelle, Olivia, Alex, Emma, Sam, Danielle, Megan and Tori and great niece and nephews India, Ezekiel and Aaron; brother, Robert (British Columbia); and his faithful companion Portia. 

Mike was born and raised in St. John’s and dedicated much of his life to public service working at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary, where he made lifelong friends; then moving into the world of lumber and finishing his career with Brunswick Valley Lumber.  He was respected by his customers and remembered as a wonderful colleague. But above all, he was a dedicated family man and extraordinary friend. His happiest times were spent cruising the Caribbean with Susanne, laughing at Samantha’s jokes or watching Man United games with Matt. His children’s accomplishments were his greatest source of pride.

Mike loved life! He was a constant source of laughter, knowledge and insight. His sense of humor was legendary and stayed with him to the very end, when he loved nothing more than to share a laugh. Mike was also an avid athlete who was happiest when enjoying one of the many sports at which he excelled, in particular handball where he was both a Provincial and Atlantic Canadian Champion.  You would never want to find yourself on the opposing side of Mike on the tennis or pickle ball court, the corn hole field, the golf course or the hockey rink.  His athletic prowess was always on display. His favorite day of the year was Championship Sunday at Wimbledon, or any day that Manchester United or the Montreal Canadiens were playing a match. And there was no greater challenge than facing Mike in a game of Trivial Pursuit. His intellect and sharp wit would most often win the day.  Mike also loved music: oldies, gospel, classics – there wasn’t a tune he couldn’t sing or a lyric he didn’t know; and he wasn’t afraid to grab a mic and share his talents with a crowd!  Mike’s kindness was boundless, his friendship loyal and his determination to live life to the fullest inspiring.  

Mike accepted his diagnosis with strength and resilience. He was determined to define his life by doing what he loved most – spending time with his family and friends. He lived every moment, laughed every laugh, faced every challenge with a smile, enjoyed his cabin time in Cappahayden, fished in the Labrador wilderness and golfed with his buddies. He was determined to live every moment to the fullest. Though his time with us was much too short, our hearts are full of gratitude for the life we were blessed to share with him.  

The family would like to thank Brunswick Valley and Sexton Lumber for their kindness and compassion to Mike during his illness. They would also like to thank Dr. Hurley, Dr. Peter Rockwood, Dr. Peter Sceviour and the Palliative Care team at Eastern Health, and express their deepest appreciation to the incredible staff at TLC Home Care - in particular Ebube & Misgana. There will be a visitation to celebrate Mike’s life at Caul’s Funeral Home, 84 LeMarchant Road on Wednesday, January 8 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at Bethesda Pentecostal Church, MacDonald Drive on Thursday, January 9 at 11 am; and will be live streamed at www.bethesda.ca.

In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted to the REAL Program to honour Mike’s lifelong commitment to mentoring under financially challenged children in athletics. https://www.stjohns.ca/en/recreation-culture/become-a-real-supporter.aspx