Obit: A Global Traveler Michael Stevenson Dies

After a rich and satisfying life, Michael F. Stevenson, 88-years-old and a resident of Millburn for the past 6 years, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012.

Stevenson is survived by his daughter, Monica Stevenson, of Millburn, and son David Stevenson, of Exton, Pa.  A memorial and celebration of life service will be held at the Stevenson home in Millburn on Sept. 8, 2012.

Stevenson was previously a resident of Clearwater, Florida, and moved up to Millburn to live with his daughter after his wife, Mary D. Stevenson, died in May, 2006.  

Stevenson was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1923, and moved shortly thereafter to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where his father was a civil engineer.  The family moved back to England, where Michael finished his education at The Bedford School and The University of London, graduating with a degree in Chemistry.  Stevenson was a pilot with the British Royal Navy, still in training in Corpus Christi, Texas, at the end World War II.  

His later career in pharmaceuticals took him to Havana, Cuba, Caracas, Venezuela, (where he met his wife Mary) San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Santiago, Chile, before he and his new family settled in New Jersey.  In his position as International Marketing Director for The Schering Plough Corporation., Stevenson and his family moved to Sydney, Australia for six years,  Madrid, Spain for a year, and again to Puerto Rico for 4 years.  Michael and Mary retired to Florida, living in Safety Harbor and then Clearwater.  European racing cars, Classical music, and golf were passions that accompanied  Michael in all his global travels and fueled many fast friendships.