Obituary of Peter Michael Stevens
Stevens, Peter Michael
In loving memory of Michael who passed away peacefully at the Perth Hospital on Monday March 4th, 2024 at the age of 57 after a long battle with ALS. Beloved husband of Anne Milligan, Son of Eloise and Nick Stevens (predeceased). Brother of David (Bonnie) of Port Sydney, Ruth Anne of Huntsville, Kim Urias of Winnipegosis, Manitoba and Sabina Lecki of Calgary, Alberta.
Michael was born to Jean Urias in Toronto on February 7, 1967 and then adopted into the Stevens family at 18 months of age. He grew up in Huntsville before coming to Ottawa for a BSc in Computer Engineering. Michael spent most of his career in Telecommunications with Newbridge and Alcatel Lucent. He retired at the age of 45. In 2004, he met his wife Anne, and it was love at first sight and that never changed.
Micheal loved the outdoors and made his home in a log house in Clayton, then with Anne first in Wakefield and then on the shores of beautiful Canton lake. He biked and hiked daily, foraging wild mushroom, and herbs, photographing flowers and mushrooms, identifying trees and plants, tracking his many adventures on gps. He made underwater videos of fish, loons and turtles. When he could no longer walk outside, he sat in his chair facing the lake, always fascinated by nature.He was always the first to spot the otters playing on the dock, the hawk circling or deer grazing on the lawn.
Michael was a foodie, ordering green coffee beans from around the world which he blended and roasted, brewing his own beer and wine from scratch, and whipped up magic stir fries to delight the palate. Michael’s computer lab was full of electronics for his inveterate tinkering and inventing. From creating his first synthesizer in grade 8, to a tripod that accounted for the shift of the earth for astro photography, Michael followed the path of his own intellectual curiosity and creativity.
His friends and family remember him as fiercely loyal, kind, principled, compassionate, with a wicked sense of humour. Michael was loved by many and will be dearly missed. Love you forever
Michael’s family would like to thank Tracy Letner, Trish Herwyer, Randolph Hill, Dr Michele Barton, the staff at the ALS Clinic at the Ottawa Hospital as well as the Staff of the Perth Hospital for their excellent care.
A private Celebration of Life will be held during the summer. Those wishing to donate in memory of Michael are asked to consider ALS Canada. Arrangements are in the care of Blair & Son Funeral Directors, Perth.