Michael Anthony Stephen

1929 - 2013

Michael Anthony Stephen obituary, 1929-2013

BORN

1929

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Trull Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

2704 Yonge Street

Toronto, Ontario

Michael Stephen Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 5, 2013.

STEPHEN, Michael Anthony
1929 - 2013
Surrounded by family, Michael passed away peacefully at Sunnybrook Hospital on Wednesday, September 4, 2013. Blessed with a loving family and a full life, he touched many with his quiet wisdom. He nurtured a deep spirituality, which he truly believed was the spark of the Creator within him. He will be remembered with genuine affection and abiding respect by his lifelong friends and colleagues. Born in Saint John, New Brunswick on January 17, 1929, he was a son of the late Louis and Eva (George) Stephen. Mike, beloved husband of Beatrice (nee Bourque) and loving father of Chris (Lisa), Michael (Linda), Joseph (Theresa) and Andrea (Ron), adoring Gidi to Dominique, Michelle, Madeleine, Michael, Sarah, Erik, Joseph and Ryan. Brother of Geraldine, he was predeceased by seven brothers, Joseph, Frederick "Bud", Peter, Paul, Wesley, Louis, and Ralph; and three sisters, Barbara and Theresa Stephen and Madelyn Zed.
From 1992 to 2001, Mike was first President, then Chairman of Aetna Life & Casualty's International division-Aetna International Inc. based in Hartford, Connecticut. While overseeing the insurance and pension business across 20 countries, he led Aetna's entry into the emerging markets of Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Peru, Indonesia, Malaysia and India while expanding operations in New Zealand and Chile. In preparation for Aetna's entry into the Chinese market, Mike was instrumental in establishing Representative Offices in both Beijing and Shanghai. His personal involvement meeting with senior decision-makers in China successfully concluded in 1997 when Aetna was only the second U.S. company to be awarded an insurance license in that coveted market.
Mike enthusiastically supported the creation of the Aetna School of Management at Jiao Tong University in Shanghai. In honor of his leadership and dedication to creating a world-class business school, the University Board named the school of management library the "Michael A. Stephen Library" in April of 2000.
Mike began his career as a high school teacher in the public school system in Saint John, N.B. From there he was recruited by London Life Insurance Company as an agent, but quickly rose through the ranks of management. After assuming positions of increasing responsibility, he joined Sun Life Financial and then Aetna Canada in Toronto. In 1987, he was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Aetna Canada, whose operations encompassed life, group and property casualty insurance.
For many years he focused on the creation of a business environment where managers experience individual and personal transformation, which he believed assured organizational growth and development. Mike published his first book in early 2002, entitled "Spirituality in Business - The Hidden Success Factor", which detailed his extensive corporate and executive experiences throughout Asia and Latin America. In his retirement, Mike was an internationally regarded consultant, executive coach and highly sought-after speaker.
Mike earned his B.A. followed by post-graduate work in philosophy and theology at the Université de Montréal; Advanced Management Program (AMP) from Harvard Business School, and Doctor of Letters, honoris causa from the University of New Brunswick. He was a director of the Yonge Street Mission; Travelers Property Casualty Company of Canada; Providence Healthcare Foundation; Chair: Development Committee, Toronto School of Theology; Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre; Founding Board Member, Center for Work & Spirituality; Board Member, Association for Spirit at Work; Board Member, Sobey's School of Business at St. Mary's University; Chartered Member, Legatus Toronto; Member of the International Advisory Council of Opera New Brunswick; Member of the Business Advisory Council, University of New Brunswick, Member of the Toronto Harvard Alumni Association, the Toronto Club and the York Club.
Friends may call at the TRULL "NORTH TORONTO" FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE (2704 Yonge St, 5 blocks south of Lawrence) on Sunday September 8, 2013 from 2:00pm until 4:00pm and 7:00pm until 9:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH (24 Cheritan Ave., 1 block south of Lawrence off Yonge St.) on Monday September 9, 2013 at 11:00am. Burial at Mount Hope Catholic Cemetery to follow.
Those who wish to make charitable donations in Mike's memory may do so to Providence Healthcare Foundation (3276 St. Clair Ave. East, Toronto, ON M1L 1W1) and to Parkinson Society Canada. Online condolences may be made at www.trullfuneralsyonge.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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20 Entries

May 2, 2014

Natalie Montenegrino

My deepest condolances for your loss. I was Mr. Stephen's assistant at Aetna Canada in the early '80's until I moved to Arizona. He was a good man to work with and he will be missed by all who knew him and loved him.

September 13, 2013

Kenneth DesRoches

Sincerest sympathies to Michael's family and friends. I knew Michael only briefly through my engagement in Spirituality and Business - to be with him was an inspiration. May God bless and keep him in eternity.

September 12, 2013

Martin Rutte

To the Stephen Family:
I am so saddened at this huge loss. Michael was my brother in taking spirituality into business. He was on the Board of The Center for Spirituality and the Workplace, Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary's University. He was the first major executive to speak publicly about this subject. I remember him flying from Santiago, Chile to Mexico to give a one hour talk on spirituality and business at one of the first ever conferences on this in the world. After the conference he flew back to Buenos Aires, Argentina Supporting this work was that important to him.
I remember fondly speaking with him, and laughing with him and gaining from his wisdom. I remember lovingly meditating with him and how very important that was to him.
I loved him dearly.
I will miss him.
May his memory be a blessing.

September 9, 2013

Olga Kirlik

My sincere condolences to the Stephen family. So sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting and working with M. Stephen, as his secretary, when he joined Excelsior Life Ins. Co. as Vice-President, Life Division. He was a remarkable man and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

September 9, 2013

Warren & Gabriella Collier

To the entire Stephen Family:

Our condolences on the passing of a great man in your Dad.

Mr. Stephen made a positive difference in the lives of so many people around him. Those same qualities continue in each of you.

Gabriella and I share in your sorrow and keep your family in our prayers during this difficult time.

September 9, 2013

Jack Terpstra

To the family of Michael A. Stephen.
It is with deep regret that I learned of the passing of Mike,as I knew him.Truly a man of great intellect,
integrity,wisdom and foresight.To me personally he was a mentor and friend.Whenever Mike spoke,I listened.I learned so much from him.Working with Mike at Aetna was a joy.I extend my deepest sympathy to you all.Jack Terpstra,
retired former agent of Aetna.

September 9, 2013

Karen Vance

Dear Andy & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. Your dad sounds truly remarkable.
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers and this difficult time.
Thinking of you all, Karen Vance

September 9, 2013

Patrick Tse

To the Stephen Family: Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father. Joe, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Patrick, Lori, Justin and Tristan.

September 8, 2013

Margaret Ann Flaherty

My deepest sympathy to the family. So sorry for your loss..Thinking of you all and wishing you comfort and peace. Bea and I had so many years of wonderful memories. Love and prayers, Margaret Ann Nugent(Flaherty)

September 8, 2013

Chris, Lisa, Michelle, Maddie and family,
Our thoughts are with you all during this time, I know it is difficult. Over the years I have heard stories from Lisa about what an incredible man Michael Stephen was. Chris, I know you were so proud of him and close, so sorry.
Our prayers are with all of you and the rest of your family,
Heather, Dennis, Taylor and Lauren Reid

September 8, 2013

Kevin and Catherine Crowley-Thompson

To all the Stephens: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Stephen was an extraordinary man whose wisdom, compassion and generosity had a huge impact on many people. We are fortunate to have known him.

September 8, 2013

We offer you our heart-felt condolences. We enjoyed many years of friendship with Mike and hold wonderful memories of our times together with him, Bea, and their children. We keep you in our prayers. Bill and Valerie DeLay (Calgary, Alberta)

September 8, 2013

Mike & Marie McLennan

Chris, Lisa & Family; Chris, your Dad lived such a full rich life and obviously touched many people along the way - from Toronto to St. John, all the way to Shanghai! Always so tough to lose a parent, but you will never lose all of the wonderful memories you hold from a live fully and richly lived, like your father's was. God bless.

September 8, 2013

Dear Mike,

I was saddened to learn of your Dad's passing in the Globe & Mail. He was obviously a great man both personally and professionally and you were so fortunate to have had him in your life.
Hopefully your many fond memories of your times together will, with time, replace the sense of loss you must feel today.

This unfortunate event also reminded me of the many great times we enjoyed when we both worked together at Monsanto. When the sadness of your Dad's passing has lessened and if you would like to reconnect, I'd very much appreciate the opportunity to speak with you to catch up and reminisce about some of the good old days we had together.

Please extend our condolences for your loss to Linda, your children, as well as your mother and other members of your family.

Sincerely,

Ray & Diane Guenette ([email protected], 905-855-2398)

September 7, 2013

Dave & Joan Smith

Aetna was fortunate to have many effective executives and Mike Stephen was one of the best. He was also a very good man and a joy to work with.

September 7, 2013

Scott Collier

Mr. Stephen personified thoughtfulness,decency and respect. I suspect he was also extremely patient- after all, he generously tolerated Mike Jr.'s rather silly friends all those years. God Bless.

September 7, 2013

I was so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. He was such a wise and kind man. He helped me and my family many times in times of sickness and trouble. May God bless you all at this time. Love, Dolores, Bath NB

September 7, 2013

Albert Fiorino

Our heartfelt, deep condolences go out to Bea and the children on this sad occasion. We have no doubt of the grand reception that he has already received in heaven. And we equally have no doubt that he will pray for us all. His friendship was deeply appreciated and treasured.

Albert & Eleanor Fiorino (Etobicoke, Ontario)

September 6, 2013

John Stubbs

IT WAS My Privilege to work with Mike Stephen at Aetna -Canada for close to 14 years
Mike was a leader . He knew what he wanted to accomplish and urged his team to make it happen.
In all my working experience with Mike he was fair , honest and straight -arrow in everything he undertook.
I enjoyed meeting with Mike at the Aetna-Canada christmas re-unions. He was full of ideas and seemed to always be embarking on a new challenge.
Sadly I haven't seen Mike for the past 5 years and news to-day of his death brought back good memories as well as the sad fact that we have lost a fine Canadian, a person who can't be replaced.

September 6, 2013

Bob Duguay

Mike was as fine a businessman as I have known and a better person. He taught me a great deal and inspired those he mentored. He will be greatly missed.

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

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