Michael King Stevenson

Michael King Stevenson Michael King Stevenson, of Lakeport, a lifelong environmentalist, outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman, passed away unexpectedly on November 22, 2016, in Verdigre, Nebraska. Mike was nearing the end of a trophy yielding hunting trip that began three weeks earlier in Elko, Nevada. He was 74 years old. His life was characterized by his love of family, his loyalty to friends, love of the great outdoors and service to others. Mike had the ultimate work ethic. Few of us can say we worked as hard on our first day as we did on our last. This was just a part Mike's legacy throughout his military service, education, professional career, family life, community service and of course, his many recreational pursuits. Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, Mike began his appreciation and love of the outdoors along the New Jersey shore. Upon graduation from High School, Mike enlisted in the US Navy where he served from 1960-1964. Mike was an Electronics Technician Second Class (ET2) on the carrier USS Midway and later, as a submariner, on the USS Cusk. Honorably discharged from the Navy in 1964, Mike moved to Modesto and enrolled in Modesto Junior College. From that humble start with a young family in tow, Mike was accepted and transferred to Stanford University in Palo Alto, where he earned three degrees; a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science, and a Degree of Engineering, graduating in 1969. Highlights of Mike's professional career as a Registered Civil Engineer included, research for Stanford University, working for the private sector engineering firm CH2M Hill, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board and the City of Modesto. Work assignments took Mike throughout California, and as far as Homer, Alaska. In 1985, Mike accepted the position of City Engineer and Director of Public Works for the City of Lakeport. Mike held that position until his retirement in 2004. Mike served the City of Lakeport with distinction, demonstrating his seemingly innate ability to do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason. Mike implemented and managed countless public infrastructure projects, reviewing private development projects and perhaps most important, ensuring the delivery of quality municipal services. Highlights included construction of the current City Hall, expansion of City wastewater and water treatment plants, the reconstruction of Library Park and remodel of Carnegie Library, improvements to Lakeport's launch ramps and related facilities and ongoing efforts to improve the "challenging condition" of Lakeport streets. Even after retirement, Mike continued to be available to City staff and never hesitated to share his institutional knowledge and support its employees. Mike was a mentor both professionally and personally. Mike loved his Lake County community, joining Kiwanis the same year he moved to Lakeport. Mike could always be seen working the annual Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast and Craft Fair, Kids Halloween Fair, One Day for Improvements, roadside clean-up along Soda Bay Road and supporting his club's 4-H and college scholarship program for local high school seniors. Mike is survived by his wife of 56 years, Phyllis of Lakeport; daughter, Carmen Stevenson of Gold River, CA; daughter-in-law, Kathy Stevenson of Ceres, CA; grandson, Bryce Stevenson of Patterson, CA; granddaughter, Mikaela Stevenson of Modesto, CA; and brother, Eric Stevenson of Wakefield, MA. Mike was predeceased by his son, Ceres, CA, police Sgt. Howard King Stevenson, who tragically died in the line of duty in 2005, while serving his community. Mike was also predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Marie (King) Stevenson of Plymouth Meeting, PA.