Michael Stevens

Michael (Mike/Dude) Stevens was born in Oakland, California on June 19, 1946 to Angie and Chad Stevens.  He was the second oldest of his siblings, Diane, Mitch, Peggy and Kelli. He married Sue Stevens in Fresno when he was 21, shortly before serving his country, as drafted, in the Vietnam War.  After one year, he was transferred to Pennsylvania where he he served funeral duty, helping families of fallen soldiers say goodbye to their loved ones with dignity and honor. Mike and Sue moved back to Fresno where children, Tony and Katie, were born, spending most of his career working in executive recruiting (and telling tales that he invented the "kiosk" and was recruited for Microsoft in the early days, but turned it down - huge mistake on his part). Although he was proud to run his own business, his passion was giving - his selflessness is unmatched by many, giving anything to anyone who needed it. From rides to soccer practice, to Kiwanis and clothing drives for needy families, a big bear hug when you needed it, and ALWAYS a good laugh and story, he's never turned anyone down who needed him and never known a stranger.

Mike was known for his wicked, and often off-color, sense of humor. He was intelligent, loud and compassionate. He was also a talented singer and guitar player, playing and singing primarily folk music - Peter, Paul and Mary, John Denver, Simon & Garfunkel, etc. And, as many people know, he was a prolific whistler. He whistled often and loudly, so that you always knew he was coming or going.

Mike loved to ride dirt bikes, and camp in places like the Mojave Desert. His dad was a bomber pilot in WW2, so Mike also grew up loving planes, only prevented from flying them himself due to his eyesite. However, he loved going to air shows, watching planes fly in and out of airports and air bases, building model planes and chatting anyone up about aircraft, in general.

He often vacationed with family on the central coast, enjoying Paso Robles wine. He was an excellent cook and bbq'er, participating in rib cook-offs with his teammate, Jeff Lawton, Sue and Lynn, and the numerous other "taste-testers" that would show up at Big Hat Days, etc. He and Sue would often host parties at the house, making his famous tri-tip, Sue's pilaf, and garlic bread. 

He is survived by his two children, Tony and Katie; his grandchildren, Chloe, Ryker, Graham and Harper; his sisters, Diane, Peggy and Kelli; his nieces and nephews, and so many others who called him a second dad or brother. His ashes will be spread in the ocean in Cayucos to join his wife, Sue.