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.