Obituary of Douglas Munro Stevenson

"The words that a father speaks to his children in the privacy of home are not heard by the world, but, as in whispering galleries, they are clearly heard at the end, and by posterity," - Jean Paul, a German writer Douglas Munro Stevenson of Southport Connecticut, passed away peacefully on July 5 surrounded by his loved ones. Doug was born in Greenwich CT, on June 10, 1960, to John and Lee Stevenson and grew up alongside his older brother, John "Buck" Stevenson and younger sister, Joan Stevenson. Other than being an incredible role model, John proved to also be his protector, ensuring his survival from the playground in elementary school through to the halls of Darien High. While Doug was a gifted athlete, he also knew that for his resume to stand out, it needed some variety. As such, he was a proud founding member of the Green Thumb Club. With that accolade included, he was offered a position to play quarterback at Colgate University (because what D-1 program wouldn't look for a Quarterback with a passion for gardening!) During his time in Hamilton New York, when he wasn't discretely consuming OJ, observing his fellow partygoers (who were not consuming OJ…), Doug played football and golf, while also serving as president of his fraternity, KDR. His extreme competitiveness served him well during his four years at Colgate both on the field and in the fraternity house, where he once consumed 36 (the bet was 40) eggs in one sitting. Beyond his appetite to win, Doug had a keen sense of business, as evidenced by his carefully curated scheme to increase vending machine prices at the fraternity house in order to funnel the excess profits towards his OJ and egg supply. He ultimately graduated in 1982 with little regard for his degree in sociology, his eyes set on moving to Florida to become a professional golfer. Doug's golf ambitions took him to the "Caddyshack" course, where he worked in exchange for full access and endless rounds. Although he advanced to become a better-than scratch golfer, Doug was both a realist and prideful. Knowing he would have trouble breaking the top 100, he decided to take his ambitions elsewhere. A true entrepreneur at heart, Doug tried his hand at many different ventures, including the bird seed business, bartending, landscaping and garbage / compost disposal to name a few. Ultimately, he made the wise decision to join his brother in the muni-bond business, a career where he remained for the duration of his life. Doug lived his life with purpose, a value that extended to the relationships in his life. The same best friends from his youth and the few he collected in his later years were men of quality and honor, who would drop anything the moment Doug picked up the phone. He maintained unique relationships with his closest guy friends and enjoyed the intellectual banter they had. It should come as no surprise that the same criteria he held for his friendships, he held for his future love interest. When Doug first saw Gabrielle Whitehead at a Tucson's in Greenwich in March of 1991, it was love at first sight. They were engaged & married by Dec of 1992, a baby on the way shortly thereafter. To those who were fortunate enough to witness their relationship, they would say that it was Gabby's positive energy and unwavering spirt that allowed Doug to enjoy his life. They were soulmates and life-partners whose love ran so deep, it conquered his illness for some 30+ years. While Doug battled a rare disease from an early age, he never let his sickness define him. Whether that meant coaching with a picc line in his arm or writing letters of encouragement from the hospital before his daughter's tryouts, his children never viewed him as someone who struggled. He leaned heavily on his faith and family to overcome life's obstacles, which included hundreds of hospital stays, numerous operations and countless treatments, making him the ultimate warrior. He lived a life filled with intention, determination, and integrity. Despite being accomplished in many aspects of his life, his proudest achievement was that of husband and father. When he wasn't working to provide for his family alongside his brother & best friend John, Doug could be found coaching his children's sports (rather loudly…), cheering on their performances, participating at his Church men's group, or in his later years, enjoying his morning coffee or a sunset cocktail at Southport beach with Gabby. It was the simple moments that brought Doug the most joy, whether that meant enjoying an old fashioned crueler, sipping a pink lady or puffing a cigar from the Owl Shop in New Haven, CT. While taken too soon, Doug lived his life to the fullest and his children and wife are eager to carry on his legacy. To quote a friend, "To know Doug was a blessing few were lucky to experience, but to those who did, they understand the significance". Doug was predeceased by his parents John and Lee Stevenson and father-in-law Allen Whitehead. Doug leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Gabrielle. His four children, Kendall (Michael) Capuzzi, Brett, Hailey & Kyle. His brother John (Jayme), sister Joan (Don) Mcdonald, brother-in-law Marc Whitehead and mother-in-law Rosemarie (Mimi) Whitehead, along with his beloved nieces & nephews. We would be remiss not to mention Dr. Geoffrey Chupp of Yale New Haven Hospital, who was not only Doug's caregiver but a member of the Stevenson family over the years (yes, all four children & Gabby still have his number on speed dial!). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Gary Sinese Foundation, as Doug was a true patriot who had deep admiration and love for our vets and our country. He was a true Gary. "Ain't a lot of boys named Gary these days" - SWJ Friends and family are invited to services at Southport Congregational Church on Saturday September 12th at 10:30 AM, with his celebration of life to follow at Brooklawn Country Club from 12-3.