Thursday, February 22, 2007 Older Editions

Garry Stephens

Garry Stephens, 75, of Bonita Springs, Fla., and Harwich, Mass., formerly of Andover, died peacefully Friday, Feb. 16, at Joanne's House, Hope Hospice in Bonita Springs.

Born June 28, 1931, Mr. Stephens grew up in Arlington, Mass., and graduated from Tufts College in 1953 as a mechanical engineer.

After serving as a lieutenant junior grade in the Navy, he had a long career in the marketing of industrial automation and process control products.

He was co-author of the IEEE 802.4 standard for local area networks.

Mr. Stephens was active in civic and church affairs in North Andover and in Andover, where he lived for 35 years.

He chaired the Andover "Climate for Learning Committee" and was involved in other school-related activities.

At the North Parish Church, Mr. Stephens chaired the music committee, sang in the choir, co-led the youth group and served on the board of directors.

An avid boater, he worked to preserve the environment for both boating and fishing.

After retiring to Harwich, he served as a herring warden, assistant harbormaster, and conducted experiments on the farming of oysters, which he loved to dig and eat.

In later years, he and his wife produced the popular Cooking For One TV show on cable Channel 18 and co-authored a cookbook of the same name.

He was active in the Cape Cod Power and Sail Squadron, where he chaired the Cooperative Charting program, and in 2006 he received the National Life Saving Award for a heroic rescue at the Chatham break.

Members of his family include his beloved wife of 50 years, Suzanne J. Stephens; daughters Sheryl Lee Schuster of Lichtenstein, Germany, Cynthia and son-in-law Roger Bloch of Houston, Texas, and Katharine and son-in-law James Prevost of Cincinnati, Ohio; son, Peter and daughter-in-law Carolyn Stephens of Mashpee; and eight grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in Harwich.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Joanne's House, Hope Hospice, 27200 Imperial Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135; or to The Garry Stephens Memorial Fund c/o The Friends of Pleasant Bay c/o Messervy Accounting, 104 Coral Road, Chatham, MA 02633.

Arrangements are by Horizon Funeral Home, Ft. Myers, Fla.