Colin M. Stevenson

January 9, 1939 – February 15, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Colin McLeay Stevenson, Sr. (85), devoted husband, father and grandfather, on December 15, 2024. Born in Barnstable and raised in Chatham in the heart of Cape Cod, Colin was the second of three children born to John D. Stevenson and Muriel Stevenson Jamieson on January 9, 1939.
   Colin is survived by his beloved wife Jane of 67 years, his three devoted children and their spouses:  Lauren Stevenson McCarron and Timothy McCarron of Andover, Massachusetts, Colin Stevenson Jr. and Jen Stevenson of Harwich, and Jaclyn Stevenson and Ben Ragusa of Richmond, Massachusetts. He was an immensely proud and loving “Buppa” to Alison McCarron, Jillian Stevenson, and Julia Ragusa, who were the joys of his life. He is also survived by his sisters Diane MacDougall of New Bern, North Carolina, Sharon Desnoyer and brother-in-law Pete Desnoyer of Sun City, Arizona, and sister-in-law Patricia Thayer and Gordon Thayer of South Harwich, Massachusetts and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Colin was predeceased by his parents and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Carole Dunbar and John Dunbar of Harwich, Massachusetts, and brother-in-law James MacDougall of New Bern, North Carolina.
Colin was a 1956 graduate of Chatham High School, where he excelled on the basketball team. He met Jane, a cheerleader, at a Boy Scout dance where the boys hailed from Chatham and the girls from Harwich (longstanding rivals), and that was the beginning of their love story. He served honorably as an aviation machinist mate in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1959. Following his discharge, Colin began a lifelong career as a skilled and creative general contractor, meticulous cabinetmaker, and finish carpenter, spanning 60 years. He took special pride in restoring antique homes across Cape Cod and the Islands. In his free time, he carved handmade whales and fish from reclaimed wood and built custom furniture pieces cherished by family, friends, and clients.
Colin, a man of unwavering integrity and honesty, was affectionately called the “Wagonmaster” by his family and “The Boss” by the people who worked for and beside him. A consummate leader in all areas of his life, he was a mentor, teacher, and trusted advisor to many. Colin’s eternal optimism and thoughtful contributions made him a respected figure within his community, both on the Cape and in Sweden, Maine. He began his community service as a Boy Scout in Chatham and continued as a Troop Leader in Harwich for many years. He also served on several town committees.
A dedicated family man and self-proclaimed “fun-seeker,” Colin was a planner of adventures, experiences, and explorations for anyone willing and able to take them on with him. He passed his love of music to his children and grandchildren. A self-taught guitarist, he was king of the campfire songbook, keeping fires roaring while leading sing-alongs. An avid outdoorsman, Colin hiked many portions of the Appalachian Trail with Jane, Lauren, Colin, Jaclyn and friends, including summiting Mt. Washington several times. He was a sailor, boater, skier, fisherman and loved exploring the backwoods of Maine either on foot with his hand-carved walking stick, on his antique red tractor, or his snowmobile. At low tide, he could often be found clamming and digging for littlenecks, then shucking and sharing his bounty hours later. He never left the house without his Swiss Army knife. He could fix anything.
Colin was a devoted patron of the arts and never missed a theatrical or musical performance by professionals, his children or grandchildren. Despite challenges with reading as a child, he was a voracious reader, loved poetry and memorized many of his favorites, including Casey at the Bat by Ernest Thayer, The Shot Heard ’Round the World by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Crossing the Bar by Alfred Lord Tennyson, and ’Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clark Moore. Every Christmas Eve, he recited the latter to his children and grandchildren, never once looking at the pages.
Colin’s legacy is one of craftsmanship, kindness, unselfish generosity, creating something meaningful from every vision, and unwavering love for his family. He had a big smile and a witty sense of humor. His memory will live on in the homes he built or restored, the art he created, the songs he sang, and the hearts of all who knew him.
No services are planned at this time. A celebration of life will be held in the spring for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Family Pantry of Cape Cod, 133 Queen Anne Rd. Harwich, MA 02645 or online at Thefamilypantry.com
The family of Colin Stevenson wishes to express their deepest appreciation and sincere gratitude for your kind expressions of sympathy.
Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funerals & Cremations, Blute Chapel, Harwich. Notes of comfort may be made to his family at www.chapmanfuneral.com.