Kenneth Stevenson

Kenneth John Stevenson, Jr., Ed.D. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida died peacefully at his home on March 10, 2023. He was 70. Kenn was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 17, 1952 where he grew up until his family moved to Massachusetts. Dr. Stevenson graduated from Canton High School in Canton, Massachusetts in 1970. He graduated from Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts in 1974 with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Special Education and Disability Needs and he immediately moved to Florida to begin teaching. He began his teaching career at Seminole Middle School in Broward County Florida where he taught Exceptional Students for ten years. In 1984, he became Exceptional Student Teacher Specialist. Then, in 1986, Dr. Stevenson became the Area Coordinator for Exceptional Students until his retirement from Broward County Schools in 2000.

Dr. Stevenson obtained his Master’s Degree at Florida Atlantic University in 1981. He obtained a Florida Specialist degree in Administration Supervision at Nova University in 1986. Dr. Stevenson attended Florida International University from 1993 – 1997 and obtained his doctorate in Education.

Outside of work, Dr. Stevenson led support groups for those affected by HIV and AIDS – helping them navigate the health care system. He also had a television series on the local cable show about alternative medicine. Fitness and wellness were integral parts of Dr. Stevenson’s life as he exercised daily and put his body to the test – for example, he participated in a 100-mile bicycle ride to raise funds for those living with AIDS. Although he loved fitness, Dr. Stevenson was never far away from several scoops of ice cream – his favorite treat.

After he retired from Broward County Schools, Dr. Stevenson continued to educate himself on homeopathic healing arts and alternative treatment methods and practicing massage therapy. Dr. Stevenson was a life-long learner – always stretching his mind to educate himself about current events, history, medicine breakthroughs and politics. He was particularly passionate about ancestry as well as his beloved Scottish Terriers.

In 1988, Dr. Stevenson adopted his first “Scottie” Ollie – which was his nickname - each one of his dogs had a unique Scottish name as well as a nickname. Dr. Stevenson frequently had more than one Scottie, often as many as four at a time. He bred a few litters of Scottish Terrier puppies as well. As part of his life-long learning, Dr. Stevenson took an interest in how to best care for and support his Scotties with the best food (he often made his own for them), treats and lifestyle. They were his children and brought him much joy and companionship.

Dr. Stevenson’s boisterous laugh filled any room he was in. He adored his family and friends, and that adoration was mutual. Sensitive and perceptive, Dr. Stevenson easily connected with anyone he met. He had an incredible memory and could recall even the most minute details from the most mundane events. He had a dry wit and generous spirit. He frequently donated to his favorite causes – like the ASPCA, the Foundation for AIDS Research and Human Rights Campaign.

Another passion of Dr. Stevenson’s was gardening - he was born with a green thumb. His yard was often likened to a tropical jungle with its exotic plants and fruits. Dr. Stevenson’s property was a meticulously landscaped space that he curated into an oasis for himself, his dogs and his loved ones. For example, there were seating areas, paths, bridges, lighting schemes, pergolas, and a spa. He spent much of his free time in his yard as it brought him so much pleasure to create and maintain the space. He loved sharing his knowledge with others as many sought out his opinion and advice for their own yards.

Dr. Stevenson was a frequent traveler – visiting most of the United States and countless countries including Canada, Egypt, Iceland, Russia, England, Scotland, Ireland, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. He particularly loved remote areas with natural beauty and areas with deep history.

Dr. Stevenson is survived, and will be deeply missed, by his sister, Patricia Barylick, of Walpole, Massachusetts; his niece Brooke French and her husband, Jonathan, of Atlanta, Georgia; his nephew, Todd Barylick, and his wife, Kathy, of Melrose, Massachusetts and his four grandnieces – Leah, Claire, Kendall and Charlie. Dr. Stevenson is survived by his loyal, lifelong friends Robert Tocci and his spouse, Stephen Driscoll, and Elayne and Anthony “Robbie” Garske. He is also survived by his ninth Scottish Terrier, Caden, whom he loved endlessly. Dr. Stevenson was predeceased in death by his parents, Kenneth John Stevenson, Sr. and Sophia Marion Orlowski Stevenson. He was also predeceased in death by his eight Scottish Terriers, who adored him and provided him decades of love and affection – Ollie, Tara, Steffie, Cosmoe, Abbey, Quigby, Jasper and Brynne.

Donations in Dr. Stevenson’s memory may be made to the ASPCA and VITAS of Broward County, Florida who provided exceptional care and comfort for Dr. Stevenson in the last two weeks of his life.

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