Michael Dean Stephens

May 1, 1942 - October 4, 2025

Michael Dean Stephens, 83, passed away peacefully at home on October 4, 2025, in Newport Beach, California.

Born on May 1, 1942, Michael was the eldest of six children of Neldon Dean and Sadie Faye Stephens. He spent his formative years in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he graduated from West High School. His early years were shaped by close ties with extended family, including summers spent working on his grandparents’ ranch in Montpelier, Idaho. He formed lifelong friendships with classmates and often reminisced about sandlot baseball games, neighborhood adventures, and high school football.

Upon being awarded a four-year scholarship to Columbia College, Michael boarded a train to New York to pursue his higher education. He earned a bachelor's degree from Columbia College (1966) and a master’s degree in hospital administration from Columbia University (1968), where he also played collegiate baseball and basketball. During his time at the university, he met Diane, whom he married in 1967. The couple moved to Greenville, South Carolina in 1970, where Michael began his healthcare career as an administrator with the Greenville Hospital System. While there, he furthered his education by earning a master’s degree in business administration from the Clemson-Furman Graduate MBA Program (1974).

In 1975, Michael traveled to Newport Beach for an interview at Hoag Hospital. A pivotal car ride through town with George Hoag II—who would become a cherished friend—led to his hiring as hospital Administrator. That same year, Michael and his family relocated to Newport Beach, where he would reside for the next fifty years.

Michael’s tenure at Hoag Hospital spanned three decades. In 1984, he was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer—a role he held until his retirement in 2005. Under his leadership, Hoag Hospital grew into one of Orange County’s premier medical institutions. Michael is credited with leading the creation of Hoag's Centers of Excellence and launching clinics in Irvine, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa and Aliso Viejo to extend Hoag's reach. His enduring contributions were recognized on August 28, 2025, when Hoag Hospital named its executive offices in his honor—a tribute that deeply moved him.

Beyond Hoag Hospital, Michael played a significant role in shaping the broader healthcare landscape. He served on the boards of several leading organizations including the American Hospital Association, California Healthcare Association, Healthcare Association of Southern California, The California Endowment, and Blue Cross of California. His dedication earned him numerous accolades, including the California Healthcare Association’s Award of Merit and Walker Fellowship.

Michael also devoted himself to community service through local nonprofits, serving on the boards of the George Hoag Family Foundation, Alzheimer’s Family Services Center, Orange County YMCA, Orange County Scouting, and Share Ourselves—where he spent his time volunteering weekly in their distribution and intake centers during retirement. In recognition of his commitment to civic life, he received the Newport Beach Citizen of the Year Award.

A man of deep faith, Michael served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in New Zealand as a young man. He continued to serve faithfully throughout his life in various leadership roles within the church. Among these responsibilities, his favorite was working with youth through scouting programs, sports activities, and outdoor camping.

An avid athlete, Michael found joy in playing, watching, coaching, and refereeing sports. His passion for athletics reflected his approach to life—disciplined yet joyful; competitive yet compassionate.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Diane; their children Christopher Stephens (Ashley) and Cara Lies (Mark); grandchildren Landen, Connor and Anna Stephens, and Quentin Lies; and siblings Marsha, Claudia, Jeffrey, and Brent. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dennis Stephens, and sisters-in-law Meryl Morrison and Carol Stephens.

A Memorial Service will be held on November 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 2150 Bonita Canyon Drive in Newport Beach. A reception will immediately follow the service.

The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to Hoag Hospice for their compassionate care of Michael.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Hoag Hospital Foundation in Memory of Michael.

Michael was exceptional in every role he embraced—husband, father, grandfather, executive, mentor—and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched with his leadership and generosity. May his memory bring comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.