Steven McClain of Waterford, Mich., was returning home from a business trip Thursday - a day later than he planned.

''He was supposed to have left the day before and he was delayed because of business,'' said neighbor Frank Kimmel. ''He was an excellent, excellent man, an excellent neighbor and friend.''

Mr. McClain is survived by his wife, Moya, and two daughters - Alicia, 5, and Tara, 2.

Mr. McClain's job as a technical consultant for Hewlett-Packard Co. meant he logged many miles in the air, Mr. Kimmel said.

''He was always on the road traveling,'' Mr. Kimmel said. ''He went to the United Kingdom and he was all over the U.S. traveling for them.''

Hewlett-Packard officials said Mr. McClain had worked in their Novi, Mich., office since April 1996.