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1943 ~ 2013

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Richard Stewart Obituary

Chualar Canyon, CA – Surrounded by family and friends, and with fly fishing rod in hand, Dick peacefully accepted the hand of his Lord and the doggie kisses of his recently departed Labrador retriever, Sassy, as he embraced eternal life Monday evening, October 21, 2013 at the young age of 69.
Born in San Francisco to William and Mary Jane Stewart, he spent his youth in the Central Valley, graduating from East Bakersfield High School. Uncle Sam called during his college years and Dick was fortunate to spend his entire two years in the Army in Wurzburg, Germany. Upon returning, he re-joined Bank of America where he had held part time jobs while attending college. In the early 80s Dick moved to Salinas to head the Salinas Valley Commercial Banking Group for a decade before his final position in Sacramento in the Governmental Services Unit led to his retirement in 1995.
Dick was involved in numerous civic and service organizations, volunteered extensively and mentored untold numbers of individuals in the course of his life. Memberships included Rotary International where he met and hosted his foreign exchange German daughter, Saskia; the Monterey Bay Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America where he was a century donor; board memberships at Special Olympics and Natividad Medical Center; Meals on Wheels, Salinas Valley Fly Fishers, Fly Fishing Buds, Lockwood Pheasant Club and First Presbyterian Church.
Dick's passion for fly fishing took him to Canada, Christmas Island, Belize, Patagonia (where he honeymooned), Florida, and the entire Western U.S. including numerous trips to Alaska fishing for salmon and trout while camping alongside the bears and rivers. He always said "It's not totally about the fish; it's where you find them".
He is survived by his wife, Alison; sons, Richard and Todd; granddaughter, Ally; "adopted" daughter, Saskia; his loyal bird dog, Bull; and his 94-year-old mother-in-law, Elva Eastwood, with whom he enjoyed giving and receiving many practical jokes over decades.
An end of summer soirée with friends was co-hosted September 28, 2013 along with his long-time fishing buddy, Bill (Doc) Barbee at which time food and libations were shared, stories told, and friendships renewed. No other formal services are planned.
The family wishes to thank Dick's good friend and neighbor, Rick Gavin for his assistance in caring for Dick during his final days; the staffs of Pacific Cancer Care and Stanford Cancer Clinics, especially Dr. Peyman Haghighat and Dr. Russell Pachynski; and the staffs of Central Coast Hospice including nurses, Lael, Mary and Shannon for their many kindnesses and compassionate care.
Cremation is under the direction of Healey Mortuary. Donations in Dick's memory
may be made to Central Coast Hospice, Cal Trout, or the donor's favorite charity.

Published by Monterey Herald on Oct. 25, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Dear Allison, Many thanks for sharing the news of Dick's passing and the wonderful obituary, celebrating his life. While relatively brief, our friendship with you and Dick has been enriching and we are so sorry that you must continue without him. Please stay in touch. Fondly, Roger and Gail Teig

October 30, 2013

Our sympathy to you all for the recent passing of Dick. He was a valued friend, and fun member of Steinbeck Rotary. He was committed to his family and community.

Thank you for sharing him with us and he shall be missed.

Dan and Linda O'Brien

October 29, 2013

I'm so glad I got to know Dick and his wonderful family. He remained strong; Alison remained strong. He fought the good fight. Thank you for sharing Snickers, Sassy and Bullet with me over the last several years; it was a joy to care for them while you "went fishing". You will be missed. God bless.

Becky Borgstrand

October 28, 2013

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