David C. Stewart

David C. STEWART September 17, 1940 - April 14, 2003 David C. Stewart, 62, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend died unexpectedly on April 14, 2003, after falling while in Hawaii with his family. The Stewart family had gathered to celebrate his eldest son's wedding. Mr. Stewart was a Mercer Island resident for 32 years. He was born on September 17, 1940, in Worcester, MA, the son of Kenneth Howard and Charlotte Bavis Stewart. He grew up in Holden, MA, attended Wachusett Regional High School and graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1963, where he was a member of QTV Fraternity. Upon graduation from college, Mr. Stewart was selected to attend the U.S. Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. From 1963 to 1966, he served on the U.S.S. Springfield. After serving two tours of duty, he returned to Newport, where he instructed at the U.S. Naval Officer Candidate School. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and served his country in the U.S. Naval Reserve until 1973. It was during his time in Newport that he met his loving wife of 35 years, Janie Tollefson Stewart. Janie introduced him to the Pacific Northwest, where they married and where he attended law school at the University of Washington. After graduation in 1971, he joined the law firm of DeGarmo Leedy Oles Morrison (now Oles Morrison Rinker & Baker), where he practiced law his entire career. During his tenure, he served his firm and clients with unwavering leadership and integrity as managing and senior partner. In addition to being a fine lawyer, Mr. Stewart was an upstanding, loving, and caring person. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Mercer Island and he gave back to his community by living the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self." He was active in many areas of Rotary service, served as president of the Mercer Island club, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation. He was a dedicated parishioner at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Mercer Island and an enthusiastic choir member. He held numerous church leadership positions, including the church council, endowment committee, personnel committee, and worship and music committee. His strong commitment to service also extended to positions on the boards of the Ruth Dykeman Center, the Columbia Lutheran Home, and to involvement in various Bar Association committees and activities. His contributions to his many dear friends and acquaintances will be felt for years to come. In his personal life, he shared his quick wit, infectious sense of humor, and endless enthusiasm with all who knew him. He was the master of toasts, composing eloquent poems for family and special occasions. He enjoyed golfing and skiing, and was an avid fan of Husky football and Mariners baseball. Mr. Stewart is survived by his wife, Janie Stewart of Mercer Island; his children, Lowell Williams (Jack) of Mercer Island, Jonathan Stewart (Michelle) of Seattle, and Jared Stewart of Mercer Island; and his grandchildren, Joseph and Eleanor Williams of Mercer Island. He is also survived by his brother, Paul Stewart (Linda) of Hartford, CT; sister, Nancy Ranson (Jim) of Westmoreland, NH; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. A Memorial Celebration will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Mercer Island. Remembrances may be made to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, 8501 S.E. 40th St., Mercer Island, WA. 98040.