Roger Stuart

1940 - 2015

Roger D. Stuart

Feb 14, 1940 - Oct 18, 2015

Roger Stuart, 75, passed away after a short illness.

Roger lived a full life. Through his wide-ranging interests he connected with many enthusiast communities and cultivated a vast number of friends. They speak of him warmly -- a kind man with presence, a gentle spirit, a loving father and grandfather, loyal, a man without pretense, humorous, compassionate, a dry wit, a gentle man, a devoted husband.

Roger was born and raised in Alameda, graduated from Alameda High School, attended Santa Rosa and Diablo Valley Colleges and joined the California Air National Guard during the Vietnam War.

His professional career was with Listo Pencil Corporation and later Listo Properties where he was president and CEO, ultimately transitioning those responsibilities to his son. Beyond Roger's focus on business, his interaction with tool and dye makers at Listo instilled in him a love of craftsmanship and inspired many hobbies: silversmithing, Japanese wood working, classic car restoration, and appreciation of art, antiques and design.

Geography and a sense of place greatly influenced Roger's life. Growing up on SF Bay and spending childhood summers on the family ranch in Healdsberg spawned his love of nature and the outdoors. In his youth he was an avid sailor and horseback rider, and throughout his life he enjoyed hiking, fly-fishing, wing shooting and supporting waterfowl and river conservation. Sporting highlights were fly-fishing on spring creeks in Montana and upland bird shooting in Wales.

Roger was a long-time Rotarian and multiple Paul Harris Fellow, a long-suffering Cal Bears football fan, and active in organizations, among them the California Side-by-Side Society, International Order of Saint Hubertus, and Encinal Yacht Club where he met regularly with his friends.

His beloved family survives him: Suzanne, wife of 48 years; son Patrick (Rick); daughter-in-law Jennifer; and grandchildren Molly, Michael, and Jillian. The family suggests gifts in Roger's memory may be made to the Alameda Rotary Endowment Foundation Inc. (AREFI), P.O. Box 2403, Alameda, CA 94501 or the Young Musicians Choral Orchestra (YMCO), 2020 Milvia Street, Suite 420, Berkeley CA 94704.