Mark W. Stewart

Mark Stewart Obituary

Mark W. Stewart, age 58 of Ridgefield, CT, beloved husband of Janie Stewart, died on Monday, September 21, 2009 at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Born in Columbus, OH, the son of Charles and Alma Stewart, he had worked as CEO, CFO, and held executive positions for many major corporations including, Kodak Polychrome Graphics, Eastman Kodak, Qualex, Paramount Communications, CBS, General Mills, and Pepsico. Recently, he held directorships at Majesco Entertainment Co., Blue Man Productions and The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.

In addition to his parents and his loving wife of 25 years, he is survived by three sons; Glenn Louis Stewart, Charles Rowe Stewart and Geoffrey William Stewart, a brother Peter Stewart, and two sisters Louise Stewart and Heather Frank.

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 1pm at the United Church of Rowayton, (210 Rowayton Ave), officiated by Rev. John Livingston.

To keep Mark's memory alive on Long Island Sound, his family requests that in lieu of flowers, any donations be directed to The Maritime Aquarium, attn: Jennifer Herring, 10 Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Hour on Sep. 24, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Stewart

14 Entries

Rich Baiardi

October 10, 2009

Dear Janie & Family,

I worked with Mark at Qualex. He was a very talented and engaging person and it was a great experience for me to work with him. My condolences to you and your family. Elaine and Rich Baiardi

Sue and Darrell Edquist

October 5, 2009

Dear Janie, Glenn, Chad and Geoff, Our hearts have been heavy since we heard the terrible news about Mark. You were the first people we met in North Carolina and we thought, "WOW, these people are fun!" We are so happy we were able to visit you in Ridgefield a few years ago. Our girls were so impressed by Mark's wit and charm, which he obviously passed on to his boys. We are thinking of you...Love, Sue and Darrell Edquist

Ashley & Marty Agard

October 5, 2009

Janie--

It's been a long time but wanted you to know that you and your family are in the Agard's prayers.

Craig Carlson

October 1, 2009

Janie and the kids, I know you are being bombarded with condolences and sometimes it gets oppresive but I really need to add mine. Maybe it's as much for me as for you. I also was a member of that crazy wonderful circus endeavor. Like Tom Ogden I parlayed what I learned about entertaining on that show into a lifetime of performing. I've even had the privilege of appearing on Late Night with David Letterman. I havent't had the success of some of the others because I've always known that it's the friends we make along the way that matter the most. My first day on the "lot" of the show it was miserable, raining. I was a naiive kid from Minnesota who was basically lost in Pennsylvania with a bunch of strangers. Mark gave me a mini tour. I was on the Side show crew which was a little like your little sister sitting at the small table at Thanksgiving. The one person who never made me feel out of it, who always had a smile for me and a laugh was Mark. When we had a fourth of July stake driving contest, he beat me but he was the most gracious opponent I've ever competed with. What I'm trying to say is that Mark is a big part of some very special memories that I will forever cherish. God bless his heart. Craig Carlson

David Fulton

September 29, 2009

I worked with Mark on Circus Kirk. He set the standard for drummers on the show. Mark was a talented musician who brought a high level of skill and creativity to the band. He knew intuitively how to accent the action in the ring and he brought his "A-game" to every show. I don't recall him ever having a bad show or giving anything less than his best effort. From reading his bio, it seems he lived his life the same way. It was a privilege to work and play alongside him.

Matt Siegel

September 26, 2009

To all the Stewarts,

I love you all and want to help you get through this. I am a short drive away and will remain a life long friend of Glenn and all of you.

-Matt Siegel

Charlie Boas

September 25, 2009

Let me tell you about Mark Stewart's other family.

Once upon a time, many years ago, during Mark's college days, there was a traveling youth circus by the name of Circus Kirk. Over the course of ten years, the casts and crews of Circus Kirk formed formed a large extended family with connections that have lasted decades. Cap'n Mark, as he was known, became irrevocably a part of that family when he signed on as drummer, and found himself also hauling on canvas and piloting a tractor trailer adorned with colorful circus logos.

Within the crowd of larger-than-life people who make up that family, Mark stands out. Always cheerful, yet always serious at the same time, always ready to lend a hand or listen to a problem, always ready to do more than his share for the common good. Truly a man to admire and try to emulate.

I have not seen Mark for years, yet he stands forth in my memory like it was yesterday, mustachioed, grinning from ear to ear, ready to tackle whatever the day would bring.

My father ran the circus. As he can no longer speak for himself, I offer up these words on his behalf, and on my own. As the news filters through Mark's circus family, I'm certain that others, publicly or privately will offer similar sentiments:

Blue skies and grassy lots, Cap'n Mark, you will be missed.

Leslee Wren-Browning

September 25, 2009

Janie, Glenn, Chad, & Geoff,

My heart goes out to you at this time. Your husband & dad was a special and wonderful man. I have many fond and happy memories of being with your family. I will cherish them always. I love you all!

Peter Houchin

September 25, 2009

Mark was a rare man and a real man. Courageous as a Stewart. Humble, Honest and trustworthy, forthright and loving to all around him. Always the optimist , the fun loving and supportive friend.
Farewell, Mark, May God's Grace shine on your family.
"Virescit vulnere virtus"

Suzanne Malloy Zaleski

September 25, 2009

Janie:

We are very sorry for the loss of your husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.

Ani & Gary Khachian

September 25, 2009

May time accomplish what no words can do. Wishing you and your family God's peace.

Peter Stewart

September 24, 2009

August

My mother and I take a walk outside to share some time together.
Grief is my mother's face as she talks about my brother.
She lets herself feel her pain for just a moment and then we talk about my tomatoes.
Grief is my father's face after he has ordered his soup and there is nothing to do until the waitress comes again to serve him.
It is the sound in my brother’s wife’s voice as she deals with doctors and tossing and lawyers and turning and waking and sleeping. And then waking again -only to do it all over -a repeated pattern of love and sadness.

It is a candle lit in Alaska for my brother and his family by the icon of Mary.
It is my pastor's voice when I talk to him.
It is the look of true empathy in my cousins eyes as I tell them the story of the past few months. They have gone through this pattern of days before me.
They too, have been in a hospital room with it's holding racks of I V tubes and machines that can't help but repeat their pattern of sounds.

My wife cries over a sentence.
A touch stone word.
A picture
A memory

I am sad
and then
I remember the gifts of love my brother gave just to me – a song, a joke, a huge laugh.
and I am happy
a repeated pattern
off- on, off -on
like a light house light.

These summer days are the happiest and saddest hours.
A repeated pattern of joy and pain. I am joyful because I remember his love
and sad because I will miss only him.

My brother is that light house light
flashing off and on in a safe repeated pattern.
Off, on ( there you are ) off, on (there you are again) You came back. you came back just for me. All night long as I toss and turn you came back,
just for me.
You know me.
You know my fears.
You know my hopes.
You share my grief.

8/24/09
Peter Stewart

SDG

Bill Elliott

September 24, 2009

I hope the Love of family and friends will get the family through this time of grief.
Since 1975-Mark was a unique and dear friend who will be sorely missed.
"Fair winds and following seas" to you fellow sailor!

Allan Grafman

September 24, 2009

May memories of Mark be a blessing and source of joy for all his family and friends.

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