Gary Ernest Stewart, age 65 of Los Alamitos, California, was called home by his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, March 12, 2014. He passed away surrounded by family at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center due to complications from heart disease.
Gary was born on January 30, 1949 in Miles City, Montana. He was the youngest of four children to parents Bill and Irene Stewart. He attended Custer County High School and went on to Montana State University where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering.
Gary was married to Connie Cummings on September 19, 1970. In 1972, Gary and Connie packed all of their worldly belongings into the back of a Ford Mustang and headed west to Southern California. Gary took a job with Texaco where he worked for over 30 years building an incredible network of friends and colleagues. He continued to enjoy his industry network while consulting with Calcraft Company throughout retirement.
Gary enjoyed completing the daily crossword in his garage mancave where he kept a watchful eye on the neighborhood and chatted up passers by. He played golf almost every weekend for over 35 years at Willowick Golf course in Santa Ana, California where he was known by all the regulars for his boisterous Saturday morning antics. Gary loved watching thoroughbred horse racing; a passion that was passed down from his father who was an owner and trainer racing horses throughout Montana and Washington State. Later in life he enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s various school and sports activities and was always quick to “help” the coaching staff by offering his nuggets of wisdom.
Gary was preceded in death by his father Bill, mother Irene, brother Don, and sister Nancy “Kay” Johnson.
He is survived by his wife Connie; daughter Shannon of Chicago; son and daughter-in-law Justin and Jenny and his grandchildren Emma and Finnegan of Anaheim Hills, California; and his brother Bill of Spokane, Washington.
Gary was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City, Montana; held various Board positions at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Long Beach, California; and was a longtime member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Cypress, California.
Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 22 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City, Montana. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Lutheran Hour Ministries or to the American Heart Association.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday March 22, 2014
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 S. Center Avenue
Miles City, MT 59301
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Carol Schneidt says
Connie and Family,
Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you! May God watch over all of you!
Kim R. Smarsh says
Dear Connie,
Please know that you are in my constant thoughts and prayers as you tend to the difficult days ahead. May the Lord bless and keep you, may his face shine upon you.
Jane Brown Viall says
I am so sorry Connie. What a difficult time for you. If there is anything we can do to be helpful, please call me or mom and let us know. I will be praying for strength of spirit and peace of heart for you. Again, call us if we can help.
Pattie , Kelly & Wink says
Connie, so sorry & suprised to hear of Gary’s passing. Please know you are in our thoughts & prayers. If we can help in anyway, please let me know.
Pattie Laird
J Johnson says
Dear family and friends of Gary E. Stewart – I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. May God give you peace and comfort through his sure promises to end pain, mourning and death (Revelation 21:4). At that time no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). Almighty God also promises to fulfill our desires, not just our needs (Psalms 145:16). Cherish all the happy memories of Mr. Stewart and be comforted by the Bible promises (John 17:3).
Gary H. Boyd says
To the family of my friend Gary Stewart I extend most sincere condolences upon his passing. He truly brightened our days together at Texaco and was a splendid fellow.
Most sincerely, Gary H. Boyd, Scottsdale, Arizona
teeny says
Connie, I am sending hugs for the soul. I am so so sorry to hear about Gary. Even in our faith, we ask “why”.
I hope you will continue to keep in touch.
with love,
Teeny
Stephen Goss says
To the Family of Gary Stewart,
My sincere condolences on your loss. Please know that you will be in my prayers. I knew Gary when we attended Custer County High School and Trinity Lutheran Church together and considered him a great friend and a wonderful person.
Virg (Chief) says
Connie, Shannon, Justin and family:
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. We lost a shining star.
Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Linda Torgrimson Fink says
To the Family of Gary Stewart.
I want you to know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers with the passing of Gary.
He was a very special friend and classmate.
My sincerest sympathy.
Linda
Rick & Linda Kouba says
We are both so sad to hear this news. We remember many of the good times in high school and in college. Gary was always so kind and engaging…loved by so many. He will be missed greatly…but we know we will be with him again in Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are being sent your way…may God wrap his arms around your family…you are loved! Rick and Linda
Carin Ronning Larsen says
Dear Connie and family, Our sincere sympathy for you and your family. May the Lord’s comfort be with you now and in the days ahead. Lots of great memories of Gary as a classmate – always kind and happy. God’s peace be with you all. Carin
Tom Thompson says
Connie, Shannon, Justin, Jenny, Emma, and Finn, sorry I couldn’t be in Miles City today. Last weekend’s memorial and remembrance in Cali was very nice, and I miss Gary already. Love you all, if you need anything know I’m always there for you. Love – TT
Doug Stewart says
Connie and family,
I’m sorry for your loss. It seem I’m the last to hear about friends and relative passing. Gary was not only a classmate but also my third cousin. You are all in my prayers.
Doug Stewart