Obituary
Donald I. Stewart (known as Don to his friends) was born in Swedesboro, New Jersey to Dr. Irving J. Stewart and Marguerite Black Stewart. He passed away at home in Smith River on December 29, 2022, at the age of 92.
He is survived by his wife, Nan Marie Stewart of Smith River, his sister, Anne Hubbell of San Diego, his son Chris Stewart of Mammoth, grandchildren Krystle Stewart, Patrick Stewart, Spencer Stewart, his niece Diane Stewart of Klamath, and other loving family members. Don was predeceased by his son, Kim Stewart, and daughter, Laurie Stewart.
He was a resident of Del Norte County for 33 years in both Klamath and Smith River. Earlier in his professional life, he worked at Douglas Aircraft on the Nike missile design program and then served in the US Army during the Korean War as an instructor on the operation and repair of the same missiles, which the Army was placing along the east and west coasts for national defense. He had many stories from that time of military life and the people he met, and the unexpected connections he found with them.
Don pursued an advanced education in physics and electrical engineering with degrees from Cornell, Stanford, and Case Institute of Technology, ultimately obtaining a Ph.D. He spent most of his post-Army career in Los Angeles working in aerospace design, systems analysis, Navy ship and satellite design. He spent many of his retirement years renovating old houses, tutoring teenagers in math and science, installing and repairing electronic equipment for numerous friends and family, and being especially helpful and caring to his wife, Nan.
Don loved the redwood forest, ocean, and wildlife he found here in Del Norte County. He was a faithful daily provider to the hummingbirds who flocked to the feeders he maintained. He brightened many conversations and social events with his humor and boundless supply of clever jokes and stories. Don will be greatly missed by his wife, niece, and many friends in Del Norte, as well as extended family.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at the family residence in Smith River on Father's Day, June 18th. at 1:00 pm.