Gratitude, selfless, positive, quick wit, loquacious, inspirational
Douglas Vernon Stewart, age 66, passed away at his home in Federal Way, WA with his wife, Kathy, and his two children, Annie and Jeff, on April 20, 2015. He faced his illness as he did his life with courage, grace, and gratitude. He was especially appreciative of all of the blessings that came into his and his family's life over the last several months.
Doug was born on December 2, 1948 to Vernon and Harriet Stewart in Salinas, CA. His brother, Jeffrey Thomas Stewart, survives him. His childhood was filled with fun, sports, and long lasting friendships. On September 9, 1972 he married Katherine Jean Brown, his high school sweetheart, after graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. They have two children, Anna and Jeffrey. Doug and Kathy moved from California to Bellevue, WA in 1980 when he was transferred to Seattle to work at Industrial Indemnity Company. Annie and her husband, Andrew Gilligan, have two children, Matthew and Ethan, who live in Portland, OR. Jeff lives in Bellevue, WA.
Doug's primary mission was to nurture positive relationships throughout his life. Family and friends describe him as selfless, a gentle man, a strong provider, a connector with his winning smile, and the catalyst at any party or family gathering. He was always ready to give others the shirt off his back. His interests and activities centered on his family: a soul mate for Kathy, an active dad who coached his kids in sports and participated in Indian Princesses and Indian Guides, a fishing partner for family and friends, the "outlaw" at his in-laws' annual reunions in Sun Valley, ID, and an avid hiker in the Cascades with wife and friends. He was an amateur poet and philosopher, conversationalist, and the one to ask the "question of the evening" at the dinner table. Doug always enjoyed a political discussion with anyone who could endure the conversation.
Throughout his career, Doug created work environments that were relationship-based. With a unique combination of skills, he developed a strong network of colleagues, mentored less-experienced staff, and believed in positivity. Through various work experiences, he gained the breadth and depth of the insurance field, specifically workers' compensation. He was seen as an insurance wizard and a numbers guy. Early in his career he obtained a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Santa Clara and then went on to complete insurance credentials including Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI), and a surplus lines license. His work titles ranged from claims adjuster at his first job in 1972 to the Interim President and CEO of the State Compensation Insurance Fund for California in 2010. At the time of his illness, he worked for Washington State Department of Labor & Industries as Chief Underwriting Officer and Program Manager for Employer Services.
Memorial Services
Doug's Celebration of Life will be on June 6, 2015 at 7:30 PM at the Graham Visitors Center in the Washington Park Arboretum, 2300 Arboretum Drive E. Seattle, WA 98112. The Rev. Pat LaBaron, Evergreen Hospice Chaplain, will officiate. There will be a reception with light refreshments immediately after the service. Before he died, Doug expressed a strong wish that his Celebration of Life be a joyful time with his friends and family sharing what life lessons they learned from him. His daughter asks that you bring a small rock to add to a special memorial for him on the Wood River in Sun Valley where he hoped to teach his grandsons how to fly fish.
On June 15, 2015, Doug's ashes will be scattered over Monterey Bay, CA. The Rev. Paul Danielson, who married Doug And Kathy and baptized their children, will officiate. His childhood and high school friends will gather at Portobello's, 1366 S. Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901 at 6:30 PM on June 15th to remember him. His family will attend a private service on July 5, 2015 in Sun Valley, Idaho where the Rev. Ken Brannon from St. Thomas Episcopal Church will offer communion at the home of Gordon and Vicki Rosenberg.
Doug requested memorial funds be sent to Washington Trails Association, 705 Second Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104. Other charities important to Doug included Evergreen Healthcare Foundation, 12040 NE 128th Street, Kirkland, WA 98034, the Hospice Foundation of Monterey County, 80 Garden Court, #201, Monterey, CA 93940, and Boyer Children's Clinic, 1850 Boyer Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98112, where his wife worked as a pediatric occupational therapist for several years.
Each year Doug ended his Christmas letter with the following quote by Teilhard de Chardin:
We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.
Doug Stewart remains one of the strongest individuals I've ever met. I believe he wrestled in high school. He was a fraternity brother of mine at UCSB. Occasionally he would visit my roommate, Paul Waldau, and me in our room and would want to wrestle us both at the same time. We were both a bit taller than "Pudgy", but never were able to get the best of him. When he was done with us he'd just get up and leave, usually with a parting comment like "see you guys later".
I also remember Doug as a good story teller. His favorite character was his good friend Paul Weinberger and the stories were usually about one of Paul infamous nights out on the town (Isla Vista) --- most likely having something to do with sorority women. Eventually I began to realize that some of the incredible events that Doug described were due to his apparently unlimited imagination.
Doug was a friend to all. He was a good "brother". I liked him a lot. To his family and friends, I am sorry for your loss. Tom Tranbarger, Lambda Chi Alpha, UCSB, class of 1971.
I met Doug as a freshman at UW coming from Java, Indonesia, in 1985. Doug taught me how to respect and love others in totality and humility. He showed a great deal of care in his relations with others. He is more than a father figure and life mentor to me. He is the best an American man can be: smart, witty, warm and loving ... yes, the perfect match for Kathy. Love, Ricky
Doug was not only a mentor, but a role model. He taught service and showed what it was like to work with a goal of service every day. His bright smile will be missed.
Doug was in my kindergarten class. Yes, I remember him as always kind. We visited in San Francisco when he was in town. He asked about my work. He was interested in others. Doug was an incredible life partner for Kathy. A perfect combination!
Doug was one of the most enjoyable people that I've ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with. While we didn't always stay in close touch, I always knew Doug was there if I ever needed him. I will miss him greatly. This makes my heart ache... and that's not easy to do.
Doug, a friend, fisherman, and fellow insurance geek that I have been privileged for 40 years to know...you are sadly missed by all who walked with you.
Keep the smile eternal and may you enjoy the never ending hatch.
Doug - genuine, authentic, Real. He gave me a book once - "Things I wish I said". Loved it, more for the title than anything else. Who but the real deal would admit there were others who said or did it better than he?
And kind - always kind.
I always enjoyed Doug's agile mind. One had to be alert to appreciate the point he was making, which was often spiced with some humorous bite. Wit, I would say, and always uplifting. God bless Doug.
The first thing you saw when Doug entered a room was his smile. Doug always had a genuine smile on is face that lit up a room; and if you looked close enough he had a twinkle in his eye. Doug was an artful storyteller that could captivate any audience. Doug was such a warm genuine person. The impact Doug left at L&I is immeasurable; he came in at a time of great change and staff uncertainty. Doug wanted all of us to go from good to great.
Doug's first ride
Doug's brother, Jeff, 1966
Doug in full fishing garb
Doug as Master of Ceremony - Sun Valley skit
Doug and Kathy, High School Prom
Doug and Kathy's marriage September 9, 1972
Papa and his second grandson, Ethan
Papa and his first grandson, Matthew
Fishing in Alaska with his son, Jeff
Doug with his daughter, Annie
Switzerland, Summer 2014
Varenna, Italy, Summer 2014
Rugby - Doug's favorite sport
Doug and his family - November 2014
Service
Seattle , Washington 98112
Scattering Ceremony
Salinas , California 93901
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