Born in Seattle to Nat S. and Marian W. Rogers, he joined older siblings Bob and Ann (later Wiborg). Stewart spent nearly his entire life based in Seattle and was a proud graduate of Garfield High School where he participated in Debate and played cello with the orchestra. He graduated from Stanford University in 1951 with a B.A. in History, an Economics minor, and was a member of Theta Xi fraternity. There he met his first wife, Jane Steele, where they sang in the University choir. During college summers, Stewart worked at the business co-founded by his father in 1924, VanWaters & Rogers, Inc.
He spent his career in various operating & financial roles at the company and its successor companies, now Univar Solutions (UNVR), until retiring in 1991 as Senior Vice President and a Director. He was a problem solver by nature, dealing with mergers, acquisitions, legal and tax issues of the business; joking he was the 'Senior VP- Everything Else.' In his own words, 'I had the same job for 40 years and every day of that time, I couldn't wait to get to the office in the morning.' He enjoyed and respected those he worked with, and they in turn, felt the same about him. His business experience was shared as a member of the Board of Directors for Univar, Penford Corp., VWR Scientific Corp., Penwest Pharmaceuticals, Fluke Manufacturing Corp., Port Blakely Timber Cos., US Bank (MN), and Reliance Insurance Co. Over the years Stewartmade time for community activities as well.
He served as President of The Rainier Club and The Harbor Club, a Director of the Seattle Opera Association, Trustee of Puget Sound Blood Center (now Bloodworks NW), and of United Way of King County. He was a Life member of the Seattle Yacht Club and Broadmoor Golf Club.
Stewart valued honesty, integrity, intellectual curiosity, kindness, humility and was a true gentleman. Above all, he cherished his family and will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by Jane in 1989. They spent 38 years raising a family, enjoying music, boating the PNW waters, gardening, golfing, and sharing quality time with family and the extended clan at their South Sound cabin. Stewart was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bob, his sister Ann and their spouses.
Stewart is survived by his wife, Carol W. Rogers. Each having been widowed, introduced by mutual boating friends, Stewart and Carol were truly blessed to spend 29 fun years ofmarriage split between golf in Arizona, the cabin, and sailing the San Juan and Gulf Islands. Stewart is survived by his children, Susan Cook (Jeff), Mark Rogers (Judy), and Steven Rogers (Peggy); 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Carol's children, Joe Williams (Gretchen), Claire Tingen (Kelly), JohnWilliams (Margaret), Larry Williams, and Carol's 9 grandchildren.
Due to Covid restrictions, the family will have a private gathering. Remembrances may be made to Bloodworks Northwest, 921 Terry Ave., Seattle,WA 98104, or to: The Seattle Foundation, LB #1069, PO Box 35146, Seattle, WA 98124-5146 Memo line: Nat S. and Marian W. Rogers Fund.
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