Robert Kidder Stewart

Robert Kidder Stewart lived a life defined by adventure, generosity, authenticity, stewardship, and a deep love for his family and the natural world. He followed his own path with curiosity and purpose, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations.

Bob passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on July 21, 2026, at the age of 85. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on October 12, 1940, to Charles and Louise Stewart, and was raised in Weston alongside his older brother, Tim, and older sister, Mary.

From an early age, Bob had a curiosity about the world around him and an adventurous spirit that would define his life. He attended Noble and Greenough High School before continuing his education at Brown University. During his junior year at Brown, Bob traveled to Alaska, where he studied the vast wilderness. This experience deepened his lifelong connection to nature and exploration.

While attending Brown, Bob met his beloved Janet Louise Johnson, who was attending Wellesley College. After graduating, they were married on June 27, 1964, and built a life together rooted in love and family that spanned nearly 60 years.

After marrying, Bob and Janet lived briefly in Rhode Island, where Bob worked as a stockbroker. However, Maine soon called them north. Bob joined the Stewart family blueberry and canning business, where he became an invaluable leader and trusted friend to the many loyal employees who helped make the company successful. He brought thoughtful business judgment and a genuine respect for the people around him.

Throughout Bob's life, he embraced every opportunity to explore, learn, and challenge himself. He rowed the coast of Maine, kayaked throughout the waters of Maine and Canada, cycled through Spain and Portugal, hiked mountains from Maine to Scotland and countless places in between, and ran thousands of miles. If there was an adventure to be had, Bob wanted to experience it.

His adventurous spirit extended into every part of his life. He earned his hot air ballooning license, flew small aircraft, rode his Harley Davidson, and enjoyed driving fast cars. His love of the sea led him to bring the historic schooner Sylvina W. Beal to Portland, where he ran the vessel and offered sailing cruises along the Maine coast. Bob had a rare ability to live life fully and authentically. He followed his passions and built a life shaped by curiosity and exploration.

Bob was also an avid reader and prolific writer, with an incredible curiosity about the world around him. He became remarkably knowledgeable about an extraordinary range of subjects. He also loved to write, producing poems, stories, and even an unpublished children’s book, Prickles the Purple Porcupine. He had a wonderful wit and a keen sense of humor, bringing intelligence and humor to his conversations.

Bob and Janet shared a love of travel that took them all around the world, experiencing different cultures and communities together. In later years, they treasured spending time in Bermuda with their family, creating memories with their children and grandchildren that will remain forever cherished.

Although Bob accomplished much throughout his life, one of his greatest passions was conservation. He believed the land was not something to possess, but something to protect and pass on.

Throughout his lifetime, he dedicated himself to preserving forests, mountains, islands, shoreline, and wildlife habitat throughout Maine and neighboring Canada.

One of Bob’s proudest conservation achievements was Puzzle Mountain in western Maine. In 2005, he donated 485 acres to the Mahoosuc Land Trust, including all three summits of Puzzle Mountain and five miles of the Grafton Loop Trail, helping preserve one of Maine’s most treasured landscapes and its connection to the Appalachian Trail. The land became the Stewart Family Preserve at Puzzle Mountain, where thousands of hikers each year now experience the beauty of this remarkable trail system. Through Bob’s generosity and vision, generations of outdoor enthusiasts will continue to explore these mountains, enjoy their breathtaking views, and connect with the natural world he loved so deeply.

His commitment to conservation extended across the Bay of Fundy, where he donated Little Mowat Island and protected additional islands through conservation easements, ensuring these remarkable places would remain wild and undeveloped for generations to come.

Bob’s generosity extended beyond the land. During years of traveling to Kerala, India, he developed meaningful relationships in local communities and dedicated his time and resources to helping others. One of his most meaningful efforts was helping build a school for a community that did not previously have one, creating opportunities for children and families for generations.

As Janet’s health declined due to Alzheimer’s, Bob and Janet found joy in simpler moments closer to home, especially their walks together along Pratt’s Brook in Yarmouth. After Janet passed away in May, 2024, Bob honored those memories by donating natural sitting stones along the path, so that others could rest and enjoy the same peaceful surroundings that had meant so much to them.

Even in the final week of his life, Bob remained focused on conservation and stewardship. He shared with his family his wish that one of his remaining islands be donated and protected for future generations. It was a final reflection of the way he lived.

Above all else, Bob’s greatest legacy was his family. He is survived by his children, Robert Stewart Jr. and Jennifer Stewart Guay; their spouses, Jamie Geier and Norman Guay; and his beloved grandchildren, Kaitlyn Guay, Charlie Stewart, Logan Guay, and Zachary Stewart.

Bob was an active and engaged Papa who took great joy in his grandchildren, attending hockey games, rock climbing competitions, tennis matches, and the many moments that filled their lives. He was proud of the people they were becoming and loved being part of their journeys.

Bob lived life on his own terms, guided by curiosity, conviction, generosity, and love. His legacy will live on through the family he cherished and through the mountains, islands, and communities forever changed by his vision and stewardship.

A Celebration of Bob’s life will be held Saturday, November 7th, from 1–3 p.m. at The Portland Country Club. All who knew and loved Bob are welcome.