We will always remember Joe, first as Stu.  That's how we met so long ago.

Ester and her family were living in the Seattle area and our family of 5 loved going to Seattle for fun and relaxation!! Sometimes we stayed with relatives and Joe and Ester were superb hosts. We especially remember the house in Montlake Terrace, and planting bulbs with Estralita.  I don't know what Denis was doing while WE were working but the weather was sunny and we had a great time.  

We also remember how hard Joe worked starting his rental car business.  He had a great idea to work with existing dealerships to keep inventory currant. I can still see the big sign on the side of the tall building at Northgate and remember how impressed we were that we knew the guy that thought of that new way to advertize.   

We also remember eating out at the Kon Tiki Room in one of the major hotels, my memory is not what is used to be.... It was one of our best Seattle meals and the first time we'd seen drinks delivered in ceramic Jungle-type glasses.  You got to take the container home and seeing that glass reminded us of that fun evening and of how handsome Joe looked in his new blue dress shirt.  I know it was new, because I commented on how great he looked and what a beautiful shirt it was.

That reminds me of talking with him at our home in Spokane, about acting and the roles he had played in movies.We knew a movie star!!!  Mostly he said he was in supporting roles, but the stories were vivid and so interesting - about how the movie business really worked, and about some of the celebrities of the day.  With his continenetal good looks and smoldering cigarette, he totally looked the part.  He kept us all entertained as only an entertainer can.  I think we even met some of his family when they visited Spokane, but I'm  pretty foggy about the details.  I just remember that they liked Mexican hors d'oeuvres.

Later when he developed that dreadful disease Diabetes and began to have complications, I never heard him complain or sink into self-pity. I think his own experience with suffering shaped how he treated those around him.

In fact, he was a Godsend in providing loving care for Ester's mother, Carmen, and keeping her comfortable during the last months of her life.  He loved her as his own mother and cared for her untiringly until the end, and then spoke at her funeral service.  Carmen definitely knew she was loved, as he treated her with compassion and dignity.   

Over the years he remained a true and devoted husband to Ester, and the love and compainionship they offered each other was an inspiration to all of us.
In fact his last words on earth were "I love you", spoken to his beloved Ester.

Joe left us too soon and although we are relieved that he is finally now at peace and without pain or disability he will be greatly missed.

Ester, we extend our sympathy and prayers on the death of your husband, Stu. you both have been my friends for over thirty years, and we all will miss him.    At the last, he showed us how to bear up under great suffering, and you, Ester have been a loyal spouse in all the ups of  an exciting and challenging life as well as the downs. you were a loving and steadfast support for him.  He couldn't have gone on without you.

Stuart will be greatly missed-in fact, I miss him already. He was one of our favorite patients in our clinic at UW-always bringing us either a smile or a story of his wonderful days in Hollywood.

I am the most lucky person to have been able to get to know Stuart during the last years of his full life. He was a good friend, a caring man, and a devoted husband. I hope I was able to help Stuart in a small way these past few years.

Ester, Esterlita, Don, & Girls
Thank you again for making dad's memorial service so special.  I have watched the DVD at least 25 times since I returned to Texas.  You made me feel so loved and welcomed during my time in Seattle.  We will continue to pray for your family in the days ahead as you adjust to his physical absence.  His spiritual absence will always be with us even in Texas! 
Love ya
Vicky

OBITUARY

Joseph Conway

December 31, 1969 – December 31, 1969

Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home & Cemetery

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