George Dow Stewart

George Dow Stewart (73) died June 11, 2018 in his home, surrounded by loved ones following an extended struggle with progressive supranuclear palsy. He is survived by his loving wife Elsie Loraine Dodd Stewart, sons Scott Renick Stewart and Christopher Evan Stewart, daughter Natalie Charlotte Stewart Utley, sister Mary Hannah Stewart Hoback, granddaughters Olive Alleyne Utley, Violet Eloise Utley, Savannah Rose Stewart, Maple Eleanor Utley and grandsons William Walker Utley and George Clifford Stewart. George was preceded in death by his father Robert Atherton Stewart, mother Mary Lib Renick Stewart of Fremont, MI, and father-in-law Lewis Dodd and mother-in-law Charlotte Wells Dodd of Dowagiac, MI.

George was born in Evanston, IL on February 28, 1945. Soon after the family moved to San Lorenzo, CA where his father worked in infant nutrition research. Growing up in the bay area he spent his time swimming, surfing and exploring the wildlife of the coastal tide pools. After high school the family moved to Fremont, MI. George attended Butler University in Indianapolis, IN where he played football and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He met Elsie, “the love of his life”, in 1969 and they were married on January 7, 1979.

George served was a Highway Missionary with Voice of Elijah from 1972-1975, where he travelled around the country in a converted school bus sharing the gospel. This endeavor eventual led him to make his home in Spokane, WA. He and fellow missionary Jim King started Homestead Leather Co. and sold handmade leather goods and shoes until his retirement several years ago.

A man of many interests, George was always up for an adventure. He loved fishing and camping throughout the lakes and rivers of the Inland Northwest. He had an affinity for gardening and sharing gardening with his friends and neighbors. As a member of Christ the Redeemer Church in Spokane, WA he was involved in ministries where he served in the humble and caring manner for which he was known.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2018, at 11:00 AM, at Christ the Redeemer Church, 1523 W Mallon Ave, Spokane, WA 99201.