Obituary of Ian Wallace Stewart

Dr. Ian Wallace Stewart, Phd, 73, of Tucson Arizona, passed away recently following an extended illness. Ian was preceded in death by his parents, Malcolm and June Stewart of Bellingham, Washington. He is survived by his son, Sean Malcolm Stewart (Nicole) of Laguna Nigel, California; Sean's mother, Joyce Stewart of Tucson; and, his brother, Gordon Stewart (Barbara) of Kalamazoo, Michigan who were actively and lovingly involved in Ian's care and well-being during the last few months of his life. Ian is survived by nieces and nephews Becky Stewart (Ben Fields) of London, England; Drew Stewart (Stephanie) of Columbus, Ohio; Bryanna Stewart (fiancé Mike Mercer)of Atlanta, Georgia; Andrea Walker (Brian) of Irvine, California; and, Emily Ewing (Michael), of Gilbert, Arizona. He had 8 grand nieces and nephews. Ian was a veteran of the U.S.Army. He served his tour of duty in the Los Angeles area on an anti aircraft Nike Ajax missile base. Ian received his undergraduate degree at San Jose State University and his Masters in Orientation and Mobility from Western Michigan University. He completed his Doctoral studies at the University of Pittsburgh. During his career Ian worked at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School (Director of Outreach Services), the Arizona Schools for the Deaf and Blind, and as an adjunct professor at the University of Arizona where he trained teachers to become orientation and mobility instructors. Ian was a patient and creative teacher who developed strong bonds with students and families as they grew in independence and knowledge. He was an equally patient father who taught his son the value of hard work and the importance of treating people and all living things with kindness, dignity and respect. Ian was a man of many talents and interests. He loved to travel and meet new people in this beautiful country. He will be remembered for his passion both for his red classic '88 Jeep Wrangler and the Pittsburgh Steelers. In retirement he enjoyed a 12,000-mile cross-country motorcycle trip and he used his veteran's education benefits to achieve his goal of learning to drive a "big rig". He said at the time he was probably the oldest veteran to apply for the benefit. Ian also loved an eclectic variety of music - from Elvis to the classics. He was a voracious reader, a life long learner, and a self-defined news "junkie" being interested in both local and national affairs. He served on homeowners association boards and was respected for his knowledge, keen insights, and problem solving skills. His family is grateful for the caring staffs at Solterra La Cholla and Casa de la Luz Hospice. Suggested recipients of memorial gifts are Casa de la Luz Hospice and Habitat for Humanity.