Safe Harbor Funeral Services Obituary:
Duane Walker Stewart was called home to his Heavenly Father on June 25 th , 2015. He was preceded in death by his sisters: Delna, Norma, Florence, and Joy, and brothers: Walker, Lyle, Reed, and Don. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife: Ivania; two sisters: Jean Caldwell of Lake Arrowhead, CA , and Mary Abbott of Delta, UT; his children: Dana (Peter) Watkins of Orange, CA, Douglas (Lora) Stewart of American Fork, UT, Diana (Bruce) Bugbee of Logan, UT, Preston Stewart of Alpine, UT, Stephanie (Stephen) Pratt of Ferndale, Marci (Ty) Brooks of Everson, Elizabeth (Paul) Baltes of Springville, UT, and Miriam (Matthew) Trott of Bellingham; grandchildren Luke, Bryn, Seth, Rachel (Scott), Sarah (Dustin), Marissa, Micah (Laura), Hannah (Pete), Gabriel, Hillary, Elijah, Maxx, Abbey (Jake), Brigham, Rosie, Emily (Jason), Haley (James), Eli, Tiana, Meagan (Greg), Maddy (Adam), Maisey, Emma, Micaela, Madison, Brighten, Daniel, Rachel, Mylo, Millie and 16 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Duane was born on November 9 th , 1932, to George Lyle Stewart and Clara May Walker of Hinkley, Utah. He was the 10 th of 11 children, and was born just shortly before the death of his older brother, Duncan Walker Stewart.

Duane was committed to his faith, his family and to his profession of helping others. He was a teacher, marriage and family counselor, group home administrator, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation counselor. He took great satisfaction in serving and lifting others. He recognized goodness in others and wanted all to reach their full potential. He was a man of great intellect and had a love of the scriptures. He served a mission to Helsinki, Finland, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in the Army September 1956 – September 1958, of which 18 months were served in Germany. Another five years were spent in the Army Reserves.

After completing his associate’s degree at the College of Southern Utah in Cedar City, he earned his Bachelor of Science at Brigham Young University. Having a continual thirst for knowledge, he continued on to receive his Master’s degree in Family Life Education and then his PhD in Child Development and Family Relationships at BYU.

Duane had a beautiful voice and took the leading role in many operas. No matter how he was feeling, he would always find peace through singing. He brought much joy to those around him through his voice.

He loved animals and was a gentleman farmer. He won trophies at stock shows and rode brahma bulls and broncos in the county rodeos. He wanted his children to learn the value of hard work and always had horses, pigs, calves, and even some sheep to care for. Riding horses was a hobby and a love.

He was good at sports, and loved to play basketball well into his older years. When he was younger, they referred to him as “Dart” because he was such a fast runner. Parkinson’s disease took its toll on him but he endured it well. He always told his kids, “The race is not to the swift, but to those that endure to the end.” He was one that endured to the end. We feel comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering and is able to use his legs once again.

He described his faith by writing, “It is my all and it gives every instance of my life purpose, a purpose which goes beyond my frailties and my temporal existence.“ He has fought a good fight and has kept the faith. We love him and miss him but know that we will be reunited with him again.

Scripture:
Doctrine and Covenants 98:18
Let not your hearts be troubled; for in my Father’s house are many mansions, and I have prepared a place for you; and where my Father and I am, there ye shall be also.