David William Stewart

David William Stewart, 42, our beloved son, brother, and uncle, left this earth life on Thursday, October 17, 2024, In Pomona, California, to be welcomed into Paradise by grandparents, his oldest brother, and other noble family members and ancestors.

David was born on September 13, 1982, in Provo, Utah, the son of Doug and Mary Marsden Stewart, and was the eighth of eight children. 

David’s parents were the founders of Tuacahn Center for the Arts in Southern Utah, and music played an important role in his upbringing. But the love he gained at an early age for music did not include practicing the piano and violin. He would rather be off playing basketball with friends or recording original songs to express deep feelings.

During family gatherings, David’s bedroom studio was a magnet to his young nieces and nephews. He made each of them feel important by using them as backup singers, while encouraging them in the creation of their own hit songs.

David’s lyrics were all about giving, and his voice and delivery were mellow and expressive. When asked what inspired his music style and messaging, he answered in a very creative way. When assigned to hang the outdoor Christmas lights, he used them to cover the entire roof, spelling: U-2. The secret was out. Like Bono (U-2’s lead vocalist), David wanted his music to bring healing to the world.

David had a fun-loving personality that was easy going. But he could also be outspoken. He loved basketball and was an avid fan of the Chicago Bulls. He also played on his High School Jr. Varsity team.

While serving an LDS mission in Mexico, David learned to love biking. Upon his return home, he developed survival skills that allowed him to fully realize his passion for the out-of-doors.

From that time on, Adventure and opportunities that challenged his physical endurance, were constantly calling to him. Whether on foot, bike, kayak, or motorbike, each year, his soul required at least one big adventure. This meant meticulous mapping and planning, while fitting in time to complete his degree in Elementary Education from Dixie College. And what incredible experiences he had:

Biking solo across the country (twice); Hiking the high Uintah; Exploring the exotic far- east and Australia; Disappearing two months in the deep Salmon River wilderness; Kayaking the length of the Mississippi River, and Baja California’s Sea of Cortez; Survival hiking for a month in Alaska; Motorbiking from Texas to South America; In Peru, hiking Machu Pichu and teaching music at an orphanage; Camping and motorbiking the full length of Africa; Biking through Japan and Taiwan.

With the exception of his far-east travels, David chose to go-it alone. When surrounded by pristine wilderness, or on a river, he felt whole and complete, and closest to God. To him, the greatest proof that God existed was the wondrous complexity found in the animal kingdom— from a Blue Whale to a tiny Etruscan shrew.

And nothing broke David’s heart more than to see any creature suffer. One needs only to listen to his music, to reveal his soul: one pure in selfless passion to rescue any creature or person, harmed or hungry, cold or alone. And when given that opportunity, David was always there with a full heart, and a love that was tangible.

So farewell, dear son and brother, who refused to be shallow in thought. You felt deeply, loved purely, and your dreams were so big. And when they became impossible, both mentally and physically, it is not hard to imagine a voice calling: “adventures await you here. Come home.”

David is survived by his parents, Doug and Mary Stewart of St. George, Utah; his sister, Michelle Truax of Sharon, Massachusetts; his brother, Gary Stewart of St George, Utah; his sister, Peggy Bird of St. George, Utah; his brother, Jonny Stewart of Riverton, Utah; and his sisters, Anne Colson and Bonnie Foley, of St. George, Utah. He is preceded in death by his brother, Douglas Stewart Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 15, 2024, at the LDS Green Valley Stake Center, 511 Valley View Dr., St. George, UT 84770. A viewing will be held from 9:30 -10:45, followed by the Family Prayer at 10:45. The funeral will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow the services at the Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 So. Dixie Dr., St. George, Utah.