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Gary Stewart Obituary
Gary Stewart was a professor for 36 years, teaching theater, directing plays, chairing departments and running theater companies at The University of Massachusetts and Indiana State University. He was Artistic Director of the professional SummerStage Repertory Company for 24 years. Over a forty year career Gary directed some seventy productions including the original productions of a dozen new works, half of which have subsequently been published. He wrote seven produced plays, two of which were published and three produced professionally, among them Downwinder Dance and Mary and Joe. Two of his mystery novels, The Tenth Virgin and The Zarahemla Vision, were published by Saint Martin's Press and his western novel The Avenging Angel was made into the TNT movie of the same name, starring Tom Berenger, James Cobern and featuring Charleton Heston as Brigham Young. At the time of his death he was at work on a mystery novel set in Utah and a series of memoirs for his grandkids. His Sunstone presentation "Why I Can't Write My Joseph Smith Play" was published in Dialogue in 2009. Gary was born in Salt Lake City and raised in Kaysville when Fruit Heights still had fruit. He has degrees from Brigham Young University and The University of Iowa. Diana Markham Stewart, a free lance writer and his wife of almost 40 years died in 2001. He is survived by his two daughters, Beth Stewart Hassett and Emily Stewart Fordyce, his son-in-law Kevin Hassett, two granddaughters, Eden Hassett and Leah Hassett, his sister Susanna Tribe and the thousands of actors and students who brought his work to life. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 21 at 4:30 pm at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 E. 1300 S. Burial will follow. Family and friends may visit from 3:30 pm until 4:30 pm prior to the services. Gifts in his memory may be made to Ballet West at Balletwest.org or 52 W. 200 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84101 to support one of his many passions.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Stewart
Sponsored by Larkin Sunset Lawn - Salt Lake City.
Art Peden
July 13, 2018
I had the great honor of being one of the first people at ISU to meet and work with Gary. There is to this day never a role, or production since then that what I learned from him has not been a part of my view or concept of production. It is always the proverbial question, "what would Gary do"
Jean Shutt
June 22, 2018
I had the great pleasure of working for Gary as Publicity Director for Summer Stage for 20 years He guided me through my MA at ISU, providing special classes that were so valuable to me when I was hired at North High School in Terre Haute to teach English, Drama, and direct the plays.. He was a friend to both Chuck and me, as were Diana, Beth, and Emily. You will be missed on this good earth, old friend
Sonia Rosenthal
May 16, 2018
His strength, his wit, his friendship, his laugh, the way he believed in me. I can never completely put into words what he meant to me, but I will remember his generous spirit...he was endlessly cool and a joy to work with and learn from. I will miss knowing he's on this planet, but it is wonderful to know the impact he had on so many people.
Duane Skoog
May 1, 2018
Thank you for sharing your mind with me. See you at the next production meeting sir.
I think we all know "Why"!
Bill Hammond
April 25, 2018
I recall the first time I had a conversation with Gary. It lasted an hour and half in his office/library at Indiana State and I enjoyed every blessed minute of it. I wish we could have done it more often! I have never, ever, forgotten Gary and what that hour and half meant to me and hopefully to him. I am saddened by his passing and wish that I could have spent one more hour and half with him.
Morgan Seaton
April 22, 2018
This world is now without one of its greatest men. He will be greatly missed in all areas of life.
Pat Jarboe
April 22, 2018
Gary taught me life lessons that I will always remember, not just that theater stuff. Thank God he steered me away from acting. What a guy!
Jason Hayes
April 22, 2018
Mentor, leader, professor, director, friend...I cannot say enough about his inspiration. As an artist, I can count on 1 hand those who have shaped me and I can trace every ounce of my success to my first interview with Gary to enter the Theatre Dept. Giving, open, woke and aware, Gary worked, spoke and lived through his heart always and has left an indelible legacy to live on in each of us. Thank you. All my love.
Gigi Jennewein
April 22, 2018
Gary is the reason I am following the path I am on today. He was a loving and passionate mentor to so many of us. Thank you for sharing him. I am so sorry for your loss.
Barbara Lucas
April 21, 2018
Garys love of life, family, theatre, and friends lives on in each of us who were fortunate enough to have known and worked with him.
Jennifer Osburn
April 21, 2018
Sending much love to the family. So many memories over 40 years. The love and support he gave my family during my father and sister's illnesses. I am remembering the story about the hotdog on the car antenna and how your dad said, it got better reception. And how your mother would have me hide Christmas presents in out in the open and told don't worry Gary won't see them. I miss your family! Sending lots of love!
John Hedges
April 21, 2018
I loved Gary Stewart. Much of what I have become today I owe to him. My heart his broken by his passing. His talent, intellect and compassion will live on in my memory forever. Thank you, Gary.
Karen Vaughn
April 20, 2018
A quiet, gentle man very committed to his family and quality college theatre. I worked for him for two seasons and committed my daughter to learn under him. He and Diana were gracious and giving.
I worked at Summer Stage for 2 seasons as a costumer and was privilaged to be a part of Downwinder Dance. As a member of the first and third Summer Stage troops, I was so proud of the quality theatre Indiana State produced under Gary.
Karen Updike Thomas Vaughn
Amber Tribe
April 20, 2018
A brilliant, fun, favorite man; relative by luck and marriage but family by choice! To paraphrase your prophet and a shared love: And the night comes on, it's very calm. You got to cross over, got to go home...and I was yours, yours for a song... and books and ballets, visits, music, laughs, support. I love you - you will be missed. The rest is rust and stardust.
Jim Harlan
April 20, 2018
Gary was a great inspiration to so many, wonderful director, coach, father and friend. We love you Dr. Stewart.
Jim Harlan.
Barbara Freidly-Keesey
April 20, 2018
I am so honored to have been a student of Gary's at ISU from 1978-1982. I learned a lot and he was such a dedicated, hardworking teacher of theatre. His passion and creativity knew no limits. I will think of him often in the years to come. I know he is at peace and having wonderful conversations with those of whom from ISU who have passed before him. I will think of him sitting in his chair with his left leg crossed over his right knee, cowboy boots and all with that sly grin while taking his right hand and sweeping it across his hair. What a talented and blessed soul he was/is.
Jon Lindley
April 20, 2018
I strain for the superlatives that are due to such a one as Gary... But I can tell you that he will always have a special place reserved in my heart and memory. He wasn't merely the best teacher I ever had. He was the masterful ringleader of a small tribe of artist-friends. He led not just professors, but a group of equally devoted artists who fanned out and encompassed each of us fledgling students under their wings. They guided us, enriched us, befriended us, laughed around the Saratoga tables with us, protected us... so much that I can't list it all. I carry their best wisdom with me everywhere I go to this day and always will. Thank you, Gary, for making that magic possible year after year of your life. - Jon
Chris Mangin Ollier
April 20, 2018
My condolences to the family of Gary Stewart. He was an inspirational, visionary man/director at Indiana State University. He has touched so many people during his life. RIP Gary.
Kelly Rector
April 20, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of this news. Gary was my adviser in the Theatre Dept at ISU from 1994-1998. He always believed in me and awarded me the Fred and Mildren Crapo Scholarship during my college career. I was so honored to work with him beginning my freshman year in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. He was a fantastic director and I admired him and his work so much. He will be greatly missed. I will be praying for all of his family and friends.
Rodney Ferrell
April 20, 2018
I loved this man. He believed in me when I was a young student and gave me the confidence to pursue the impossible. He changed my life. Without his guidance, his patience, his infectious desire for perfection and excellence, and his love for talent and the arts, I wouldn't be where I am today. I trusted him and felt he trusted me. He brought out the best in me and I will forever be grateful for his presence in my life. I know he is watching over me and all the other students who had the honor of knowing and working with him. Thank you Gary!
Lisa Daniszewski
April 20, 2018
Gary truly touched all who knew him, myself included. He was an amazing professor and wonderful person. My deepest condolences to his dear family, friends, and others he inspired throughout his life and career.
Sarah Kaufman
April 20, 2018
Gary, Thank you for being in and influencing my life. You opened my eyes to a world of acceptance that I never knew existed. I am a better person and have had a better life because of knowing you.
Janice (Branaman) Foulke
April 20, 2018
Gary was a wonderful, highly respected instructor and human being. His years at Indiana State University were remarkable. Sincere sympathy to all of Gary's family and thousands of friends.
Beth Taylor Johnson
April 20, 2018
I great man who inspired me to be better and do better.
Raenell Smith
April 20, 2018
As the chair of the Theatre Dept. at Indiana State, I had the pleasure of taking my educational theatre classes with Gary. He fueled my passion for what theatre could do for students and all people beyond just entertainment. Letting me explore that passion has led to an 18 year career as a theatre educator. My students and I cannot thank him enough.
Linda Gresham
April 20, 2018
Gary was a wonderful professor. His creativity was beyond measure and thought provoking. Thankful to have been one of his many students.
Don Sanders
April 20, 2018
Gary was such an amazing professor; I am so blessed to have learned from him and been a part of the Indiana State University theater during his tenure. He taught me so much about theater and I am forever grateful. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Babs George
April 19, 2018
I have so many WONDERFUL memories as an actor and friend to Gary, during the 2 seasons in the 1980's I so fortunately got to work with him (and Diana) at Summer Stage when he produced DOWNWINDER DANCEhis fabulous play. It was a joyful experience and the plays he chose for the seasons, so rich, thoughtful, challenging and always fun! Summer Stage was professional in every way, and Gary a generous and kind director to work with. I had so many lovely evenings with Gary and Diana and their great friend Larry Roupe (my mentor), during those 2 summers, and his passing leaves a deep hole in my heart. He was a treasure and I will never forget the creativity, the deep exploration, the laughs, the struggles, and his passion for the work. I raise a toast to Gary with love and respect. "And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." -Babs George
Lauren Morris
April 19, 2018
Every piece of theatre I have made and will ever make can in some way be traced back to Gary. He was a giant in my life, both as an artist and a human. I am so grateful to him for what he built at ISU and proud to be one small part of his legacy.
Tony Patellis
April 19, 2018
A scholar and greatly honorable man. He will be sorely missed on this earth.
Carol Lynn Pearson, Gary's friend
Carol Lynn Pearson
April 19, 2018
How I will miss Gary's rich voice, brilliant intellect and warm heart. We were in numerous plays together at BYU and spent many hours on the phone in recent years trying to unravel the knots of life. The power of art and literature gave him comfort and hope. I hold in my heart a prayer that he has just experienced A Long Day's Journey into Light. God bless.
Lew Hackleman
April 19, 2018
Gary gave me so much as my Chair, my Colleague, my Director, my Mentor, my Playwright, but most of all my Friend and Brother in spirit. I have missed him already.
Emily St. Clair
April 19, 2018
A great man, both he and his talent will be missed.
Leslie Sloan Orr
April 19, 2018
Gary, I will always remember . . . You believed in me when I needed you most. The year was 1996, and you hired me in my very first tenure-track position, as an assistant professor at Indiana State University. You became an anchor, a bridge over troubled water -- my foundation; and for that, I will always love, respect and appreciate you -- my rock! I will always remember walking across campus with you, our happy conversations in your office, and even the home visits with you and your wonderful wife, Diana. I even got to know your beautiful daughters Beth and Emily. Much laughter! Happiness. Many memories. Gary, thank you for being there for me.❤
Leslie Sloan Orr
Elaine Wiggins
April 19, 2018
For creating a program that influenced my life and career, I'm so grateful❤
Jay Woolston
April 19, 2018
Few people in my life have had a more profound influence on me than Gary did. He was truly one of the most passionate and intelligent people I've ever known. He, as much as anyone, taught me the value of Art. And his relationship with Diana taught me the importance of caring and mutual respect in a marriage.
Amy Rightsell
April 19, 2018
Oh, Gary, so sorry to see you go.
Maureen Asten-Koons
April 19, 2018
Gary was such an awesome man and professor and his creative spirit was so inspiring and thought provoking. He taught me the love of theater and for this I will always hold a special place in my heart.
Sherry McFadden
April 19, 2018
Gary was my Chair, my mentor and my friend. All I did in theater at ISU and beyond was influenced by Gary. He once called me the beat seat-of-the-pants designer he'd ever worked with. Which was high praise. Gary's wife Diana and his two daughters were also very influential in my career. He believed in me, in the program he brought me into and in the power of theater. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
jennifer jackson
April 19, 2018
I am so sorry. he was a wonderful teacher. so sorry.
Kristin Kundert
April 19, 2018
I worked with Gary at Indiana State and have never had a better theatre chair in my life. He would fight for his department and faculty. There was never any doubt where he heart was. He was an exceptional artist and human.
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Apr
21
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3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Larkin Sunset Lawn - Salt Lake City2350 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Apr
21
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