Robert Joseph Stewart

Bob Stewart passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 15 at 81 years of age. He was brother to Kay (Taff) and Barb, husband to Cheryl, father to Matthew and Michael, and grandfather to Abraham, Lauren, Isaac, and Annika.

He loved boating and all manner of watercraft — sailboats large and small, a rowing shell, paddle boards, and his fishing boat.

Bob earned a doctorate in ocean engineering from MIT and came to Seattle in 1977, working for the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory and NOAA. His specialty was oil spill trajectory — predicting where a spill was likely to flow. In 1981, his research and testimony helped convince then-Gov John Spellman not to approve the final segment of the Northern Tier Pipeline proposed to be built under the waters of Puget Sound.

After his career, Bob started his own business providing software and statistical analysis expertise across many industries, which led him to provide those services for politicians needing analysis of voting patterns to guide their campaigns. He worked with Sen. Slade Gorton back in the day, several Seattle School Board candidates, and more recently with a few local politicians.

Another great love in life was volleyball, both as a player and a coach. Bob and Cheryl met in a noisy Renton High School gymnasium in 1978 at a volleyball tournament. Bob coached at Sealth High School, Renton High School, and Lindbergh High School, as well as with his sons’ teams at St. Joseph’s School. Later, Bob and Cheryl created their own volleyball club with three girls’ teams in different age groups, and a boys team.

But the greatest love of Bob’s life was his family. There were traveling vacations by car to many western locations, involvement in his sons’ many sporting activities, guiding them through challenging times (though they didn’t always listen), and, more recently, imparting wisdom to his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.

If you knew Bob, please join us at an open house and celebration of his life Oct. 11 from noon to 4 p.m. at 17110 4th Avenue NW in Home.