Michael Stewart
July 28, 1957 - October 04, 2020
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Michael Stewart
July 28, 1957 - October 04, 2020
Obituary
Mike Stewart was born on July 28, 1957, in Hebron, Nebraska, to his parents Jack and Pat Stewart. He was the second child and first son for Jack and Pat, joining his sisters Lynne and Julie. He grew up in Hebron as part of the “Dead End Gang.” Mike was a rambunctious boy who created a lot of “excitement” in Hebron as he grew up, including when he drove to Kansas when he was 14 years old!
Once he graduated from high school, he attended the University of Nebraska for a semester, but decided he was ready for more adventure, so he began his career working on the railroad. He joined the Union Pacific and worked in Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, Utah and California, taking on more and more, culminating in him operating the Ohio Crane. He always loved his work, and went on to work with the Metropolitan Transit Authority, Jackie Patterson Rail Construction, the CPUC and most recently Simon Wong – Kleinfelder. Everywhere he worked, he earned the respect of his co-workers and created enduring friendships that continue to this day.
While living in Las Vegas, he met his wife Mary in the summer of 1981 at a ZZ Top Concert, and they embarked on a 39-year love affair, that included the birth of their beloved daughter Gabbie. Gabbie inherited her father’s adventurous spirit, and they enjoyed snow skiing, water skiing, swimming with sharks and parachuting together!
Throughout his life, Mike was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend. His goodness and kindness made the world a lighter and brighter place. Those who knew and loved Mike are devastated by this loss, but are committed to carrying his legacy forward.
Visitation
- Date & Time: October 15, 2020 (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
- Venue: O'Connor Mortuary
- Location: 25301 Alicia Parkway Laguna Hills, CA 92653 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (949) 581-4300
Graveside Service
- Date & Time: October 16, 2020 (11:00 AM)
- Venue: Holy Sepulcher Cemetery
- Location: 7845 Santiago Canyon Rd. Orange, CA 92869 - (Get Directions)
45 responses to Michael Stewart
Robert Schafer says:
October 13, 2020
We will miss you Stew!
Tim Hecker says:
October 13, 2020
Mike was so much fun. We had worked on the same gangs at UP but it wasn’t until we trained together that we really had the chance to truly know one another. He loved his family and his Huskers like I do so I know you will be smiling down on us, especially on game day. Miss you buddy! Till we meet again.
Bryan & Gayla Hugeback says:
October 14, 2020
Our hearts go out to Mary and Gabby, Vera and Susan
Domingo and Mary Padilla says:
October 14, 2020
Mike was a great guy and it was an honor and privilege to have known him.
Thanks Mike for your help throughout the years. Going to miss you
Kenton Ewing says:
October 14, 2020
Words are hard to come by and can’t fully express our sorrow at the loss of a good man, great friend and coworker. Stew was old school, hard working, always willing to teach and show those willing to learn how to go about their jobs and business in a professional manner while also stressing the human aspect of what we do in our work and personal lives. The railroad and its various private offshoots have been a part of our lives and families, and for most, has been everything we hoped it would be. Will miss your smile and laughter, Stew, and the dry sense of humor. We’ll see you down the line on the next job….Our hearts and thoughts go out to Mary, Gabby, and the rest of the Stewart family.
Kenton Ewing Vern Isgrig Roberto Becerra Nick Moskos Dale Stuart Jr. Travis Shepherd Bill Charette Gustavo Morales Richard Olvera Ronnie Stuart Dale Stuart Sr. Dino Stuart and all those whose lives he touched.