Wayne Murray Stewart

Wayne Murray Stewart

August 18, 1947 - December 04, 2020
Corona del Mar California

Wayne Murray Stewart

August 18, 1947 - December 04, 2020
Corona del Mar California

Obituary

Wayne Murray Stewart, Corona del Mar, California
August 18, 1947 – December 4, 2020

Wayne (Stewie) Stewart was a large man (6’7″) and he lived a large life, making inspiring and entertaining friends wherever he went. While Wayne was born in Cochrane, Ontario, Canada, his roots are in Downey, California where he spent his childhood, attending West Junior High and Warren Senior High Schools. Wayne was a terrific athlete, excelling in football, basketball and baseball, and also an outstanding student, earning a dual scholarship (football and basketball) to attend the University of California, Berkeley (Cal) in 1965.

Stewie thrived at Cal, playing both sports. He was a standout defensive back (intercepting three passes in his first varsity game) and later played split end. Wayne pledged the Sigma Chi fraternity at Berkeley and made dozens of lifelong “best friends,” who for 55 years have gathered annually to re-tell stories and root on the Golden Bears.

After graduating with a BA in History, Wayne entered the NFL draft, playing four years with the New York Jets and one with the San Diego Chargers. Two highlights of his career are playing in the first ever Monday Night Football game; and, while playing special teams during a game in Denver, covering the longest punt in NFL history, a 98-yarder.

When his NFL career came to an end Wayne made Newport Beach his permanent home and started working in real estate, which would be his profession for the next 45 years. He didn’t give up sports entirely though, enjoying playing Over-The-Line at the beach and in adult basketball leagues well into his 60s. Additionally, back in the seventies Wayne kept his NFL spirit alive when he helped create the Newport Fantasy Football League, and for the last 45 years team members met each week during football season at a local sports bar to enjoy good friends, plenty of beer and competitive banter.

Wayne experienced true joy with the birth of his son Dylan. Dylan became a standout club, collegiate and professional volleyball player, giving his proud parents an excuse to travel the world cheering him on. They continued to travel extensively, even after the volleyball years. Wayne was so proud of the man Dylan has become today.

Wayne leaves behind his wife Laurie, who had been a part of his life since 1974, their son Dylan, brother John (Beth), sister Donna Campos (Mike), two nieces, one nephew, ten grandnieces and grandnephews, and his beloved twin Labrador Retrievers Bo and Molly.

He is predeceased by his mother and father Owen and Margaret (Peggy), and his brother Terry.

 

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28 responses to Wayne Murray Stewart

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  1. No matter that my neck was sore unless he sat down, Wayne was truly larger than life. His booming voice and always ready smile made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the world to him. Here’s to the Union Street Fair, The Bus Stop, Blackies and The Foolympics, the one and only time I chugged a beer. Proud to have been considered a Foolette! So sorry for your loss, Laurie and Dillon

  2. Wayne was a star and a leader for all of us, from Junior High through High School. We had an amazing group of dedicated colleagues and friends that engaged with him in the leadership and key activities throughout junior high school through High School. Wayne made all of us famous with his athletic abilities, and we all went in different directions, post high school. His career at Berkeley (continuing as a Bear) was excellent and we were envious to learn he was going pro. I followed the stories along with his other fans that attended different UC campus including Laura Latimer (Irvine and the SF Med),and Joan Davis ( UC SB), and myself at UCSC. I was in the NE area in grad school when Wayne was with the Jets, but i never made it to a game, but was among the distant fans, following his accomplishments in the big city.

    We have wonderful memories and certainly celebrate his citizens leadership and accomplishments throughout his life. We are so sad he will miss future reunions of the Warren Bears. My regards to all of us from the 1965 class of Warren High.

  3. A foot and a half shorter than Wayne I was destined to become his “BIG BROTHER” when he joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity. As a featherweight boxer at Cal it was fortunate that it was never necessary for me to exert my skills to keep him in line as he respected our relationship.

    Although our contact was infrequent after graduation Wayne always seemed genuinely interested in sharing updates when we did see each other. Best I can say …Wayne was a NICE GUY.

  4. I saw my cousin Wayne play in a college football game in ?Ann Arbor Michigan in the last century. I last saw him in Downey in the late 1980’s with his parents and siblings with my daughters. SORRY we lost touch after that. Condolences to his immediate family , Donna and John.

  5. Condolences from Ralph Stewart’s daughter and family. ❤❤

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