Wayne Murray Stewart
August 18, 1947 - December 04, 2020
Corona del Mar California
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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
Russ Hill says:
December 12, 2020
I had the pleasure of playing high school baseball and adult league basketball for years as Wayne’s teammate and years of poker in our younger adult years, but one of my favorite memories of my experiences with Wayne occurred during our military years as we served together in the California Army National Guard. While driving north to attend our two-week summer training, we stopped at a busy shopping center near Thousand Oaks to get a bit to eat. As we waited for a departing car as it exited its spot, a young stud in a hot rod cut in front of my car and pulled into the parking place. I advised him that we had been waiting patiently for the spot, but he thought it appropriate to flip me off. Wayne opened the passenger door and walked over to the car, where the young man had not yet exited the vehicle. Wayne leaned down at the driver side window and told the young dude he thought it best if he offered to move the car. The car started up and backed out of the spot. We proceeded to have lunch. Wayne definitely had the ability to get others to see things his way.
Jerry Freeman says:
December 13, 2020
I met Wayne in the mid-1970’s. I will never forget all the memories we shared (e.g. the Fool Olympics, the A-to-Z bar tour, beers and sports at Blackies, Oakwood basketball, the Catalina Classic, etc.) As we aged, our softball/OTL skills and basketball skills deteriorated noticeably, but the post game beers made it all worthwhile. We had a great time through the years, but it will be difficult going forward without our beloved leader Wayne Stewart. Wayne always showed a genuine interest in what was going on in my life. He was a hell of a person and a hell of a friend. God bless you Wayne.
Tony Sideli says:
December 13, 2020
I always felt a connection with Wayne because it the Jets..and N.Y…he had great patience listening to all my stories on Fri. nites at 21.He will be greatly missed ! my heart is with you Laurie and your family.
Bill Reveal says:
December 14, 2020
Wayne – our charismatic friend who we shared so much of the fun things in life with – gone. Even now that our old friends have drifted apart, he has always been at the center of the inspiration to rejoin the camaraderie. On the personal level, Wayne was a leader who was always generous with his time and attention. He will be sorely missed. We all loved him and his memory lives on.
Dennis McGavack says:
December 16, 2020
I shared the top floor of a home on Balboa Island with Wayne and Tom Read, along with a few guest visits from various vagabond volleyballers (not to mention Greg Munsell). I would close up Hi-Time Liquor, drive home and run to one of the ice cream shops for a Balboa Bar (.25) before they closed most nights. I paid $80 in rent. Wayne paid a lot more but he had the master bedroom. This was in the early 70’s and I wouldn’t have wished to be anywhere else in the world. You were one class act big guy. Read and I will sip a couple of hooks soon and tell your stories.