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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Pat Freeman says:

December 16, 2020

I met Wayne in the early 70’s and spent many an evening carousing, with Wayne, Craig, Gary, Bob, Renee, Char, etc. at the Red Onion and PCD’s later for breakfast. It was really a very fun time in my life. Later on, the group merged with the Balboa Island Ballers to form The Fools. I’ll never forget Greg Munsell running down the boardwalk, from Blackies to 15th st, in a diaper, with a torch in his hand to light the BBQ at the first Foolympics. Those were the days!

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George and Dinah Piggott says:

December 19, 2020

Wayne was larger than life. Big heart. Big smile. Big man. A natural leader whose presence was felt wherever he went. Although Wayne has passed, our memory of the man and his gift to our lives will live on. Many great memories of the fun times he was responsible for organizing and leading. River trips to Lake Mojave (“I’d like to rent another boat, with insurance!”; parasailing at what must have been 40,000 feet); Fools Olympics with big man tug of wars; A to Z Bar Tours; and Over the Line tournaments. Those zany times later gave way to other fun – our kids’ volleyball matches and tournaments for high school, club and college, and Super Bowl parties hosted by Wayne and Laurie. Wayne did not waste a minute of the time he was given. A life well lived. Rest in peace.

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Jerry Berglund says:

December 20, 2020

Wayne was my fraternity brother. He was strong, trusted, supportive, and cared deeply for his brothers. He was a leader and a natural mentor for many of us. I’ll always remember Stew”he brought out the best in us. So long brother. Jerry Berglund

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ken wayte says:

January 1, 2021

I will miss Wayne dearly. I just want to remember all the good times we had. Being part of the menagerie of friends he had from Cal…, Rooster, Boa, Python, Whale and others, and seeing the big game together, especially witnessing “the play”, so much fun. Playing as his team mate in so many OTL games in California and San Felipe, and winning so few times, but it was about friendship and fun. Party time at Rugby tournaments in San Diego… We became the “inner circle” of fools, according to his room mate John, and thus organized and worked hard on the A to Z bar tour and the Foolympics.,providing good times for all. We played for many years on numerous basketball teams and I believe it was the sport he loved most. He was one of the best rebounders and defensive players I have ever played with. As I got to know his family and playing golf with his dad, I understood where Wayne’s character came from. A truely honest and ethical person who would go out of his way to help anybody. I will miss you Stewie, for the impact you had on my life.

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John Stege says:

January 5, 2021

I met Wayne in Newport Beach in 1975 – We played Rec League Basketball together for almost 25 years … We had many animated conversations about many things: politics, religion, education, and of course The Sports World … He was a good Realtor And a Great Man and Friend … He is already I’m sure missed by many … Rest In Peace, Stew…

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