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
Barry Gail says:
February 10, 2021
” Hey BG how you be” the big man would always greet me when we approached each other. Wayne Stewart was the best of us. I was stunned, saddened and grief-struck when I heard of his passing last evening. Well over 30 years ago Big Stew represented me when I was looking to buy my first home in Orange County. Stew was all about serving his clients first & foremost. Testimony to that was that while he would have been a welcome addition to any national or regional real estate firm, Stew hung out his own shingle & did it his way. He was his own man. Experience informs that you get to know people best under pressure. Intense competition spells out that premise consistently. Having played basketball for years both with and against him his integrity was unquestionable. He played & gave everything he had in every contest. But he wanted to win fairly and always played that way. The quality I admired most in Wayne however was his attitude. He always had a big smile on his face & seemed happy to be alive. God love & bless his soul & his family. His handsome, wonderful son Dylan will carry on his legacy. Big Stew will be sorely missed by his many friends.
Gerry Aber says:
February 20, 2021
It was great sadness to hear of Wayne’s passing. I met Wayne not long after moving to Newport and shared many times at Blackie’s watching and talking whatever sport happened to be on. He got me involved in playing basketball at Oakwood. I enjoyed all the times at Catalina, OTL, and whatever other Newport Fools event was taking place. Thank you for the memories Wayne and you will be sorely missed.
Jane Simmons says:
November 4, 2021
Jane Piccirillo
Jane Simonds says:
November 4, 2021
Jane Piccirillo
Jane Simonds says:
November 18, 2021
Jane Simonds never stopped thinking of you. 50+years later. Rest ichn Peace my friend