Harold Stewart

Harold Stewart was one of those special people who could talk to anyone. It was easy to get to know him and you just naturally felt comfortable when you were with him. Harold was the best kind of friend. He never forgot what was important, remembering even the smallest detail.

The widespread prosperity of the 1920’s ended with the stock market crash of 1929 and the great economic depression that followed. The Depression threatened people’s jobs, their savings – even their homes and farms. At the depths of the Depression, over one-quarter of the American workforce was out of work. For many Americans, these were hard times. As difficult as life was, a ray of happiness was shining on Grand Rapids, Michigan. On December 22, 1929, just a few days before Christmas, Harold W. Stewart was born.

Harold spent his youth growing up in Grand Rapids and attended Union High School. One day, when he was 15 years old, he was enjoying himself at the Highland Park swimming pool. He noticed that a very cute girl was also at the pool. Her name was Patricia and she was 11 years old. Young love blossomed between the two, and just a few year later, on October 29, 1949, Harold and Patricia were married at St. Alphonsus Church – she was 16 and he was 19. They just celebrated 54 wonderful years together.

Harold supported his family by working at the Lear Corporation. He was an electrical inspector, and was extremely proud to be part of the U2 spy plane, the space shuttle and other important projects. He retired after 36 years of faithful service.

As busy as he was, Harold made sure to make time for the fun things in life. He loved any activity that would let him be outside, and was an avid hunter and fisherman, taking the utmost care of his cherished guns and fishing gear. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, and riding in his hand-built hydroplane. He collected stamps and took great pleasure in traveling, especially to the casinos in Mississippi. The family had a cottage on a lake, and Harold was delighted to pull his kids on tubes, etc, behind the family pontoon boat. They also spent happy times playing volleyball at the cottage. He often said that the greatest day of his life was the birth of his first child.

Harold loved all kinds of food. From steak, hush puppies and reuben sandwiches to Chinese food and Spanish peanuts, his tastes were certainly international.

Harold W. Stewart, age 73, passed away Sunday, October 19, 2003. He was preceded in death by his son, James. He is survived by Patricia, his wife of 54 years; his children, Katherine and Michael Ostrander of Englewood, FL, Patricia and Roger Colvin of Cedar Springs, Cheryl Stewart of Sparta, David Stewart of Cedar Springs, and Robbin and David Simon of Kent City; 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; half-brother Bernard Stewart of Grand Rapids, step-sister Georgia Towns of Washington, half-sister Marilyn Ritzheim of Grand Rapids, and several nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 12:30 PM at the St. Alphonsus Church, 224 Carrier NE with interment in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may meet the family at the Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, 49504, on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM and at the church for one hour prior to the Mass. A Scripture Service will be held Tuesday at 7:45 PM at the funeral chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Home of Hope Hospice, 1175-68th, 49508. You may read Harold’s life story, leave a memory, or make a memorial contribution by visiting www.lifestorynet.com.

We are all blessed with different gifts. Harold’s was his ability to be a friend to all he met. He will be greatly missed.