John R. Stewart, 62, of South Bristol, and Coral Bay, St. John USVI, passed away June 30, just seven weeks after his pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Despite the terrible odds, John met the challenge with all the fortitude and preparation that one would expect from a boat captain, and with the frankness, work ethic and good humor his friends and family knew and loved.
John’s life started inland, in Rochester, N.H., but soon moved to York, where he fell in love with the ocean and a blonde, blue-eyed beauty, two years his senior, when he was just 15. Marcia was instantly charmed by his smile and his infectious verve for life – not to mention his gifted guitar playing.
After John graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UNH with a degree in biological sciences, and Marcia attained her art degree from Syracuse University, they married and made their living in a variety of creative ways, choosing to raise their family in South Bristol so John could study at the Darling Marine Center. Their lives were rich and full of music, boating, laughter and good friends, with John always dreaming of what could be next.
His career path was winding, opportunistic and ambitious, including marine biologist, commercial SCUBA diver, oyster farmer, seafood processor, garden center and greenhouse (Holly Hill) owner, flower shop (Cottage Gardens) owner, horticulturist, arborist, stone mason and landscaper – with Marcia his partner in life and business at every step of the way. John’s most cherished occupation came in recent years when he became a charter boat captain in the Virgin Islands, taking passengers out in his vessel, Island Roots, for snorkeling and sightseeing. His dry wit, easy smile and expertise made him a natural.
His favorite things were working alongside his family on the homes they built in St. John and Louds Island, sailing with his wife, and enjoying and exploring the wonders of the natural world.
John was predeceased by his father, Don.
He is survived by his wife, Marcia; daughter, Erica; son, Sam; mother, Helen; sister, Judith; son-in-law, Lance; daughter-in-law, Amanda; three grandsons; and their many loving family and friends.
Memories can be shared at www.islandrootsusvi.com/captainjohn, and donations may be made in his name to the Coral Bay Community Council or the Maine Coast Heritage Trust.
A small gathering will be held on Louds Island, followed by a celebration of his life on Sat., Aug. 3 in Maine, and in St. John at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
