Robert Ralph "Bob" Stewart

Robert Ralph Stewart was born February 1, 1924 to Raymond and Mary Stewart (nee, Corazza) in Santa Maria California. On April 9, 2015, at the age of 91, he passed from this life at Serenity House in Santa Barbara from the loving arms of his family to take flight with the angels. Robert was a lifelong resident of Santa Barbara County. He was a varsity swimmer and graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1942. While attending the Southern California School of Aeronautics in 1943, he left the program to join the U.S. Navy, serving in San Diego and the South Pacific. While stationed in San Diego, Robert met the artist Orren Louden, who mentored Bob in the fine points of painting in oils. In 1945 they opened the Village School of Art in Ocean Beach. Bob’s paintings now grace the homes of many family members and friends. Robert met and dated the love of his life, Annette Kathleen Mahoney while they were students at Santa Maria High School. While stationed in San Diego, he would travel to meet his sweetheart who was attending UCLA. Bob and Annette were married August 16, 1947. They had seven children over the course of 20 years and for the 67 Years of their happy marriage; there was never a dull moment. Their children are: Susan (Dennis Rowe) of Maui HI, John Thomas of Lompoc, Robert (Gloria) of Santa Maria, Patti of Santa Ynez, William (Andrea Singer) of San Diego, and James (Jeanne) of San Mateo. Fourteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren have blessed the family. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Mary, his brother (and partner in crime) Jack, and his beloved daughter Mary Lou who welcomed her dad to heaven. Robert opened Stewart’s Body and Paint Shop in Guadalupe when he was a young man and continued the entrepreneurial spirit with his ownership and operation of the Guadalupe Milk Company, until passing the baton in 1973. In 1953 he was appointed Judge of the Guadalupe Justice Court, and at that time was the youngest judge in the state of California. He was reelected by the residents of Guadalupe every six years and was the last non-attorney judge in the state at the time of his retirement in 1978. Bob loved fast cars, ski boats, motorcycles and ridiculously large RVs, owning several of each during his many adventures. He was a member and past President of the Guadalupe Lions Club, a member of the Far Western Club, Elks Lodges Numbers 1538 and 613, was former Commodore of the San Luis Obispo Yacht Club, and former Commander of the American Legion Post 371. His family spent every summer in Avila beach until 1968, making many happy memories in the sand, surf, and on water skis with all of the extended Stewarts, Mahoneys, and the rest of the “Avila Beach Gang.” Kids on the beach would comically shriek, “Tarzan is coming!” when Bob headed down the beach with his surfboard in hand. In 1973, the Stewart family moved to Santa Barbara, where Bob and Annette have resided ever since. In retirement they traveled extensively. Their favorite adventures included long ocean cruises and RV travel shenanigans with the Elks Club Caravaneers. The couple loved to dance and spent many years happily making friends and stepping out on the floor with the Harmony Dance Club. Bob could build or fix anything like a “MacGyver” and could spin a yo-yo and play a mean harmonica until his last days. He had a tremendous work ethic that he instilled upon his kids and always had a project in the works until time slowed his steps. Robert had a keen sense of humor and was always a tough audience, but he loved his family and friends deeply and was fiercely loyal. He worked tirelessly to ensure the happiness and secure futures of his loved ones. Your work is done now Dad—See you later alligator….and that’s no malarkey! The family sends a special thank you to Jesus Pantoja for his devotion and friendship, and to the staff of Serenity House, especially Chaplain Carol DeTrana, for their gentle care of our father and family. A Vigil Service is scheduled for 7:00 PM, Thursday, April 16th at the Welch Ryce Haider Chapel in Goleta, and the Funeral Mass will be Friday, April 17th at 10:00 AM at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Serenity House, 930 Miramonte Dr. Santa Barbara, CA 93108, to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund @ http//curealz.org, or to Santa Barbara Alzheimer’s Association, 1528 Chapala St. Suite 204, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

Robert Ralph "Bob" Stewart

February 1, 1924 - April 9, 2015