Steven C. Stewart died of complications incident to pneumonia on Wednesday, April 11th at the University of Utah Medical Center just two days before his 64th birthday.
Steven Crane Stewart was born on April 13, 1937 in Salt Lake City to Irwin and Alta Crane Stewart of Bountiful, Utah.
Steves humor, spirit and determination touched thousands of lives.
The challenges of severe cerebral palsy did not limit the imagination, the spirit and the boundless energy of Steven C. Stewart. Steve was the first severely disabled person in Utah to graduate from a public high school - Bountiful High School, 1956.
Steves first love was radio. He wrote and produced his own radio show for KBBC in Centerville in the 1960s. He wrote copy for radio stations, KDYL, KALL, KMOR and KSL. He also served as a copywriter for Evans Communications and Brown & Company Advertising.
In addition to operating his own magazine subscription business, he served in public relations/fund raising posts for the Maurice Warshaw Foundation, Art Access, and the Adult Daytime Treatment and Supervision Center.
Steve did not believe in limitations. He conducted the Utah Youth Symphony in the William Tell Overture. He was a candidate for the Utah House of Representatives in 1978.
Steve was a tireless champion for all people with disabilities. Throughout his life he served on numerous committees, task forces and lobbying groups to improve the quality of life for the disabled. Through Steves persistence, the first curb was cut for wheelchair access in Salt Lake City in the 1970s.
Steve wrote his own biography, a suspense novel and screenplay. The screenplay was filmed in the summer of 2000 with Steve playing the leading role.
Steve was married to Evelyn Searle on May 4, 1978. Divorced 1993. Steve is survived by a half-brother, a step mother, many cousins, and about a billion friends.
On Steves behalf, his friends and family thank United Cerebral Palsy of Utah, the Utah State Division of Services for People with Disabilities, and the many healthcare workers at the University of Utah for going the extra mile to make Steves difficult journey a little easier.
Services will be held at ODonnell & Sons Mortuary, 372 East 100 South, Salt Lake on Saturday, April 14. Visitation 10:30 am. Services 11 am. Interment at Bountiful City Cemetery following services.
In lieu of flowers, please contact Carolyn Brown at 484-3994 or 524-8160 regarding donations for a gravesite marker.
A wake and wrap party will be held at the Dead Goat Saloon, Arrow Press Square, Salt Lake City at 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 15.