Alan L. Stewart, 58, of Fredonia, NY passed away on August 25th following a brief illness. He accepted the fact that his disease was terminal by focusing on simple pleasures and relishing every moment he could spend on his property that he called his sanctuary. Despite pain and suffering, he expressed gratitude and appreciation for his family and friends, and he was content with a life well-lived.
Born in Sayre, Pennsylvania on October 11, 1963, he grew up in Candor, NY, the son of Fenton and Betty Jo Stewart. He loved growing up in a small community and had endless stories of mischief and mayhem.
He moved to Fredonia in 1983 to attend SUNY Fredonia where he graduated cum laude with a BA in English and a concentration in writing and filmmaking. Two of his passions were movies (primarily monsters and zombies) and reading. He devoured books, both print and audio, and nothing made him happier than a story well-told.
Shortly after moving to Fredonia, he met the girl of his dreams, and he married her on September 3, 1988. He and his bride, Kimberly (Nolan) Stewart lived in Elmira, NY during the early years of their marriage, where Alan worked at Channel 18, producing TV commercials and local promotions. After returning to Chautauqua County, Alan spent several years as a senior designer at New Era Cap and then at Manzella Products. Following that, he and Kimberly started their own business, The Heartstone Company, where he worked diligently and creatively until a few days before his death.
Alan’s passion for learning and his creativity burned brightly until the very end. He recently expressed regret that he would not have enough time to learn a new design software that was being released. He loved technology, art, and music. Mostly, he loved his daughter, Morgan Rae Stewart, who was the pride and joy of his existence, his wife Kimberly, and their four quirky dogs (even the small one who he pretended he didn’t like).
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, his daughter, Morgan, his sister Victoria (Rick) Parker, and his nephews Devon and Ethan Parker. He is pre-deceased by his parents, Fenton and Betty Jo Stewart, and a sister, Pamela Stewart. He will be deeply missed by his extended family members and friends and will forever be remembered for his compassionate heart and his giant sense of humor.
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life gathering on Saturday, September 10th at the Masonic Lodge, 321 E. Main Street, Fredonia, starting at 1:00 pm. On-line condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler,
LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home.