Richard Lewis Stewart's Obituary

Emory Clarence Smith's Brother in Law

Richard L. Stewart 1919 ~ 2010


Richard Lewis Stewart, age 91, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2010 from natural causes, only 12 hours after the funeral services of his beloved wife. He will leave a large void in the lives of his family and friends. Richard was born on July 14, 1919 to Margaret Gladys Anderson and Orem Henry Stewart in Salt Lake City, Utah and married Phyllis Louise Smith on January 2, 1940. They were in love for 75 years, celebrating their 70th anniversary this past January. A graduate of Cypress High School in Magna, Utah, he was student body president of the Class of 1937. Richard attended Woodbury Business College in Los Angeles, CA where he majored in business administration. Later, he began employment with the Utah Copper Company in 1936 and ended employment with Kennecott Copper Corporation on April 30, 1960 as the assistant director of public relations. When he left Kennecott Copper, he took a position as an insurance agent with the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States until he retired. Dick was active in various civic affiliations: membership chairman of the Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce, Salt Lake Exchange Club, United Fund, Junior Achievement Program, American Field Services (foreign exchange students), and New Horizons Mental Health Organization. Other memberships included the Fort Douglas Hidden Valley Country Club and the University Club. Outside interests were tennis, golf, fishing, and figure skating. A veteran, he served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a member of the LDS church. His legendary sense of humor and quick wit provided levity for family and friends up to his final hour. With his extraordinary memory, he entertained all in his presence with his skillful storytelling. The greater community lost a treasure trove of oral history about the greater Salt Lake Valley, especially downtown Salt Lake and the Garfield-Magna area. He had a vast knowledge of the early days of the Utah Copper Company and the operations and personnel of Kennecott Copper at the mine, mill, and smelter up to the 1960's. Richard is survived by his son, Richard Scott Stewart (wife Barbara) of Porterville, California, and a daughter, Leslie Stewart Elliott of Costa Rica; three grandchildren, Paul Lewis Stewart (wife Carole), Amy Stewart Weber (husband Tony), and Joshua David Knudson (wife Rocio), and seven great-grand-children. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Pauline Richardson, his loving wife Phyllis Smith Stewart and a daughter, Martha Louise Stewart. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn located at 2350 East 1300 South in Salt Lake City. Friends may call at the mortuary from 11:45 to 12:45 before the service. Following the service, interment will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery at 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Turn Community Services.