Service Set Thursday For Fisherman Jeff Stewart, 62
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- Created on Wednesday, 27 December 2023 08:33
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Jeffery Bryan “Jeff” Stewart
Jeffery Bryan “Jeff” Stewart, 62, passed away unexpectedly on December 18, 2023, in Sitka.
Jeff was born in Grants Pass, Oregon, on September 25, 1961, but within two weeks the family headed north, so if you asked him he’d say he was Alaska born and raised.
From the beginning his life was hunting, fishing, and enjoying everything Alaska had to offer. Jeff took after his dad (Corky), living the life of a commercial fisherman; he loved being on the water and was one of the best, some call him legendary.
Jeff fished from Dutch Harbor to Ketchikan, fishing out of Sitka since 1982. Whether he was Captain or crew never mattered – you would find him in the wheelhouse or on deck doing what he did best.
His quests included longlining, and trolling on the Republic, C-Lady, and Snark, among others.
Jeff spent his life doing what he loved. He was always up for an adventure, and had a huge heart – you could always count on his being there for others, no matter the circumstance or weather.
Playing cribbage was a favorite pastime for Jeff. He would tell you he didn’t play much, but he’d say it with a huge grin.
Above everything, Jeff cherished his family – he was so proud of his children, and would beam talking about them. He was a wonderful son, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be missed beyond words.
Jeff and Virginia Witham (deceased) are survived by their four amazing children, sons Wesley and Ficher, and daughters Jessica and Karlee, all of Sitka.
Jeff also is survived by his mother Sharon Bunch; sisters, Dianne Blumer (Doug) of Anchorage and Jenette Matlock, and Kari Wheeler, both of Palmer; and nieces and nephews, Jayme Jones, Dustin Jones, William “Jeff” Jones, Shaley Hunt, Skylar Matlock and Brady Wheeler.
Jeff was a longtime member of the Sitka Moose Lodge #1350, where you would often find him among friends, talking in a language only those who knew him well could clearly understand.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Sitka Moose Lodge at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jeff’s children. An account under the name of “the Stewart Children” has been set up at First National Bank Alaska.
“We will miss you so much and you will forever be in our hearts,” his family and friends said.
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Photo caption: Mary Lou Colliver presents Sitka Fire Dept. Acting Chief Dave Swearingen a check for $325 to help restore the 1926 Chevrolet fire truck originally purchased by Art Franklin. Colliver donated the money after her business, Colliver Shoes, borrowed the truck to use during Moonlight Madness. The truck is in need of an estimated $20,000 worth of restoration work, Swearingen said.
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