Posted 9/09/05

PORT TOWNSEND, Wash. -- Josh Thomas Stewart, 44, of Port Townsend died Aug. 31, 2005.

He was born Sept. 16, 1960, in Seattle to Thomas G. and Sandra J. Stewart and was raised in Helena.

He was a graduate of Capital High School in Helena in 1978 and earned a bachelor's degree in construction engineering technology in 1985 from MSU-Bozeman.

Following graduation from college, he moved to Bakersfield, Calif., and worked for Peter Kiewitt Construction. He moved back to Montana in 1987 and worked for private engineering firms.

In May of 1990, he moved to Washington.

He married Casandra Lee Ann Lyght on Aug. 25, 1990, in Thompson Falls.

In April 1991, Josh hired on as designer/planning engineer with the city of Bellevue, Wash., with a focus on storm/surface water and wetlands. After 13 years working for the city, he moved to Port Townsend to be nearer his parents, grandmother and the water he loved so much. He hired on with Jefferson County Public Works in March 2004, where he worked until his death.

Josh will be forever remembered as an honorable man who earned the respect of everyone around him. He brought so much joy into the lives of his family and friends. Our lives will never be the same without him.

His passions were fishing, hunting and a curiosity and respect for all things in nature. He had a boundless love for the outdoors. He loved spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Casandra L. Stewart, Port Townsend; children, Ashby and Austin of Helena; and Amanda of Port Townsend; parents, Thomas G. and Sandra J. Stewart; grandmother, Ellen A. Sells; brother, Jeffrey (Kelly Jo) Stewart of Bothell, Wash.; and father-and mother-in-law, Jim and Gail Brown of Trout Creek.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Melvin Sells, Henry G. Stewart and Alice Stewart.

The memorial service is Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. at Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Port Townsend. A reception luncheon will be held following the memorial service.

Memorial contributions to the Family of Josh Stewart Memorial Fund can be made through any Bank of America Branch in Port Townsend.