John Michael Stewart

John was born on Friday, November 13, 1937, in Walla Walla, Washington.

Throughout his life, John had many passions. He loved drawing, chess, sailing, and traveling the world, feeling most at home by the ocean. He cherished his dogs, loved driving convertibles, and enjoyed a good morning espresso and fresh oysters. Japan was a continual source of inspiration for him - in work and life - a place he dreamed of and traveled to. John was passionate about art and design.

His career as an award-winning architect spanned over 55 years in Bellingham where he designed some of the town's most iconic landmarks and community spaces, including the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, the Depot Market Square, and the Fairhaven Village Green.

John was deeply devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; daughters, Catherine, Whitney, and Carter; grandchildren, Sydney, William, Calder, Agnes, and Axel; nephew Brendan Sinnott; and his sister, Carol (Stewart) Rae, and her family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lorene; and his son Michael Stewart. 

Creative, kind, unique and stubborn(!), he was loved and respected by his family and friends.

Though he wasn't one to seek out music, he had a soft spot for Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World", "I see skies of blue and clouds of white, the bright blessed days and the dark sacred nights...and I think to myself...what a wonderful world". Alzheimer's took his memories and his dignity, but his kind spirit and sense of humor shone through to the end. We will find him in the ocean, in the trees, in beautiful buildings and on our journeys - in this wonderful world he so delighted in.

We love you, Dad, and feel your presence in the spaces you shaped. You are missed and you are everywhere.