Harold L. “Bud” Stewart

STEWART, Harold L. “Bud”, 85, FORT MYERS, FL & PRESQUE ISLE, August 11, 2012. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the Congregational Church of Presque Isle. Arrangements are in the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Homes, Presque Isle.

FORT MYERS, FL & PRESQUE ISLE – Harold L. “Bud” Stewart, 85, passed away August 11, 2012, after a brief illness. Bud was born November 3, 1926, in Linneus, Maine, to Harry and Hilda (Grant) Stewart.
    Bud grew up in Houlton. By the time he reached high school, the United States was fully involved in WW II, and wanting to serve his country, Bud enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 16. He served as a gunner’s mate on a destroyer which toured through the South Pacific. After the war, Bud returned to Houlton and as many servicemen was allowed to graduate with his high school class of 1944.
    Bud attended Ricker College in Houlton and the University of Maine at Orono. While at Ricker, he met the love of his life, Carol Deane of Easton who was a teacher at Ricker. They married in March of 1950. Two years later, they had their first child, Debbie.
    After graduating from Maine, Bud still felt the need to serve his country. He enlisted in the US Army and served as a second Lieutenant in Korea. After his service in the Army, Bud was accepted to Georgetown University Law School and graduated with honors in 1956.
    Bud and Carol made many memories while living in DC while he attended law school, especially his time working on Capital Hill. After law school, Bud and Carol returned back to Maine and settled in Presque Isle where Bud practiced law for 50 years. He also served a term in the Maine Legislature and later on the Governor’s Council. He also served on various boards in the community, including 10 years on the local school board and numerous years on the Northern Maine Fair Association. One of his proudest accomplishments was assisting to help push through legislation for the initial forming and funding of the Northern Maine Vocational and Technical Institute, now known as Northern Maine Community College.
    Bud is survived by his son, Harold “Hal” Stewart, II of Presque Isle who is forever grateful for the love, wisdom and life lessons his father passed on to him, not just as a child growing up but also during the 20 years that they practiced law together. And most important to his heart, Bud is survived by his grandchildren, Trey, 18; Meredith, 17; and Grant, 13; who each proudly and lovingly called him “Grandfather” at his insistence as he joked he always wanted to be “grand” at something. A special mention is also owed to his niece’s daughter, Lee-Rae “Ralph” Oliver of Hodgdon who always touched his heart with her writings of the family.
    Bud was predeceased by his parents and both of his brothers, Lee and Paul. He was also predeceased by his wife, Carol in 2009 shortly before their 59th wedding anniversary, and was also sadly predeceased by his daughter, Debbie who died shortly after Carol.
    Friends and family may call on Wednesday, August 15, 2012, from 6-8 p.m. at Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church Street, Presque Isle. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the Congregational Church of Presque Isle, the Rev. Dr. Robert Grove-Markwood officiating. A reception will follow services at the church. Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at www.duncan-graves.com