Bradford James Stewart

August 13, 1956 - May 21, 2022

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Brazilian Room at Tilden Regional Park,

Tilden Park

Berkeley, CA

Monday 6/27, 6:15 pm

Celebration of Brad’s Life

Live Stream Link

Bradford J. Stewart’s Story
August 13, 1956 to May 21, 2022

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
(unknown)

Brad was 65. He relished his life in Berkeley, his walks with Blaze, and his many travels with Janice. He was one of the rare humans that had a multitude of friends from all parts of his life, and actually kept in touch with them – whether through funny texts, pictures of travels on Instagram, or emails forwarding the latest music video or crazy political stunt.

He was a larger-than-life presence.

Brad grew up in Fresno, California – and left there as soon as he could. He moved to Santa Barbara, California to attend The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) where he completed a Master’s in Geography. He told wild tales of living on the beach in Carpinteria for his first few months at UCSB – sleeping outside most of the time. Brad loved his 24 years in Santa
Barbara and made many long-lasting friendships there. He started his 25 plus year career in environmental consulting at URS and ended it at SAIC, where he met Janice, his wife. Brad and Janice were together for 25 years, and were married for 18 years.

Brad was a big brother and mentor to many, with friends of all ages everywhere. He was a renaissance man with a passing knowledge of nearly everything. He had a passion for music – of all types – especially live music. He was intensely curious about the world around him – in the big political events, but also in the small wonderful and quirky moments of everyday life. He documented many of these events in pictures, delighting all with his images.

Brad had a special place in his heart for Blaze, his and Janice’s furry black bundle of specialness. This love of dogs was a gift from Janice, a dog lover from way back.

Brad was a coffee snob, a punster extraordinaire, a lover of food (fine or otherwise) and bourbon. He was a good cook and enjoyed gatherings with his fellow Iron Chefs. He treated many of his friends to his culinary delights, either in the kitchen or on the grill. His sense of humor and wit was legendary – and with his laughter, helped to make this crazy world more bearable. Brad had a lifelong love of cycling and was happiest tuning into World Cycling events throughout the year.

He and Janice were lucky to travel the world diving, exploring and enjoying the beauty and variety of nature. Their trips took them to Belize, where they owned a house for many years; to Indonesia and the South Pacific for amazing diving adventures; to Italy for the best food and wine anywhere; and to Switzerland to visit good friends and take in the healing waters. Every
summer Brad and Janice traveled east to visit the family farm in Virginia and to spend a long lovely month on Gilmore Pond in New Hampshire, surrounded by friends and many generations of Janice’s family.

Once established in Berkeley, Brad was involved in the creation and care of two West Berkeley community parks, Schoolhouse Creek Common and West Street Park. In addition, Brad was secretary of the Berkeley Partners for Parks Board.

The Berkeley Partners for Parks newsletter said about Brad: “Whether digging weeds and promoting pollinators on the Santa Fe Right-of-Way, or writing clear and detailed notes and organizing Zoom meetings, Brad was unfailingly cheerful, warm, patient and generous.”

Brad survived a devastating dissecting aortic aneurysm 19 years ago, and was recovering from a recently diagnosed leak in his aorta when he died peacefully at the hospital with Janice at his side. All who knew him are happy that we had 19 extra years with this wonderful man.

Brad is remembered and missed by Janice Wenning, his wife; his mother, Maxine Stewart; his brother Geoff Stewart (Laurie Stewart); mother-in-law Margaret Wenning; brother-in-law Jim Wenning (Pam Wenning), sister-inlaw Nancy Wenning, brother-in-law Paul Wenning (Tamara Wenning); 9 nieces and nephews, and many relatives. He is mourned by his many friends, who adored him and who will miss him terribly.

Brad and Janice shared great friendship, enduring love, and much laughter.

We will gather to CELEBRATE BRAD’S LIFE ON JUNE 27th, 2022 AT 6:15 PM at the Brazilian Room at Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley, California. For more information on the Brazilian Room and directions, please see the East Bay Regional Park website ( www.ebparks.org )

We will be live streaming the ceremony for those who cannot attend in person. Further details will be updated on this Memorial Page or you can contact Janice at wenningj@comcast.net.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Berkeley Partners for Parks (www.bpfp.org). Please designate your donation in honor of Brad Stewart, and specify the partner group for those parks that Brad was most involved with – either Schoolhouse Creek Common or Friends of West Street Park.

We are so lucky to have known him.

Brazilian Room at Tilden Regional Park,

Tilden Park

Berkeley, CA

Map

Monday 6/27, 6:15 pm

Celebration of Brad’s Life

Live Stream Link

Bradford J. Stewart’s Story August 13, 1956 to May 21, 2022 “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” (unknown) Brad was 65. He relished his life in Berkeley, his walks with Blaze, and his many travels with Janice. He was one of the rareContinue Reading

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I am so sorry to hear about Brad‘s passing. I worked with him for many years, and he was truly a unique individual and special individual. I always enjoyed our conversations and his patient way of explaining things. I was so happy for him and Janice when they got married. They were such a wonderful couple and I loved hearing about their many adventures together. My heart goes out to Janice and their families. His passing is truly a significant loss.

Dear Janice, I appreciated the ability to watch the livestream and share in the memories. I remember Brad the most from 9th grade through the summer I lived with him in Santa Barbara in 1975 and then sporadically since. We were absolute best friends for 5 years from age 14-19, with so many shared experiences in those formative years. Realizing I've known him for 52 years and the joy it was to be a part of his life. He truly always was a good guy all the way back then! Thank you for your friendship and and welcoming of us, including the special trip to Belize! Judy and I have been praying for you and asking God to comfort your heart and give you peace! Love, Matthew and Judy

Dear Janice, may memories soften the edges of grief now and support you as life unfolds and you create new connections with Brad's spirit. His absence is deeply felt and is only balanced with memories of his stories of concerts he attended, adventurous travel itineraries, extravagant Halloween pumpkin displays, welcoming holiday parties and his generous plates of tasty pork tenderloin at Friday park-night. With condolences, Jason Popko, Juliana Jones and Roman & London

Dear Janice, My heart is with you during this most difficult phase of your life. We can't imagine not having Brad around. Of course, you will always be my bestie. But we had such great times together as a foursome. Brad and Mike got along so well... It was such fun to watch them share recipes, cocktail tips, and goofy jokes. I will especially miss Brad's corny puns. He was just such a fun person to hang out with. He was an imposing figure, but a gentle giant. I can't ever remember hearing Brad say mean or angry words to me or others in my presence. We had so much fun together - us four - in Belize. There were the many diving and snorkeling trips we took together... the many meals we shared, being next door neighbors at Grand Baymen. And, Brad became our go-to guy when it came to computer issues and set ups. He was so patient. That started when we worked together at SAIC. Then he became our computer go-to guy in retirement. Thank goodness we had that Skype call the week before Brad's heart gave out. I am so grateful for that. He was typical Brad that day, although a bit goofy from the drugs. He went into infinite detail about how cool the hospital design was... We will remember that call fondly, as well as all the special times we spent together as a foursome. Much love, Ann & Mike

Dear Janice, I read the obituary for Brad with tears and smiles. It is beautifully written and indeed captures Brad’s life and legacy. All my memories of him are flooding my brain and heart. If I reflect on my life, my most special “guy friend’ will always be Brad. Driving in his green Saab to URS ski vacations to Mammoth Mountain, too many parties to list, working with him at URS on Michelana Street, Brad helping clueless me do my taxes as a young pup entering the professional workforce, talking for hours on end, laughing at his sense of humor, and listening to music while consuming adult beverages. Please know that Bob and I are very sad for you and all of us who were blessed to know Brad. With deepest sympathy, utmost respect, and love, Karen Olsson Bull

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

A sad farewell to a great person -- I am missing you Brad, and I shall always remember your gracious presence, sense of fun, humor, wit, fabulous pie creations, and special beverage concoctions! Rest in power! XXOO Claudia

Our condolences! He won't be forgotten in our hearts, still remember when entering the house the warm energy, Brad knowing about my little motherland even the folk music it was impressive, his pies were to die for my favorite pecan pie the care he showed for my Janice he was a good man won't forget you, thank you! May your soul be blessed wherever you are!

He was a great, quiet guy. I feel lucky to have gotten to know him. He hid his knowledge with humility. And told terrible puns. You captured him perfectly, Janice.

Dear Brad, RIP I'm so sorry. You lived a full life and will be so missed. I shall remember you each December when holiday festivities come around.

I only knew Brad for a few months but what a special guy he was! Soft spoken and interested in so many diverse subjects, we had some lovely conversations. I was proud to be entrusted to document ? the fledgling hummingbirds (his "grandbirdies") when he was off diving in the deep blue sea ?. Swim far and fly free Brad ?

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.