Samuel Wade Stewart of Priest River passed away peacefully in his sleep early morning of Saturday, July 16, 2011, at the age of 78. He was born in Superior, Wisc., and settled in Priest River in 1979.

Samuel enjoyed gardening, reading, singing, playing with his favorite cat and dog and spending quality time with family and friends.

He worked at Milwaukee Railroad Co. in his early career, went to school in Minnesota and University of Arizona, got employed by the US Army corps of Engineers, worked at the Hoover Dam in Arizona, Wyoming, Libby, Mont., and Oldtown, ID, in which he served as a hydro power plant operator at Albeni Falls Dam. He retired on Sept. 3, 1993.

Samuel is survived by his loving wife, Esterlina Abatayo Stewart, and his children, Hannah Jean Stewart, Andrea Lariat, Jennifer Jaremko and Ruth Miles. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Bonnie, Hollie, Emery and Aoife.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Morris Stewart and Daphne (Connor), a brother, Quentin, and two sisters, Jean and Marie.

A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, July 24, at 2 p.m. at Pine Ridge Community Church, 1428 W. 1st Street, Newport, WA, with interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Priest River.

Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home in Priest River is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at sherman-knapp.com