Michael C. Stewart, known as Mike, Mikey or Stew, was born in St. Paul, Minn., on Jan. 3, 1956, and grew up in San Francisco, Calif. He moved to Whidbey Island in 1996 and retired in Oak Harbor. After a long battle with cancer, Michael died in peace, surrounded by close friends and family on Dec. 7, 2015. He was 59 years old.

He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Stewart; sister Terry Stewart; brother Paul Stewart; and close friends Virginia and Kim de Long, Wendy Rue and Tom Primavera, Brian Kidder, Marc Shaw, and Dave and Denice Walton. He was an uncle to Courtney Stewart, Kacey House and Joseph and Christopher Lerma. Michael predeceased his mother Ida Mae and brother David Stewart.

Michael served in the Marine Corp as a young man and had a long career as a firefighter. Much of his career was at Treasure Island and Whidbey Island Naval Base. During his long career he was awarded and thanked for his expertise and service. There are too many awards and honorable mentions to list.

Mike was a loyal and stubborn friend. He loved the great outdoors and playing basketball. He enjoyed motorcycle tours with his closest friends. Mike shared many adventures with his best buddy, his dog Harley. Harley was 16 years old when he died in March 2015.

We all hope Mike is walking with Harley and enjoying a grand new adventure where the days are long, the sun always shines and it never rains.

A memorial is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18, at 3680 North Ranger St., NAS, Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, 98277. It will be hosted by Navy Region NW Fire Emergency Services, Stations 71 and 70.