Royce Stewart Jr.

Royce Stewart Jr., of Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on December 10th at El Castillo Memory Care, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Born on August 13, 1947, in Seymour, Indiana, Royce earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was proud to have been appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy. He ultimately chose to pursue engineering at Purdue University where he earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and an M.B.A. at Indiana University/Purdue University-Indianapolis. During his career he focused on telecommunications and contributed to several organizations including AT&T, Western Electric, Lucent Technologies, and Tellabs. Later in life, he joined his wife, Carolyn, at Red Mountain Energy Partners where they supported renewable energy studies for Native American communities.

Kind, caring, and good-natured, Royce was best known for his ready smile, youthful appearance, and keen intelligence. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and his insights and humor were treasured by his family. He was an outstanding Trivial Pursuit competitor, but his real love was sports. He served as a youth soccer referee for many years, and cheered on Purdue University basketball/football, the Chicago Bears, and the Chicago White Sox. A seasoned traveler, he visited all 50 states and numerous countries.

He faced his Alzheimer's diagnosis with grace, humility, and bravery, selflessly participating in several clinical trials in the hope of helping others in the future. Royce was also an early participant at Life Circle Day Center – Santa Fe, a community program serving individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer's. He loved the activities, music, and connection it offered.

Royce is survived by his wife, Carolyn Stewart; his daughter, Jill Pell; his stepchildren, Kathryn Ferraro and Kristofer Lenz; his grandchildren, Samuel Pell, Nicholas Pell, Grace Pell, Evelyn Ferraro, Elisabeth Ferraro, Emmylou Lenz, and Marlowe Lenz; and his siblings, John Richard Stewart, Robert Stewart, and Beverly McWilliams. He was preceded in death by his parents, Royce Stewart Sr. and Annabelle Stewart, and his son, David Stewart.

A memorial service will be held for Royce in late January at the United Church of Santa Fe. His family asks that in lieu of flowers, expressions of condolence be shared with Life Circle Adult Day Center (lifecirclenm.org).