Upsetting news out of Florida this morning

[jeffregus]

Herbert Stewart just passed away a couple of minutes ago. I would appreciate it if you all would tell me about your relationship with him on this thread and give me some boating stories to read.

[Chris Harris]

I'm so sorry. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
The boating world will not be the same without Herb. He was "all out" when it came to running boats. The guy was relentless, something to behold for sure.
His recent records especially his 1/8 scale record was in incredible! I know he worked hard for it and he deserved it.

My most recent memories are of him and I this past April in the chase boat for hours trying to get the timing lights setup because of the high water conditions in Valdosta. He was a trooper and helped make it happen. I really appreciated his help!

Herb was the genuine article and he will missed.


Chris Harris

[Ub Hauled]

I never met Herb, but I feel like I did due to all the reputation that preceded him...
You can tell a lot about a man's character by his dedication and hard work... in my book,
Herb was a GREAT Man and it certainly showed in his hobby, better yet... his passion.
Be in peace Herb.

PS: To his family I wish strength to overcome this difficult time, I am very sorry for your loss.

J. Hermann

[sailr]

Jeffrey, I am at a loss for words just now. It's hard to type between the tears.

I am so proud of what Herb was able to accomplish this year. He and I worked hard together in the beginning of the quest for the electric outboard records. Here is a video of one of the first ones we put together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dswqwiyoX0Y

Herb was also the distinctive voice saying "DAMN" on a lot of my other videos.

I will miss him terribly. He was truly my best friend and I am proud to say I was his. Rest in peace ole buddy!

Jim Slaughter

[sailr]

I talked to Reed Eagle this morning. Apparently the guys from Jacksonville made it down yesterday with Herb's Hall of Fame plaque. That's great! I'm sure he's admiring it today in a better place.

[sailr]

There will be a service at the Merrit Funeral Home in Brooksville. As soon as I have the details I will post them here. The family has requested a donation to the Hospice in lieu of flowers. Here is the Hospice address. If you make a donation, please be sure to make it in honor of Herb Stewart.

Hernando-Pasco Hospice
12260 Cortez Blvd.
Brooksville, Fl, 34613

[properchopper]

My condolences to Herb's family and friends.Truly a loss that is hard to fathom.

Jeffrey, I never met Herb, but recently acquired one of his tunnel hulls. Not knowing anything about them, I posted on an outboard forum, asking for info. Several responses suggested that I call him, that he loved to talk and would be happy to help me get it set up. I regret never making the call. The boat is beautifully built, rock solid with a very unique asymmetrical sponson design. I'm about to go ahead with the build and hope to make it a tribute to your grandfather.

Tony Heller
SoCal Fast Electrics

[mike martin]

Herb will surely be missed . I will especially miss those late nights at valdosta listening to the stories of past. We would stay up till 2 or 3 in the mornning and by the time I would get up shortly after or before sunrise Herb would have already made 2 to3 runs . He loved this hobbie more than anyone I know.

Rest In Peace My Friend
It sure won't be same with out you

[highndry]

I had the pleasure of watching Herb race 30 years ago and got to know him more recently through Jim about two years ago. Herb would come to my place occasionally for our fun runs. Always helpful, encouraging and patient with those less experienced.

He was a true pioneer to our hobby and deserves every accolade we can offer.

Peace be with his family.

Mike Harvey

[sailr]

Here is the information regarding Herb's funeral. I hope some of his friends can make it. You can leave a condolence comment at the bottom of the obituary page. Click on Sign Guest Book.

The viewing is wednesday aug. 12, 2-3pm
memorial service 3pm
Merritt Funeral Home
Brooksville Chapel
2 South Lemon Avenue
Brooksville, Florida 34601
(352) 796-6699

Map:

http://maps.google.com/maps?rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7SKPB_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=merritt+funeral+home,+brooksville,+fl&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&cid=0,0,13614319777908772466&ei=bUuBSrCDBeCMtgeCsvjYCg&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1

Herb's Obituary

http://www.asimas.com/ASIMAS/merrittfuneral/obituaryDescription.jsp?domain_id=92&deceased_id=203378

[sailr]

Herb's funeral was very nice for those of you unable to attend. There was a very large gathering. About ten model boaters were able to be there. Several from the Tampa Bay area and two from Jacksonville.

At his funeral, there were storyboards with a LOT of pictures of Herb throughout his life and his model boating. Several of his boats were brought in and placed at the front near the casket. Very very nice. Also Prominently displayed was his IMPBA "Hall of Fame" plaque.

I took Casey Smock's nice pic of Herb and added some text, put it in a frame, and it was placed on the casket.

I met all of Herb's family. Nice people! His grandson Jeffrey is going to continue to run some of Herb's boats. I hope he can pick up where Herb left off. Herb would be so proud if he could keep the spirit alive.

Let's leave this thread up for a few more days and then we will close out this final chapter.

[Flying Scotsman]

That was a great tribute and to his friends and grandson, I suggest he would be a happy boy where he now abides

Fouggie

[Ken Haines]

Herb Stewart Photos

I found some additional photos of Herb at one of the Valdosta SAWS events.
I'm not really sure when this was, but that probably does not matter.
Enjoy the memories,
Ken

[sailr]

Thanks Ken. For those that didn't know Herb, that's me holding the big white tunnel and Herb is on the left.

[wirenut67]

I am very new to the hobby, and never met Herb, unfortunate, I only live minutes from Brooksville. My condolences to the family, and those of you here who were close to Herb.

By the words written here, he was obviously a huge influence to many.

Mike