Karen Stewart Obituary

Karen Davey Stewart

December 29, 1952 - September 7, 2015

It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to our dear friend Karen.

Karen Davey Stewart, of Valdez, Alaska, formerly of Durango and LaGrange, Ill, died in an ATV rollover accident on Monday Sept. 7 near her home.

Karen got her spirit of adventure and love of the outdoors from her dad, George, and her tenacity and strength from her mom, Arlene. To know Karen was to love Karen. She had a way of looking at the world that put a twist of humor, creativity, compassion and fun into just about every occasion.

Karen moved to Durango in 1971 to attend FLC, where she earned her BA in education and sociology. She worked at Purgatory for many years, in ticket sales and as a courier. It was in Durango that she met and married John McCune. They moved to Valdez in 1988 where she began a career with Alyeska Pipeline that continued until the time of her death.

Karen helped pioneer helicopter skiing in Alaska with her late husband, John McCune. They were co-founders of the World Extreme Skiing Championships (WESC), which created a lasting and positive economic impact in the skiing industry in Alaska. In 1996, John was killed in an aviation accident while hunting in the Wrangell Mountains. In 2003, Karen met and married Brett Stewart of Valdez, AK.

She was an active member of the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive Association, City of Valdez Economic Diversification Commission, Valdez United Way, Junior Achievement, Valdez Gold Rush Days, Friends of the Valdez Animal Shelter, Valdez Elks Lodge No. 2537, Food Bank of Valdez, and KCHU Public Radio. She was honored with the Advocate for Victims of Violence "Woman of Distinction" award in 2008. Upon learning of her passing, Governor Bill Walker said, "Having just seen Karen a few weeks ago at a Valdez Gold Rush event, it was shocking news. Karen was such an inspiration to all of us who had the privilege of knowing her. Her support for Valdez and her family was truly inspirational."

We will miss Karen but we take comfort in the many "Karen Davey Stories" and memories that will keep her alive in our hearts.

Karen leaves behind her loving husband Brett, son Ryan McCune (Gianna), daughter Darcy (Mike) McCune Swymeler, stepson Nick Stewart (Kristi), grandchildren JonCarlo McCune, Quinn and Corbin John Swymeler, and River Stewart, father George Davey, brother Jeff Davey (Pam) and nieces Amanda, Carolyn, Kim and Laura Davey. Her mother Arlene, first husband John McCune and beloved dog Nutmeg preceded her in death.

Donations are being accepted in Karen Davey Stewart's name at any Wells Fargo Bank to establish an annual scholarship for a Valdez High School senior demonstrating outstanding community involvement.

A tribute service and potluck will be held Saturday, September 19, 2015 from 2-5 pm at the Valdez Civic Center. Friends are also invited to join the family in a memory-sharing event immediately following at the Valdez Elks Lodge.