Arthur Douglas Stewart Taught at High School

Arthur Douglas Stewart died on Tuesday, March 15 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston after surgery and a brief illness. He was born June 19, 1924 in the Bronx, N.Y., the only child of Arthur M. and Phoebe McGowan Stewart. He and his parents vacationed on the Vineyard from the time he was four months old. Doug graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in the Bronx and received his Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees from Columbia University Teachers College. He later completed graduate studies at Simmons College in Boston. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant J.G. in the United States Navy, and served in the Pacific during World War II. He was a devoted husband to his wife Kathryn for 56 years.

Doug began his long teaching career in New Rochelle, N.Y. in 1948 as a junior high school science teacher. In 1951, he and Kathryn moved to the Vineyard where he taught science and math first at the Edgartown High School and then at Martha's Vineyard Regional High School. During his tenure there he also served as chairman of the science department, retiring in 1980.

Doug was five times Master of the Martha's Vineyard Lodge and current Chaplain of the Oriental-Martha's Vineyard Lodge. He was a member of the George W. Goethals American Legion Post 257, also serving as Chaplain. He was a tenor soloist in the Martha's Vineyard Chorus.

A member of the First Baptist Church of Vineyard Haven, he served as trustee, deacon, treasurer and choir member. As a founding member of the local Scottish Society, Doug enjoyed celebrating his Scottish heritage by wearing his kilt and carrying banners in the July Fourth parade.

After his retirement, he repaired clocks and watches for many people on the Vineyard. He was well-known for the jokes and stories he shared with his many friends. With his wife he enjoyed traveling in the United States and abroad. Doug is survived by his wife, Kathryn, daughters Dr. Carolee Stewart and Barbara Stewart Lopes and grandchildren Dorian, Nathan, and Robyn Lopes. 

His graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 19, 11 a.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven officiated by the Rev. Roger Spinney with full military honors offered by the Veterans of Martha's Vineyard. Visiting hours will be held on Friday evening, March 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home on Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road in Oak Bluffs. A Masonic service will take place Friday at 7:30 p.m. offered by the Oriental-Martha's Vineyard Masonic Lodge. Donations in his honor may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 806, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. A memorial service will be held in June after the renovations are completed to the First Baptist Church.