Brad Stewart

Brad Stewart, 63, of Billings passed away on Aug. 14, 2024, doing what he loved: spending time on the Yellowstone River.

Brad was born in Joplin, Missouri, to George and Lou Ann Stewart on June 14, 1961. His beginnings in Missouri led to him being a lifelong fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. His family briefly lived in both Joplin and Salt Lake City before moving to his forever home, Billings. In Billings, he developed a passion for hunting, fishing, camping and skiing. One of his favorite childhood memories was riding the ski bus every Saturday to Red Lodge Mountain wearing jeans and his signature wool hat. Brad attended Poly Drive elementary, Lewis and Clark Middle School, and West High (class of 1979). He remains friends with many he grew up with. He graduated from Eastern Montana college with a degree in Accounting.

In January of 1984, Brad’s good friend Tom Madden introduced him to his future wife, Judy. They married in 1986 and would have celebrated their 38th anniversary on Sept. 6. Together, they had two sons: Tyler and Tucker, who changed his life for the better forever. He was an amazing husband and father and he loved his family fiercely. He was so proud of both his sons and the men they have grown to be. It was a priority for Brad that Tyler and Tucker’s friends felt welcomed in our home. He treated everyone with respect, patience, and was a mentor to many.

The majority of his professional career was spent working at Electrical Consultants, Inc. He frequently said how grateful he was that Dick McComish “took a chance on him.” He retired from ECI in December of 2023.

Besides his family, Brad’s passions included fishing, hunting (archery and gun) and any sport his kids were playing. He was a Little League umpire and never missed one of their games. In December of 2022, Brad met his first granddaughter, Willow, and was instantly her biggest fan. He loved every minute he spent with her and she loved her “grandpa.”

Creating traditions was important to him and his favorites were Friday “steak night (he grilled an amazing steak) and the annual family weekend at Chico Hot Springs. This started with just Brad and Judy, then the boys were added, then the boys’ friends were added, and then their girlfriends and wives and most recently little Willow. Chico was his happy place.

Since retiring, Brad has taken every opportunity to fish and golf. Just a couple weeks ago, his dream came true and he became a member of Pryor Creek Golf Club. I always remember him encouraging me to “keep my head down” and “just hit the dang ball.”

Surviving Brad is his wife, Judy; son Tyler (Jessica) of Billings; son Tucker (Kendra) of Draper, Utah; granddaughter Willow MacKenzie; his parents, George and Lou Ann Stewart of Billings; his father-in-law, Bud Olson of Choteau; brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Kathy Olson of Great Falls; his best friend, Tom Madden (Twyla Best); his two labs, Bella and Skye; and cousins Julie Schmitz, Scott Stith, Theresa Gorman and Greg Gorman; plus many, many, many friends.

Greeting Brad in heaven (preceding him in death) were his beautiful sister, Lori; his mother-in-law, Vi Olson; grandparents; and his precious dogs, Digger, Jack, Boo and Cody.

A celebration of Brad’s life will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, at the Rhoadside Event Center in Huntley. As Brad would have wanted, it will be casual, have good food and drink, and allow everyone to support each other as we grieve the loss of our husband, father, son and friend.

Brad would want you to take these things from his untimely death:

1. Don’t allow this accident to take away the joy and serenity of being on the Yellowstone River. When you are out there — think of Brad. Be safe and enjoy all that nature has to offer.

2. And … “the real fact of the matter is … we don’t know what tomorrow will bring and the only thing we really have is right now. So don’t stay mad for too long. Learn to forgive and love with all your heart. Live every day of your life the way you want to live it. Don’t worry about people who don’t like you — enjoy the ones who do.”

Special thanks to Tom Madden, Mike Erdman, Josh Seeley and Bryan Radcliff who selflessly assisted us in finding Brad. We are forever grateful.