“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” Henry David Thoreau.
Tom Stewart, 67, previously of Las Vegas, Nev., recently returned to Meeker to spend his last weeks at home. Tom passed away Friday, Sept. 5, 2014, at the Veterans Hospital in Grand Junction.
Tom was born in Meeker to Stanley and Nellie Stewart. Tom was the fourth child of nine. His siblings were: brothers Albert (deceased); Vern (deceased); Gary, Ted, Frank and Bill; and sisters, Reba and Jean.
Tom was a rebel, leaving home at an early age, joining the Navy to see the world. He loved his life, and he only looked back a few times.
Tom had a great sense of humor, a wonderful smile and an immense talent for painting the world around him. He loved nature and he loved the city of Las Vegas (go figure). Tom will be missed.
Tom did not wish to have a memorial service, and even though we have only wonderful things to say about the Grand Junction VA Hospital, Tom did feel that the politicians in Washington need to fix this broken system, which continues to give so freely of their lives to keep safe our freedoms.
So, in lieu of flowers, Tom asked that if it is your wish to please call up you congressman and hold them accountable for the careless disregard of caregiving in many of our nation’s Veterans Administration hospitals.