Several prominent West Virginians
have issued comments regarding the death of former WVU head football coach Bill
Stewart:
West Virginia
University President
Jim Clements
"Mountaineer nation is truly saddened today to learn of the
untimely passing of Coach Bill Stewart. Our hearts go out to the Stewart family
and Bill's many friends. He was a compassionate, energetic, and kind person. He
loved his family dearly and was extremely community-oriented and very giving of
his time. He will be greatly missed."
West Virginia
University Director
of Athletics Oliver Luck
"Coach Stewart was a rock-solid West Virginian and a true
Mountaineer. His enthusiasm and passion for his state's flagship
University was infectious. We join
all Mountaineers in mourning his passing."
WVU football coach Dana Holgorsen
"Like all of us in the West
Virginia community, I am shocked and saddened by the
passing of Coach Stewart. The State of West Virginia,
our University and our football program has lost a true Mountaineer who gave
his native state university a decade of coaching service and a lifetime of
guidance and inspiration to thousands of young men over a 33-year career. Though
Coach Stewart achieved many great milestones on the field, we will most
remember his kindness and compassion. Our football family expresses our deepest
sympathy to Karen, Blaine and the extended Stewart family."
West Virginia
Senator Jay Rockefeller
"I was saddened to learn about the death of Bill Stewart
this afternoon. Bill loved West Virginia,
and he loved the student-athletes he worked with. My heart aches for his wife,
Karen, and their son, Blaine, and we should all keep the Stewart family in our
thoughts and prayers."
West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin
"Coach Stewart brought a new found pride to the
Mountaineer faithful as he led the football team in both competition and
character. Joanne and I are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Coach Stewart
and offer our sympathies to his family. Together, we ask that Mountaineers
everywhere keep the Stewart family in your thoughts and prayers during this sad
time."
Former West Virginia football coach Don Nehlen
"I'm very saddened. I hired Bill in my last year when I was
close to retiring. Bill was such a great Mountaineer and a great addition to
our staff. It was a terrific hire -- he did a great job not only for me, but
for Rich and as a head coach. Bill was such a great husband and a great father.
Bill Stewart was a great Mountaineer. My heart goes out to Karen and Blaine."
Cheryl Jones, RN, director of WVU Children's Hospital and
a friend of the Stewart family
"Coach Stewart meant the world to all of us at WVU Children's
Hospital. He was selfless of his time and always had the children's best
interest at heart. He brought himself and the players to visit the kids and
families because he wanted to not for show or because he had to. Coach Stewart
visited us on scheduled times but also came whenever a child or family
requested his presence. He always acted like he knew everyone he came in
contact with personally and made every child and adult feel like they were the
most special person in the world. He brought the players over before every home
game and always stayed longer than expected.
He was a great friend to Children's Hospital and was truly an ambassador
between WVU Athletics and WVU Children's Hospital.
His strong character, values and kind manner lifted one's
spirit. He will be missed by all who knew him and his friends in Children's
Hospital. My prayers are with Karen and Blaine during this very difficult time."
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