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Memorial for Harry Eugene Stewart
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Born in Indianapolis, IN on Mar. 24, 1931
Departed on Mar. 3, 2015 and resided in Greenville, SC.
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Clemson Professor Emeritus Dr. Harry ("H") Eugene Stewart, scholar and athlete, died on March 3, 2015 in Greenville, SC.
Dr. Stewart was born in Indianapolis, IN to the late Mabel and Luther Stewart. After he completed his undergraduate degree in French and English at DePauw University, he spent the summer in Middleburg College's language immersion program as a prelude to a year at L'Université de Grenoble, France. On his return to the US, he completed his MA and PhD University, then continued at Kent State and Tulsa University. In 1971 Dr. Stewart was recruited by Clemson University as Professor and Department Head to establish their language department, a position he held until 1989. He continued to teach French and World Literature until he retired in 1996.
A medievalist by education, Dr. Stewart also specialized in Twentieth Century French Literature concentrating on such authors as Sartre, Becket, and Ionesco. His main research focused on Jean Genet, a French writer, authoring a number of scholarly articles and books about Genet. In addition, his research on and interest in drama led him to direct student actors in French plays and to encourage his colleagues to similarly promote acting as an
effective learning strategy for foreign languages.
As a professor, he was a charming but relentless guide, expecting exemplary and flawless academic performances from his students. As an administrator, Dr. Stewart was a strong department chair who not only advocated for classroom excellence from fellow faculty, but expanded the focus of the language department so that professors would become active scholars as well as teachers.
Basketball in the DNA of many Hoosiers – and Dr. Stewart was not an exception. A fiercely competitive player, he was proud to have played four years of varsity basketball at DePauw with an extraordinarily accomplished group of fellow scholar athletes, most of whom became life long friends, and all of whom were successes in their respective professions. In addition to teaching French and German at University of Richmond, he coached the freshman basketball team. At
Clemson University, he spent many happy hours in Littlejohn Coliseum, watching men's games and many of the women's. His passion for the sport targeted teams where traditional, intellectual strategies and close teamwork prevailed, like those of Bobby Knight and Coach K that he closely followed. He carried his athletic discipline throughout his life, playing tennis, running, and shooting hoops in pickup games.
Dr. Stewart had driving, catholic interests that encompassed diverse areas – science, theology, contemporary humor, theatre, sociology. He was a delightful raconteur, one who loved to laugh with the joy he brought others. He thrived on intense dialogues and deep thoughtful discussions. Dr. Stewart was always able to put aside his daunting verbal fluency to bring an intent focus on someone who needed his advice or guidance. His passion for teaching and knowledge translated well into his parenting. As a father he was a nurturing man, proud and protective. He developed a profound friendship with his son, and was a life mentor who shared all the things he loved with both his children. His friends, who called him H, recognized quickly that his marriage to Karen made him happier than he had ever been.
Dr. Stewart is survived by his wife, Dr. Karen LaFleur-Stewart of Greenville, SC; by his former wife, Nan Stewart of Indianapolis, IN; and their two children, J. Scott Stewart of Greenville, SC and Dr. Lynn Stewart Blake of Montgomery, AL. He is also survived by nieces and newphew, Elizabeth Dale, Anita Kay Dale and Mike Dale all of Lebanon, IN, and their children.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Department of Languages, Clemson University, 717 Strode Tower, Clemson, SC 29634 or the Alzheimer's Association (http://www.alz.org).
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