Oil Patch Bits: Basil Gerard Stewart (1957-2018)

Petroleum News

Basil Gerard Stewart has left us way to soon because Heaven was short on “Kind Gentle Giants” and called Basil home to fill the need and end his battle with cancer on the morning of Nov. 24, 2018, at home in Chugiak, Alaska, with his true love by his side. Born on Nov. 14, 1957, to Jerry and Sharon Stewart, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Basil was big brother to Jodi Chamberlain and Scott Stewart; uncle to Stephen and Andrew Rohrer; nephew to Carol Thompson; and special cousin to Peggy Theil and all the rest the Lutzow/Stewart family; and Poppa Bear to Heather and Dillon Henneman, Joshua, Kira and Kamary Young; and soulmate to Regina Henneman for more than 21 years.

Basil graduated from Mukwonago High School and Lincoln School of Auto Body in Denver, Colorado, and then following his parents to Alaska, Basil opened Bear’s Automotive in Peters Creek. For many years he was fixing and painting cars and helping everyone. Then he joined his father and brother in their business in 1988, with Arctic Control Inc., making it a true family business for the last 30 years.

A quiet man, with a large presence by just walking into the room, Basil was a kind soul, a well-respected businessman, with a huge giving heart ... you may have known Basil by one of his many, many names - Base (nickname by Dad), BG in the younger years by Jodi and Scott, Bear by all of his friends, Poppa Bear by Heather and Dillon, “Bagel” by little Joe, sweet Basil and my gentle giant by Regina, and an occasional Bazil, Beezal and Parsley used, too! A smile came to his face hearing Poppa Bear and Bagel.

From playing Santa Claus for years at the Petroleum Club, to hours of time for the Eagle River Lions and the Eagle River Elks Lodge, to buying Girl Scout cookies from one little troop at one door and then the other, or the same with the Boy Scouts, Basil gave to all.

Basil was fearless in his fight with cancer and took the challenge straight on, never once complaining. Many thanks for all the thoughts and prayers for Basil, and the help from the kind staff of both Alaska Oncology and Surgical Specialists of Alaska.

A special “thank you” to the angels on earth disguised as nurses at Alaska Regional Hospital - the SPCU 3 Team with Pam and the entire 6th Floor Med Oncology Team.

As per Basil’s wishes, there will be no services. A Celebration of Life was held Dec. 9 at the Eagle River Lions Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of Basil’s favorite organizations and would be appreciated: Blood Bank of Alaska, Eagle Rivers Lions Club, American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.