Daniel Evan Stewart

Daniel Evan Stewart, age 73, of Port Orchard, WA, passed away on July 6th, 2023.

Dan was born on November 25, 1949, to Bruce “Buzz” W. Stewart and Mary A. Stewart in Tacoma, WA. Dan graduated from South Kitsap High School in 1968. After High School, Dan worked as a logger and beer truck driver. During the early 70s, Dan joined the Army National Guard, where he served briefly. Later he took an apprenticeship in the Sprinkler Union to become a Sprinkler Fitter, where he retired after many years working as a Foreman/Supervisor for Sprinkler Fitters Union Local 699. In 1989, Dan purchased the Bethel Tavern and reopened the business in April 1990. In later years, the Bethel gained the current name of the Bethel Saloon. Dan retired as owner/operator of the Bethel Salon in April 2012. Upon retirement, Dan became a full-time “Snowbird.”

Dan loved spending time with his family and friends, and while he was the “big, tough guy on the block,” Dan loved his family and friends unconditionally.

Dan was always known as a lover of sports; he not only enjoyed watching sports but, more importantly, he enjoyed playing. Dan played Men’s Softball, Basketball, was an avid Water-skier until he was 60. Bowling and Pool were another of his favorite events to participate in. When Dan played sports, he didn’t just play for fun; he and his long-time friends played to win! The teammates that played Softball and Basketball with Dan from their early adult years strove to be the best, and they brought home many trophies and multiple State Championships in the two sports. As if it wasn’t enough to have champ titles in Men’s Softball and Basketball, Dan also brought home a Champion title in Pool.

Over the many years of Dan’s life, he lived by a few mottos, “Work Hard, Play Harder” and “Live Life, Ride Hard.” As a father, Dan instilled these values in his children. Many of Dan’s fondest memories were living up to those mottos. Dan also made many memories of traveling with family and friends for many years. In his early years, summer vacation was at Sun Lakes State Park in Eastern WA with many jumps from the cliffs and cuts on the water from his ski. He also enjoyed camping, boating, waterskiing, and spending time on the Hood Canal and Mason Lake. As kids grew and moved into their own lives, Dan started traveling; he greatly enjoyed his adventures with his friends in Costa Rico, Mexico, Mazatlán, and Hawaii. As life slowed, Dan enjoyed spending his winters as a “Snowbird” in Yuma, AZ playing golf, taking rides in the desert, and relaxing in the sun.

While many may not know Dan as a long-time athlete, they did know him and his beautiful Harley Davidson motorcycle. In his 30s, Dan rode a Yamaha during the summer; he enjoyed the wind on his face. Once Dan purchased the Bethel Tavern, the Yamaha had to go, as his goal of changing the biker bar to a sports bar failed; no one can own a biker bar and ride a Yamaha! Dan joined his friends on his beautiful bike and found a new love, riding the roads with the wind in his face and the music blaring. As stated before, Dan “Lived Life and Rode Hard.”

Dan was preceded in death by his father, Bruce “Buzz” W. Stewart, and his mother, Mary A. Stewart. Dan is survived by his brother Duane Stewart and his wife Debbie; his four children, Kari Coogan and her husband Brad; Bruce Stewart and his partner Cindy Cook; Tommy Stewart and Missy Shepherd. Dan is also survived by his five wonderful grandchildren, Jessie Porter and her husband John; Rowdie Rowton, and his wife Angie; Austin Stewart, Chance Holding, and Clara Kenney. Four beautiful great-grandchildren are also survived by Dan, Stetson Porter, Claire Porter, Rader Rowton, and Anslie Rowton.

A memorial will be held at the Bethel Saloon on August 12. We will have an all-day event, so please join us whenever you can. Dan’s family is excited to hear the many stories we know many have to share. We will be holding an official toast at 4 pm, along with a time for all to stand up and share their favorite story of Dan.