Richard Scott Stewart, beloved husband, father, grandfather and dedicated Scouter, passed away on July 12, 2025, at the age of 71. He was born on June 24, 1954, in Toledo, Ohio, and was the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Toledo in 1978.

Rick's life was deeply enriched by his lifelong passion for Scouting and his unwavering commitment to service. His journey in Scouting began as a Cub Scout and he earned the prestigious Eagle Scout Award in 1972. Rick's dedication to Scouting never wavered; he remained an active Scouter for over 62 years.

Rick's professional and volunteer life was marked by significant contributions to Scouting. He was a professional Scouter for councils in Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois, serving in various positions.  He was part of the National Scout Jamboree staff on several occasions. He attended the BSA National Camping School ten times, including serving as a faculty member. Rick's passion for Scouting also led him to write articles about Scouting Museums for the International Scouting Collectors Association Journal (ISCA). He volunteered as a docent at the National Scouting Museum in 2023.

He was recognized with numerous honors, including the Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor, the Founders Award, the District Award of Merit, and the Silver Beaver Award. Rick was Wood Badge trained and served on Wood Badge staff numerous times. He was a proud member of the Wood Badge Eagle Patrol. He held numerous volunteer positions at the unit, district, and council levels, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless Scouts and leaders.

Rick had a deep love for travel and history, having visited all 50 U.S. states, all 50 state capitals, and 41 of the 63 U.S. national parks. His travels also took him to over 200 National Park properties and more than 100 scout camps, further reflecting his passion for Scouting and the outdoors.

In his personal life, Rick met the love of his life, Rebecca Whitehead, at Bowling Green State University in 1974. They were married 48 years and shared a life filled with adventure, travel, and community service.

Rick was also a member of several Rotary clubs over 15 years, contributing to his community in countless ways.

Rick's legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to both Scouting and his family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca, sons Matthew Scott, Timothy Allen Stewart and daughter-in-law Kelly, his beloved grandchildren Mason Wolfe and Addison and Wyatt Stewart, brothers Thomas, Dennis and Kenneth Stewart and numerous cousins. Rick was predeceased by his parents Richard C. and Marlene A. Stewart.

His visitation will be at Butala Funeral Homes, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178, at 5:00 - 8:30 PM on Thursday.  Rick's funeral service will be on Friday, July 18th, starting at 11:00 AM at the Sycamore United Methodist Church with Rev. Luis Reyes officiating.  Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Scouting Museum in Philmont, NM,  Erie Shores Council for the Camp Miakonda Museum, Toledo, OH, or the Three Fires Council, St. Charles, IL