Help Ease the Burden for Douglas's Family

Our Dad, Douglas Stewart (St. John, ND) was unexpectedly taken from us in an auto accident on December 15, 2023. The cause of death was blunt force trauma, the autopsy report verifies that there was no medical event that lead to the accident.

We lost our mom 13 years ago to COPD and the loss of our dad has been almost too much to bear while the financial burden is overwhelming. He was the greatest man I ever knew. He was one of 14 children raised in St. John ND, the father of three and grandfather of seven, raising one of the grandchildren and opening his home to many neighbors, family, and friends over the years--"Uncle Doug" to countless.

Fire Chief of the St. John volunteer fire department and first responders for many years, he was a rancher and loved horses-was a jockey and a bronc rider in his younger years, a teacher of archery and a 4-H leader having started a 4-H club that focused on agriculture so that his kids and community could have that opportunity. He was an essential part of getting the St. John Bullarama set up and it just celebrated its 20th year which they lovingly dedicated to his memory.

Doug was the father of three and grandfather of seven, having raised one of the grandchildren. He was one of 14 children raised in St. John, ND. He was Uncle to countless nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. He worked on "the rigs" in Williston in the 80s, worked road construction for Hulstrand and Rolette County Road department, St John public school as a bus driver.

Dad was 69 years old and was not financially prepared for this. He had a very hard time after losing his high school sweetheart/wife 13 years ago and let some things lapse, he didn't have life insurance or a will, so everything has to go through probate. He made a good income and had no problem paying his bills but since that income has stopped it's up to us to come up with the money for funeral/burial costs, probate lawyer fees, insurance and utilities on his home and pickup, property taxes and income taxes, and we haven't even been able to consider a headstone as we have to cover other more time sensitive obligations.

Dad's employer's auto insurance (the vehicle he was driving when the accident occurred) has denied payment on a claim, his personal accident insurance has denied payment, Workforce Safety has denied payment on a claim-while I don't understand any of this the fact is we need help. We have submitted appeals for the denials but it’s more waiting and more legal bills.

If the appeals are turned around, we will be doing something in his memory for the Woodchuck community with the proceeds remaining.

Our Dad helped so many people over the years, and now with prompting from great friends and family we're asking for help during this difficult time. We appreciate anything you are able to give and we will never forget the generosity.