Blue Star Gas chairman leaves legacy of innovation

William (Bill) Stewart died at his home in Santa Rosa, California, on Nov. 28 at the age of 93.

Stewart was chairman and second-generation owner of Blue Star Gas, and father to Jeff Stewart, National Propane Gas Association treasurer and current president of Blue Star Gas.

Over the course of his career, Bill Stewart transformed Blue Star Gas from a one-location propane company in California to a five-state operation. As an engineer, he built much of the company’s infrastructure and, in his later years, oversaw the construction of company facilities.

He was a board member of the Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA) for 50 years, serving as chairman in 1994-95 and receiving the WPGA Distinguished Service Award in 2004.

He also contributed for many years to the Propane Education & Research Council’s (PERC) Research and Technology Development Advisory Committee, helping to bring new products to market for the industry.

“Bill Stewart made numerous contributions to the propane industry, most notably in his commitment to research, technology and development,” says Tucker Perkins, PERC president and CEO. “He was a respected leader and visionary for the propane industry nationwide and a true gentleman and a pleasure to be around.”

To honor the emphasis Stewart placed on education, the family established a William P. Stewart Memorial Scholarship fund within the Western Propane Education & Research Council Scholarship program.

Contributions can be made to the Western Propane Education & Research Council with “Stewart Scholarship” written in the notation field and sent to WPGA, 2012 H St., Suite 203, Sacramento, CA 95811.

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