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An undated photo of former Provo Mayor and City Council member George Stewart, who died Monday, April 22, 2024.

Courtesy Provo City Council

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George Stewart receives a Mayor's Award plaque from Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi at a City Council meeting in 2019.

Courtesy Provo City

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George Stewart is pictured Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008, while serving as council vice chair of Provo.

Craig Dilger, Daily Herald file photo

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Former Provo Mayor and City Councilman George Stewart died Monday, according to press release from the Provo City Council. His cause of death was not revealed.

Stewart, 84, served as the city’s mayor from 1994 to 1997. During his tenure, Provo undertook several major projects that many residents and community members continue to enjoy today, like the completion of the Riverwood Mall and Provo Towne Centre Mall, and the renovation of the Academy Square property.

After his stint as mayor, Stewart would go on to join the City Council, serving as a member from 2006 to 2008. He was reelected to serve on the council from 2016 to 2019. In between City Council tenures, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico City with his wife, JoAnna.

The couple raised 11 children.

In the wake of his death, the City Council is remembering Stewart as a leader who left an enduring mark on the Provo community.

“George Stewart was a visionary leader whose impact on Provo will be felt for generations,” current City Council Chair Katrice MacKay stated the press release. “His dedication to our city was unwavering, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Stewart family during this difficult time.”

Mayor Michelle Kaufusi shared her condolences on social media, commending Stewart for his commitment to service, family and friends. She recounted his mentorship when she took office in 2018.

“When I was given the same honor to serve as Provo mayor, I found myself often at his home asking for advice,” Kaufusi said in a social media post. “Of course, George was right there to be a much-needed mentor constantly giving me useful mayoral tips while serving on the council. He is a dear friend and will be greatly missed.”

U.S. Rep. John Curtis, another former Provo Mayor and current congressman, also took to social media to remember Stewart’s legacy.

“He was a protector of all that makes Provo a special place to raise a family, start a business and enjoy a prosperous community. I’m grateful for his friendship and mentorship. He left an important legacy of service to his family, community and faith,” Curtis said on social media.

Stewart was born Nov. 16, 1939, in Phoenix, Arizona, and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in political science. Serving the city of Provo was his first public office role, according to the press release.

The Provo City Council said in a statement that Stewart will be remembered as a dedicated leader, a loving family man and a steadfast servant of the people of Provo whose contributions to the community “are deeply appreciated and will never be forgotten.”

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