John W. Stewart, 91, formerly of Burlington, died Monday, January 3, 2011 at Nashoba Valley Medical Center. John was born in Tennessee and attended Vanderbilt University where he majored in biology and geology. He worked in the plastic and fiberglass industry for years until landing his dream job at Boston University where he worked for over 25 years in the Geology Department till his retirement. Varied and wide-ranging were his professional talents and his personal interests. He was involved for many years in bird-banding to study the variety of bird species and their migration patterns. He was an environmentalist long before it became fashionable. Johns basement wood shop and knowledge was always open to all who needed them. His true love was collecting minerals. To collect with him was to experience all of the natural world in one multifaceted, three-dimensional day. John had a rich personality, warm and ever willing to help anyone in any way. He was first and last, a generous man who somehow managed to give more than he received. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 68 years, Margaret Stewart; his brother, J. Rodgers Stewart; his sister, Betty Morrill; and his five children: Mary Sackrider and her husband Gary of Boxford; Sally Wishovich of Burlington; Bonnie Shipp of Eugene, Oregon; John Stewart and his wife Kim of Upton; Gini Stewart and her husband Steve McFarland of Groton; his grandchildren Carrie, Katie, Vinaka, Dyani, Justin, Tyler, Ryan, Tessa & Keri; and his great grandchildren Mike, Riann, Darren, Alexia, Xavier, and Ash. Visitations welcome at the family home. You may contact Sally at 978-495-0713. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Duckett-J.S.Waterman & Sons Home of Memorial Tribute, Sudbury, MA. For additional information, tributes and guest book, please visit duckett-waterman.com.