Stewart Walter Gollan was a brilliant civil rights attorney. Before joining the bar, he worked in animal welfare as the executive director of No More Homeless Pets. Members of the local punk rock community will remember Stewart from KRCL’s Behind the Zion Curtain. It is also possible that he refused to sell you an album during his employ at Raunch Records. Stewart’s happiest period was when he worked with his best friend and mentor, Brian Barnard. Stewart was avid bicyclist, a gourmet cook, and an excellent travel companion, he collected friends from every walk of life. Stew dedicated countless hours of pro bono work, much of it focused on the homeless. Indeed, he and his wife, Maren Larson, first met at the Homeless Street Law Viaduct Clinic, where they flirted between legal consultations. Members of the legal community have lost a friend who freely shared his encyclopedic knowledge of civil rights law to anyone who needed help.
For 48 years Stewart fought harder to live than most of us will ever understand. He lost his fight to a bipolar disorder this May 27, 2020. His family requests that anyone whose life was touched by Stewart please donate to the ACLU of Utah so that they can continue to protect the rights and liberties that Stew cared so much about or to the to the Rocky Mountain Innocence Clinic to thank Stewart’s favorite law professor, Jensie Anderson.
Stewart Changed the world and made it a better place. I’m glad I knew him. Gonna miss him.
I am so sorry Maren. I can't even imagine what you are going through. Let Karla and I know if there is anything we can do for you or work I can help cover for you.
Maren,
My deepest condolences to you. Both you and Stewart were the kind of people I wanted to be when I grow up.
I’m really sorry for your loss, I never had the chance to meet stewart but just knowing he was Maren Larson’s husband I know he was a great men, please let me know if I can help with anything.
When someone sued me to silence me, Stewart took my case at a huge discount, simply because he could not bear to see the injustice of an activist silenced for free speech. He helped me navigate it all for nearly 18 months. I’ll forever be indebted to his kindness and his selfless expertise. Thank you, Stewart. Rest In Peace.
Stewart I am so sad you have left us. I am so sorry that you will not be here to help in our glorious fight. Your legal mind was one all of the most amazing I have come across. We shall all miss you desperately.
Unfortunately, I did not know Stewart personally, but I kept myself aware of the depth and breadth of his work in the civil rights arena, as I did with his mentor, Brian. To state the obvious, his passing leaves a huuuuuuge void in this area of legal practice in Utah. A lot of underdogs have lost another great friend.
Tom Means
Director
Utah County Public Defender Association
I always lit up when Stewart was around. I imagine he had that effect on a lot of people. I'm going to remember him for that, and continue to use it as inspiration as I fight for a better Salt Lake City.
Stewart I am so sad you have left us. I am so sorry that you will not be here to help in our glorious fight. Your legal mind was one all of the most amazing I have come across. We shall all miss you desperately.
Hi Maren,
I am deeply saddened by your loss. Because life is made of moments like this, I wish you my sinceres condolences. Be strong so you can continue the work of your husband through those he left behind.
I wish that you be strong enough to live for the ones you love.
Kenny
Dearest Maren,
Stew’s legacy and impact in the legal community will never be forgotten. Sending you the warmest thoughts and hugs during this incredibly difficult time. ❤️
Andrea Martinez
I thoroughly enjoyed Stewart's Constitutional analyses during our "Gun Law" seminars even though the planners never, ever gave him enough time for his presentation (not his fault!). He will be greatly missed as part of our legal community. My utmost heart felt condolences. Mitch
I assisted Stewart when I was in private practice.. He was very loyal and protective of his family. I am saddened to hear of his death. I hope and pray that his family finds comfort and peace in memories of their time with him. My prayers are with you.
Grateful for the many good causes Stewart championed and to have been inspired by his example. Deepest condolences to family and friends.
This is a huge loss to the legal community and the many people who loved Stewart He helped make the world a better place and will be missed. My heart goes out to Maren.
A brilliant legal mind and a passionate fighter for the rights of all. One of the most thoughtful, intelligent, and introspective souls I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Rest easy, Stewart. You left a legacy in the people and principles you fight for that most could only dream of. Thank you for all you did and for the positive change you made happen. Wishing Maren and the rest of your family peace, comfort, and healing.
Maren, I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you my deepest condolences. Please let me know if you need anything at all. He seemed like an amazing person who helped so many. The world was lucky to have him.
Really, after 21 years of friendship, it is now, reading your obituary that I learn your middle name is ‘Walter?’ I also know that me not knowing was no mistake because, back in the day I would’ve given you so much shit about it.
God, I’m going to miss you so much. To me, you always walked on water, the strongest person, the smartest in the room. You were just one of those people who seem to know everything about everything and yet still maintained the utmost humility. Without you, there would be no Long family, no wife Trista, no 3 Long children. I owe you the life I have and have no idea where I’d be if you haven’t hired me at No More Homeless Pets back in 2000. Most think (including my mother), that my life is much better than what could have been. I know it to be true.
Working with you during those 5 years were some of the most rewarding years in my life, both on a personal and professional level. Your leadership during those years (2000 - 2006) was really responsible for the dramatic sea change in animal welfare in Utah, and without you we would have never had near the success we saw. You basically did everything at NMHPU as CFO and Program Director, payroll, human resources, our tax filings, maintained our non-profit status, running two vet clinics (one mobile unit), etc, etc. You were Superman and I always had the trust that we were going accomplish whatever we were setting out to do with you leading. I have never co-worked with someone so hard working and determined to make our ambitious goals a reality and not some pipe dream. Most in animal welfare tend to think with their heart, you led with your brain, listening to your heart and you held us all together, an amazing feat in animal welfare.
You still made the BEST sushi I ever had and I always dreamt about the next time that would happen again, in fact, we talked about sushi dinner several days before your passing.
Always stylish, always one of a kind.
You left NMHPU about a year after me, off to law school. Again many more sleepless nights getting through law school, clerking and volunteering your services to the homeless and the down beaten. And during this time you take up cycling with a passion, I’m thinking because heavy smoking and cycling go hand-in-hand and you needed something to do with all the spare time you never had. The awesome bikes you built were just beautiful works of art.
Always amazing, always determined, always driven and always overworked, and yet would be there at a drop of a hat if you were needed. But you would never ask for help, or rarely. I was always so frustrated with you to ask me to help YOU with something.
I do think losing your friend and mentor, Brian, in such an untimely, unexpected way was an emotional blow that affected you the rest of your life.
Dude, I’m going to stop here but I needed to thank you one last time for staying as long as you could. Man to man, I truly love you and so happy and honored be your friend for these years, I had so many good times and have so many fond memories. You mean so much to me and my family. I’m glad your pain is over but it’s just so hard to believe that I don’t get to see you again. You were an awesome friend and a shining example how to be true to the things you care about. Peace, my friend.
I had the honor and privilege to meet Stuart through a mutual friend. I enjoyed his humor, intelligence, and friendliness. In meeting Stuart, I learned that he cared deeply for the voiceless and his “fierce” kindness was evident. Mostly, I learned that Stuart is a great guy. He will be remembered.
To his wife, family, friends and colleagues, I offer my sincere condolences.
I must have burst into Maren’s office a hundred times ranting about some sort of injustice. Maren would always say, “I will talk to Stew about it”. I can only imagine how many lives he changed for the better. He will be missed.
The choppers and the sirens and the fires in the street are a perfect eulogy. The man dedicated his life to this day. We should honor that.
My deepest condolences to the family. I met Stewart last year at a gala. I’ve always found him to be cheerful and smiling with a sense of humour. He has been a great advocate of Wildlife conservation, animal protection and supported Wildlife SOS.
He will be missed by me and by everyone at Wildlife SOS. May his soul rest in peace.
I knew Stewart through No More Homeless Pets in Utah. I didn't know him well, but I always had a great deal of respect for him. Sending my support to his family and friends.
Stewart I mourn the loss of you for so many reasons not just the brilliant legal mind you are. You and Maren both give so much of yourselves to care for those with no voice be it human or homeless pets and it has made our community a better place. Maren, you and Stewart are so loved by your LDA family. Maren, you take care of so many in small thoughtful ways every day and it does not go unnoticed. My life is better for having you and Stewart in it. I shall miss him
Maren, I don’t think there are words to say sorry for your loss. I met Stewart multiple times and will miss him. I remember the time we ran into both of you at the Korean BBQ place in West Valley. You were an awesome power couple. I know times are tough right now but know I am here for you.
Stewart was the best. He was a brilliant and zealous attorney, and an unbelievably kind and compassionate friend. I was lucky to have him as a mentor and a friend, and will miss him greatly.
The loss of Stewart in our community is impossible to measure. He was generous with his time and knowledge, and anytime we spoke we shared a laugh. Also, anytime we spoke I asked after Maren, and Stewart's responses were always filled with admiration, love, and appreciation for her in all things. I don't think we'll ever really understand the struggle he went through. I am so very sorry for your loss, Maren.
Stewart was one of the smartest people I ever met. His relentless commitment to the underdog, both literally, when he was in animal welfare, and figuratively in his incredible civil rights work, will hopefully inspire others to fight the good fight for many years to come. At a time when social injustice and a disdain for the most vulnerable seems to have gained such power in our country, it's especially tragic to lose someone like Stewart. I am so glad to have the privilege of calling Stewart a friend. I mourn his loss and am deeply saddened that mental illness continues to plague some of the best and brightest. Stewart's life was too short, and yet I am grateful to know he lead such a purposeful and passionate life- he was able to make such a positive mark on this world despite the anguish he battled; he found true love with his absolutely incredible wife Maren (the way Stewart talked about Maren was so endearing, he adored her); and many of us are better people for having been a part of his life. We will miss you Stewart, rest in peace. Love to you Maren, I am so, so sorry for your loss.
Stew,
You could never understand what your loss would mean to us. You filled our lives with wit, knowledge, love, charm, style and kindness. The hole will never fill. Your huge heart was tender and so very good. I am extremely lucky to have known you, and to have been loved by you. I will miss you so much - every little thing. Godspeed my friend. Kiss Gracie for me.
Love, Beth
Maren,
I am forever grateful to Stew for introducing us. And to you for keeping Stew here as long as possible. No one else could have. I love you very much.
Beth
I am deeply saddened to learn about Stewart's death. I worked with him on a pro bono case where we successfully challenged the constitutionality of Utah's Ag Gag law. Though I didn't know him well personally, I know he had an enormous heart and generously gave his time and skill to many important causes. Rest in peace, Stewart.
Oh my goodness...we are so sad to read this news. We are sending big hugs to your whole family. We love you guys. Take care! 123
Stew was a great boss, an even better friend. A kindred spirit. We had crazy, deep and enlightening long chats. Fixed my bike too! There’s too much for simple words. Rest In Peace, brother. Never forgotten!
I am so sorry to hear about the death of Stewart. He was a good man. i remember him from The Utah Legal Clinic. He and Brian found great joy in teaching the State of Utah lessons and then making the government pay for that lesson...When Brian died Stewart tried to take Brian's cat Quid home. Stewart's pets did not accept the new girl cat as a new family member. Stewart arranged to have Quid come live with me and my Spouse. Quid is still with us and i will always owe Stewart my thanks for finding a home for one little cat.
Stewart, was one of the good guys, super cool, and super smart. I'll miss him dearly.
Stewart,
I just texted you for your advise and help and found out that you passed away...
Wow, I am without words. You were an amazing person. As you can tell, we are missing you now and forever...
Sorry for your family's loss, sorry for the communities loss. The civil rights of all of us will struggle without you.
You have blessed so many and will be sorely missed.
Ron Faerber
