David K. Stewart, A.S.C. 1937-1997 For more information including Mr. Stewart's memorial appearing December 1997's Cinefex magazine, visit Steve Kosakura's web site.

Earlier this fall we lost absolutely one of the finest men ever to bless the visual effects community.

David K. Stewart, A.S.C. passed away from a heart attack at the age of 60. He left behind his wife, Pat, and two sons, Steve and Ben.

Dave was a Director of Photography as well as Visual Effects Supervisor. He was responsible for the most astonishing miniature photography ever burned into emulsion, within the art of visual effects.

He created extraordinary visuals for film and television, etc., using Motion Control, High Speed, Matte Painting, Optical, Traditional Animation, and Digital Imagery, CGI, etc.

He was truly a master of the craft. Something we're not likely to see again in the visual effects business.

He commanded the greatest respect with those of us who had the privilege to work with him throughout the years. He ruled with a sense of humor as well as an iron fist. He was a mentor to us all.

Dave's extensive credits include: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND, STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE, BLADE RUNNER, 2010, BRAINSTORM, SOLARBABIES, THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, THE ABYSS, "Back to the Future: The Ride",

"We will miss him, as well as the exquisite quality and outstanding integrity he brought to the world of visual effects."

United Airlines "Whales" Commercial, ALIEN 3, CONEHEADS, JUDGE DREDD, ERASER, TURBULENCE, AIR FORCE ONE, EVENT HORIZON. There are of course, many others.

One can read about him within the related articles in Cinefex. Actually, the very first issue of Cinefex spotlighted STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE. I believe Dave is mentioned extensively. I first read about Dave in the CLOSE ENCOUNTERS issue in Cinemafantastique, something that had become, and remains, a great inspiration to me.

We will miss him, as well as the exquisite quality and outstanding integrity he brought to the world of visual effects.

He was a dear friend.

Harry Alpert can be reached at HarryEF@taconic.net.