The diving industry is mourning the loss of John Stewart, after a career spanning more than 50 years in the dive industry.
In a glittering career that started in the 1960s, Stewart was responsible for many innovations in the diving industry. Perhaps the most well-known by most professional divers came in 1984, when as the Director of Training for PADI he developed the IDC/IE format for instructor training and examination.
During his career, Stewart worked at both PADI and SSI, and was even responsible for recruiting the current PADI CEO Drew Richardson into the PADI family.
Stewart was also a member of the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary Advisory Board, and was appointed by then-Florida Governor Jeb Bush to the State of Florida Boating Advisory Council.
Stewart, who was 71 when he died, retired in 2011 and is survived by his wife Gloria, daughter Kim and grandchildren.
