Carleton (“Carl”) Thomas Stewart, an accomplished singer/songwriter and retired educator, died Tuesday, May 9, 2013, of cancer, his family said. He was 60 years old.

Carl Stewart was a world class musician. He received his music performance degree in voice from Cal State University, Northridge in 1998 and a teaching credential soon after.

He was in great demand in the Los Angeles area during the early 1980s as a vocalist, guitarist and band leader. At that time he was also employed by Warner Brothers as a contract composer and songwriter.

Carl said he “settled down” in 1989 after meeting Tina Tenerowicz, with whom he had a son, Ian (age 14) and daughter, Emma (age 12). Together they also raised his daughter, Francisca (age 27) from a previous marriage. Carl and Tina were married for 20 years.

Born Dec. 4, 1952, in Nashville Tennessee, Carl spent his early childhood in Alabama. Carl moved from Colorado to California in 1977.

Besides a great passion for music and love of his family, Carl also enjoyed being an educator. Carl taught various grades in the Los Angeles area for nearly four years.

He and his family moved to Lake County in 2002, and he began working as a teacher for the Konocti School District. Eventually, he worked in administration as the eighth grade vice principal of Lower Lake High School and principal of Highland School until his early retirement due to illness.

He held various jobs in his youth, ranging from ranch hand to computer programmer. All his experiences were woven into the rich tapestry of the wonderful music he composed, and he was renowned as a consummate musical story teller.

“All of us in the band were constantly amazed at the stories behind the music he’d have us learn. He was a true poet who could synthesize complex emotions into singable lyrics,” friend and fellow band member Clovice Lewis said. “He’d then wrap it all into a compelling piece of music with his amazing voice and kick butt guitar playing that would have you stomping your feet before you realize you are listening to the musical equivalent of a great novel.”

In addition to his immediate family, Carl is survived by his brother, Leonard Stuart; sister, Hannah Stuart-Gambino; and mother, Caroline Stewart. His father, W.H. Cassell Stewart, is deceased.

Plans are now being made for a memorial service for Carl, which will be publicized shortly. In the meanwhile, you can send cards and flowers for Carl Stewart to Tina Tenerowicz, 3450 Lucas Court, Kelseyville, CA 95451.