Secret Santa, Larry Stewart, Dies at 58 from Cancer

Larry Stewart, the man that the world came to know as the “Secret Santa” has passed away at the age of 58 due to complication from cancer. For the past 26 years Larry Stewart remained the anonymous Secret Santa giving away over $1.3 million.

Larry Stewart came forward this past November and revealed that he was the Secret Santa after having been earlier diagnoses with cancer in April. Stewart wanted to provide a positive message to others even though he was dying.

He was diagnosed in April with cancer, and said he wanted to use his celebrity to inspire other people to take random kindness seriously.

“That’s what we’re here for,” Stewart said in a November interview, “to help other people out.” (AP via Yahoo News)

Even in death, Larry Stewart spread his positive message of helping others, doing the right thing and paying it forward. This is a message that all of us should learn from. As Larry Stewart stated after he went public as the “Secret Santa”, he was overwhelmed with the out pouring of emotion and caring he received. However, this was never supposed to be about Larry Stewart, it is about helping others. Larry Stewart … Secret Santa  … Rest in Peace.

The outpouring of love and prayers overwhelmed him, he told The Star last month.

“This has just completely caught me off guard,” he said, sobbing. “It’s heart-warming. The tears that I have are tears of joy, and I just want everybody to know that I am deeply grateful.

“This was never intended to be about me. I’m just doing what the Lord is directing me to do. I’m just a pair of hands and feet. He’s using me. He’s lightened my path. … Part of my daily prayer was ‘Lord, let me be a better servant.’ I had no idea this is what he had in mind, but I’m happy. I’m so thrilled that he is able to use me in this way.” (The Charlotte Observer)