Tragedy as missing librarian father-of-two is found dead - days after he vanished from home after saying goodbye to his wife

  • Bruce Stewart, 44, said goodbye to his loving wife Melissa at his home in Ryde 
  • But he failed to show up for work at his high school in Sydney's western suburbs 
  • Mrs Stewart said he contacted friends but did not answer her calls or texts 
  • His family have confirmed the father-of-two's body has since been found 

By BRITTANY CHAIN, US SENIOR REPORTER

Published: | Updated:

The body of a father-of-two has been found days after his wife launched a desperate plea to find him when he didn't arrive at work.

Bruce Stewart said goodbye to his wife Melissa about 7.30am on Monday.

But the librarian never made it to the high school in Sydney's western suburbs where he worked.

His family have confirmed the 44-year-old's body was found on Wednesday in Hornsby, on Sydney's north shore, putting an end to a frantic search.  

Bruce Stewart, 44, said goodbye to his loving wife Melissa (pictured together) then left his Ryde home in his blue Holden Astra sedan at around 7.30am

Bruce Stewart, 44, said goodbye to his loving wife Melissa (pictured together) then left his Ryde home in his blue Holden Astra sedan at around 7.30am

Mr Stewart's brother, Dave, said he feels like he has 'lost a part of himself' since learning of the news.

'Now a part of me is gone. I miss you,' he wrote alongside a series of family photos.

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A GoFundMe page set up by a friend reads: 'This week the world lost a kind and generous man. 

'Bruce Stewart was a teacher, a friend, a brother, a friend, a son, and the centre of the universe for his beloved girls - his wife Melissa and daughters Phoebe and Greta.

'Melissa is currently on maternity leave with a young baby and a pre-schooler. In addition to unimaginable heartbreak, she is also facing the spectre of finances and raising the two girls alone.

'There is not much that those of us who love them can do to help with their grief, but we can lessen the fear.

'In honour of a man who always gave so much to anyone in need, we will take care of his beautiful girl.' 

Mrs Stewart previously said he contacted friends after leaving home in his blue Holden Astra sedan, but was not answering her calls.

'He made brief contact with some close friends before not responding to any calls or messages, which is very, very unlike him,' she told the Sydney Morning Herald. 

'We are distraught. He is our world, a devoted father and husband, adored by all who know him, and we are desperate to find him.' 

Police said his family were initially concerned for his welfare 'due to his current mental state'. 

For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14 

Police said his family are concerned for his welfare 'due to his current mental state'

Police said his family are concerned for his welfare 'due to his current mental state' 

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