May 29, 1931-July 7, 2016.
Dad was born in Brantford, Ontario on May 29th, 1931, along with twin sister Pamela. His early years were spent in Brantford.
In 1952, Dad joined the army and became a radio operator in the Signal Corps. He later joined the motor cycle display team that performed at events all over North America. The team even took part in the opening ceremonies of the Empire Games in Vancouver in 1954. Dad spoke about his military service with great fondness. While recovering from his riding injury he met H. Joyce Marrs who was his caregiver in hospital. Dad and Mom were both honorably discharged from the service in late 1955. They relocated to mom’s home town of Duncan BC where Dad tried his hand at several jobs before returning to school. He first upgraded to grade 10, and then got his journeyman electrician papers at BCIT. Dad then worked at Bamberton Cement plant until it closed. He found work at Endako mines and the family, that now included 6 kids, relocated to Fraser Lake in 1975. When the mine closed, Dad worked wherever he could as a municipal jail guard, a subsititute teacher, and on various construction crews doing wiring. He was then offered a semi-retirement position on a fish farm that his oldest son Rodger was managing in Zeballos BC. With one child still at home, Dad and Mom relocated to Sointula BC in 1987, with Dad commuting to work in Zeballos. Mom joined dad in Zeballos in 1988 once their youngest child had left home.
In 1993 Dad and Mom retired to a float home in Nuchatlitz Inlet on Nooka Island. Dad spent his days fishing, exploring, and entertaining the various visitors that dropped by on all manner of water and aircraft. He was never happier then when he was off in his boat looking for fish. Once remote life became too much, Dad and Mom moved again to Celista BC and stayed there until his health failed. Dad enjoyed excellent health until his mid 70’s when spinal stenosis began to rob him of his mobility. His final home was in Williams Lake Seniors Village.
Volunteering was important to Dad and he served as an alderman (town council) in Fraser Lake, as well as on the Search and Rescue team, as a C.O.R.E instructor, a ringette coach, a dedicated Royal Canadian Legion member, and church deacon. A man of quiet but determined faith, we know our Dad is now walking with God.
John H. Stewart is predeceased by his brothers Roy, Albert, and David. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyce, his twin sister Pamela and brother Daniel. Children Rodger (Tanis), Kathleen (Scott), Andrew (Linda), Gordon (Jacqui), Charles, and Agnes (John). Grand children Sean (Anita), Ashleigh (Rob), Graham, Nathan (Paige), Carver, David, Jordan, Chase, and Taylor. Great-granddaughter Myla.
Services will be announced at a later date.