WILLIAM JOHN STEWART

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WILLIAM (BILL) JOHN STEWART On October 29, 2015 our dad and grandpa, William (Bill) John Stewart went home to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ suddenly and peacefully at the age of 88 years. William John (Bill / Willie John) was predeceased by his wife Jean (October 18, 2008) and we are sure they are once again together beholding all that they imagined as they walk the streets of gold together. Willie John, as he was known to many family and friends, was born in Annasalagh, Emyvale, County Monaghan, Ireland, December 26, 1926. Dad was the eldest of five children and was predeceased by his parents Samuel John and Elizabeth Jane Stewart, his brother Sammie Stewart and sister Elizabeth, all of Ireland. Willie John is survived by his children David Stewart (Diane), Beth Watt (Doug), Joan Hackie (Russ), and his six grandchildren Iain, Clarissa, Luke, Jesse, Caleb and Ezra. He will be missed greatly by his sister Louise (Joe) Waller, brothers Cecil (Eleanor) Stewart from County Monaghan, Ireland and Norman (Marie) Stewart in Dublin, Ireland, and numerous equally special in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and acquaintances in Ireland, Canada and USA. Also survived by Joanne Stewart. Last but not least, he will also be greatly missed by his faithful dog and companion Molly, Tommie his cat and his Pet Sheep. William grew up in Ireland and gained a great love for farming and heavy equipment. He took great pride in the privilege of driving and no matter what it was whether car, truck or tractor he loved it. Dad worked hard and taught us all a strong work ethic. William married Jean in 1955 and they immigrated to Canada in 1957. They built a life and raised a family together. William worked at Powell Equipment for many years, followed by many years of service at Western Messenger and Transfer, and on his own as Stormount Moving at Canada Post. Dad finally retired at the tender age of 70. In addition to his day job' Bill also moved furniture and appliances and just about anything that posed a challenge for Eaton's, and also faithfully got the Manitoba Bison's Hockey and Football teams equipment to and from the airport on time for many years. Over those many years Bill made numerous friends, acquaintances and gained the trust and respect of many. Dad kept himself busy and always had his heart in farming and animals. Over the years Dad was involved in many activities. He was a member of the Redboine Boating Club, and enjoyed boating, camping and fishing. He was president of the Manitoba Sled Dog Club and raised Siberian Huskies; enjoying dog sledding and making sleds and harnesses during the 1970s. He was also a bee keeper and had his horses and sheep. Dad kept extra hours in his days filled with cutting and baling hay. Dad always made sure that activities involved the family. In 1996, Dad enjoyed a trip home to Ireland for a gathering of the Clans with the entire family. He truly enjoyed visiting and reminiscing with family and friends. We were greeted with an abundance of people and stories and tales from those awestruck by his might and his convictions. Dad was never one to shy away from hard work, in fact the harder the work the better in his eyes. He was well known for his mechanical ability and willingness to help others when he was called upon. He was quick to strike up conversation, and never afraid to talk politics, share a story or be his charming Irish self! Over the years he enjoyed when family and friends came from near and far to visit. Dad's happiest times were spent with a good cuppa tea and good conversation. Our dad and grandfather will be greatly missed by all of the family, friends and any who knew him. He was always strong physically and in his faith in the Lord. Although we miss Dad dearly and wish he were here with us, we know that he has gone on to a great reward. He fought the good fight and stepped from this world into the eternal one. 2 Timothy 4:7 We look forward to a great and mighty reunion with him and Mom one day where we will never have to say goodbye again. John 3:16. The family would like to thank Dr. Lee Cummings for his years of working on Dad's engine' as Dad called it. We also thank all the care givers, nurses and doctors at St. Boniface Cardiology for their kindness and care. Thank you to the doctors and nursing staff at the Concordia Hospital Emergency ward. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Boniface Cardiology or a charity of your choice. Funeral Service will be at Springs Church, 725 Lagimodiere Blvd. on Thursday, November 5 at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow at St. Vital Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to: Rock Fontaine Funeral Director Honour - Respect - Dignity Winnipeg (204) 223-2576 toll-free 1-866-499-2601

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 04, 2015