John STEWART

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STEWART: John Findlay Stewart July 1, 1922 – July 6, 2010. It is with great sadness that the family of J.F. Stewart announces his sudden passing on Tuesday, July 6, 2010. John Findlay Stewart was born on July 1, 1922, on the Stewart homestead, SW 21-16-26 in the Rural Municipality of Birtle, where he lived for the first 74 years of his life. Jack was the eldest child of Harry and Margaret (Grieve) Stewart. He learned farming at a young age. In 1948, J.F. and his brother Ronnie took over the family farm. In 1949 he married Jean Iola Carr, from Foxwarren. They had three daughters: Marilyn, Myrnalee and Melanie. Jack was actively involved in Gnaton Hall, belonged to the Junior Seed Club, served on the Birtle Pool Elevator Board, Co-op Board, Foxwarren & Birtle Credit Union Boards, and the Anglican Church Vestry. One of the things he was most proud of was his service to the Rural Municipality of Birtle, which included 21 years as a Councillor, and another 12 years as Reeve. Jack was a life member of the Birdtail Museum, as well as the Austin Manitoba Agricultural Museum. He was instrumental in obtaining the Birtle and District Handi-Van. In 1996, Jack and Jean moved into Birtle, and continued to farm their land until 1999, when they sold the homestead to John Bruce, from Scotland. In September of 2009, they moved into Brandon. Jack celebrated his 88th birthday on July 1, 2010, with his wife and every single child, grandchild, great grandchild as well as their spouses were in attendance. Jack was always a home-body, and it took a lot for him to leave the farm unattended. His daughters thought this should change, and for their 25th wedding anniversary, the three girls bought Jack and Jean a trip to Scotland, to see Jack’s family farm and ancestry. This trip led to countless others throughout the years, and Jack even celebrated his 80th birthday on a month long trip to Alaska, with Jean, Marilyn and Wayne. One of Jack’s joys these past many years was the Thresherman’s Reunion in Austin. He was looking forward to it again this year, and had his room booked at the Carberry Motor Inn. The pride that Jack had in his daughters and all of his grandchildren was immeasurable. He stressed the importance of independence to his girls and supported them unconditionally. There are not very many rinks or town halls around that Jack has not been in, watching his grandkids play, attending recitals, meetings, socials, or weddings. All of these venues gave him a chance to do what he truly loved, visiting and talking to people. He truly was the patriarch of the Stewart family, and it is evident that he touched a great many more people than just those in his family. The legacy that Jack has left on Birtle and area cannot be equaled. Jack is survived by his wife Jean, daughters Marilyn (Wayne) Hickman, Myrnalee (Kelly) Grainger, and Melanie (Blake) Stephens. Grandchildren Jennifer (Kevin) Lyttle, Troy (Mattie) Hickman, Brad (Pam) Hickman, Jiliane (John) Bruce, Janelle (Ted) Koroscil, Jackson Stephens and Matthew Stephens. Great grandchildren include: Cassidy Lyttle, Hogan Hickman and William Bruce. Also left to cherish Jack’s memory are his sisters Kay Harrison of Barrie, ON, Betty Gill of Winnipeg, Mollie Berry of Brandon, sister-in-law Irene Stewart of St. Lazare, along with numerous nieces and nephews as well as many extended family members. Jack was predeceased by his parents Harry and Margaret Stewart, father and mother-in-law Percy and Lorna Carr, brother Ron Stewart, brothers-in-law Art Harrison, Al Gill, Reg Berry, and Alf McFarlin, sisters-in-law Dorothy Stewart and Aileen McFarlin. A family graveside service was held at the Foxwarren Cemetery, followed by a public reception at the Birtle Community Hall on Saturday, July 10, 2010. The service was officiated by family friend Elaine Dixon and son-in-law Blake Stephens gave a heartfelt eulogy. Pallbearers were all of Jack’s grandchildren and great grandchildren. If friends so desire donations may be made in Jack’s memory to the Austin Manitoba Agricultural Museum, P.O. Box 10, Austin, Manitoba, R0H 0C0 or St. George’s Anglican Church Memorial Fund, Birtle, Manitoba, R0M 0C0. Arrangements were provided by Braendle-Bruce Funeral Service of Russell. Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free,I’m following the path God has laid you see.I took his hand when I heard him call;I turned my back and left it all.I could not stay another day,To laugh, to love, to work, to play.Tasks left undone must stay that way;I found peace at the close of day.If my parting has left a void,Then fill it with remembered joy.A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,be not burdened with times of sorrow,I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.My life’s been full;I savoured much,Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.Lift up your hearts and peace to theeGod wanted me now; he set me free.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 31, 2010