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WILLIAM (BILL) HUGH STEWART Obituary pic

WILLIAM (BILL) HUGH STEWART

Born: Sep 23, 1943

Date of Passing: Jul 14, 2026

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WILLIAM (BILL) HUGH STEWART

September 23, 1943 - July 14, 2026


It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William "Bill" Stewart, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 14, 2026, at the age of 82.

Bill lived a life marked by hard work, laughter, optimism, and unwavering devotion to his family. He was born and raised in Transcona, where he spent his life surrounded by family and friends, including his lifelong best friend - his sister, Myrna.

For 35 years, Bill worked as an electrician with CN Rail, eventually retiring as a supervisor. Retirement never truly slowed him down. During the summer months, he enjoyed working as a golf course marshal at Grand Pines, where his family affectionately nicknamed him "Deputy Dog."

Bill had an extraordinary sense of humour and a remarkable ability to find the positive in any situation. Always ready with a joke, he brought joy to everyone around him. His gift for storytelling, laughter, and finding happiness in everyday moments made him someone people naturally gravitated toward.

Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife of 20 years, Heather Stewart, and by his longtime partner, Gerry Busch, with whom he shared many cherished years.

He leaves behind his loving children, Ross (Terri) and Colleen (Matt); his sister, Myrna (Harry); his nephew, Jeff (great-nieces, Sarah and Madi) and niece, Ali (Barry and great-nephew Blake) and the greatest joys of his life, his five grandchildren: Taylor, Olivia (Landen), Lauren, Maya, and Drew.

While Bill took pride in many accomplishments throughout his life, none meant more to him than being "Papa." His grandchildren were his proudest legacy. He taught them to laugh at themselves, embrace life's lighter moments, and always find humour in the world around them. Each of them carries countless unforgettable - and often hilarious - "Papa stories," memories that will continue to be shared, retold, and treasured for generations to come.

Bill will be remembered as a man whose love was constant and whose optimism was inspiring. Though he will be deeply missed, the laughter he shared and the love he gave so freely will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A private Celebration of Life will be taking place with immediate family. Thank you to our friends and family for your love, support and condolences.

Forever loved, forever remembered,

and forever our Papa

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2026

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

  • We are so sorry to all the family for the loss of a special person. RIP - Posted by: Tracey & Derek Morton (Cousin) on: Jul 23, 2026

  • Shared classrooms and friends all our school lives. A really nice guy! - Posted by: Wilma Hewitson Parasiuk (Classmate, friend and fellow T’conian and Grand Beacher!) on: Jul 22, 2026

  • We grew up across the street from his cousin Howard and had a cottage behind the steward cottage for many years so the entire Steward family were like cousins to me. Bill and I served an our electrical apprenticeship there. Always foundBill to be a gentleman and great person to work with and party with. The smile he had was as it was very natural which suited him to a tee, I honestly don’t believe that Bill had an enemy.God Rest my fdrar friend - Posted by: Boyd Kramble (Long time friend and co worker) on: Jul 21, 2026

  • I first met Colleen & Ali when I was 10 years old, at Albert Beach, which I imagine is still & will always be the Stewart/Leinweber’s favourite place, no matter where in the world life continues to take them. My most favourite memories of Bill are at Albert Beach. He is one of the kindest, most inclusive person I’ve ever known, & this has stretched into the fabric of his entire family. Eternally welcoming and such a people-person, he always seemed genuinely thrilled to see you and I felt like this throughout my entire life, growing up around him. When we were kids/young teenagers, the hootenannies that happened at the Stewart or Leinweber cottage were legendary. So much fun with the music, singing & dancing…everyone was welcome & joined in, and you were free to be as silly as you wanted. As we grew, Bill was sure to often ask, “how’s the “hunk” situation?”, hoping to get the gossip from the girls in our friend group. And he truly wanted everyone to have a good time, feeling sorry for me that I had an early curfew & never breathing a word about me sneaking out of my cottage. As we got older, Bill would love to chat with us in the veranda about anything & everything. Bill also knew when to let the teenagers/early 20s crew have some time alone, although he loved peeking his head through the bedroom window into the veranda just to be a small part of the fun. Bill seemed to especially enjoy our Albert Beach crew when we all got married & had children of our own. He welcomed us all in even though there were now so many of us, that there was no way we could all fit in the veranda. Somehow he made it work. And he enjoyed us all so much, that he played with us and our children. Only some of you will remember the wedding of “Walter & Dianne”, when he came down to the beach to proudly be a part of it. Even when Bill’s health started to fail, he was always so positive & remained so happy to see people. As I’m writing, it occurs to me how much fun, laughter & love were shared by him, and even though he’s no longer with us, that fun, laughter & love was his gift to us that we ourselves can now continue to give to others. What a legacy for him to leave in all who were fortunate enough to know him. All my love to the Stewart and Leinweber families. Teresa - Posted by: Teresa Schamber (friend fo family) on: Jul 20, 2026

  • Went to central, Westview and TCI with Bill, a real sense of humor. condolences Bob Frandsen. - Posted by: Bob frandsen (Schoolmate in the 50,s) on: Jul 18, 2026

  • Bill loved to be at the lake. He was always very friendly. He would help anyone. He always had a smile and looked for the best in everyone. - Posted by: Douglas Forster-Milner (Neighbor at the lake) on: Jul 18, 2026

  • Bill loved to be at the lake. He was always very friendly. He would help anyone. He always had a smile and looked for the best in everyone. - Posted by: Douglas Forster-Milner (Neighbor at the lake) on: Jul 18, 2026

  • Went through high school with Bill. He was a very comical and fun loving person to know. Cherish all your memories of all the good times spent with Dad and Grandpa. - Posted by: Vicky Low (School friend) on: Jul 18, 2026

  • Condolences Myrna and family. Sad to see this obit today of a good school and work friend. The write up says it all. RIP Bill. - Posted by: Roland Blaquiere (old friend) on: Jul 18, 2026

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