August 29th,1916 – March 17th, 2009
John Davidson Stewart, surrounded by his family, passed peacefully into the presence of His Lord on March 17th, 2009. He was born in Victoria to John and May Stewart, the oldest of 7 children (Margaret, Andrew, Phyllis, Robin, Jeanie and Angus ). John attended Beacon Hill School, North Ward Elementary and Boys Central. He had paper routes for both the Times and the Colonist during his growing up years and in 1935 he started at the Hudson Bay Company, working there until he began his career at the Victoria Fire Department in 1940. In October of 1943 he married Muriel Burkinshaw and then spent 1944-46 in the Navy before returning to the Victoria Fire Department. The birth of their 4 children began with Andrew in 1945 followed by Roy, Nina and Greg. John became Assistant Fire Chief 5 years before his retirement in 1976. In 1978 John began a new career as a Real Estate Agent. He retired for the second time 10 years later. Throughout his life John was a committed Christian and a wonderful support to his church families, Victoria Gospel and Oaklands Chapels. John had a character of uncompromising integrity, a simple transparent goodness and a deep and genuine love for the Lord.
John, predeceased by his parents and his brothers Andrew, Angus and Robin and sister Margaret, will be lovingly missed by Muriel, his wife of 65 years, children: Andrew (Anita), Roy (Carol), Nina (Brian) and Greg, his grandchildren: Dale (Kelly), Chris and Dave (Alana) Stewart, Jonathan (Shena) and Jamie (Stephanie) Craig, Leah and Karl Westlind, Lois Warren, plus seven great grandchildren, Sean, Jenna, Paige-Marie, Tyler, Ada, Brooke and Riley; John’s sisters, Phyllis Aitken, Jeanie (Dave) Cooke and 2 sisters-in-law, Bea Stewart and Maureen Stewart as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Donations in John’s memory may be made to the Gideons International.
A Graveside service will be held at Royal Oak Burial Park on Wednesday, March 25th at 12:30 p.m., and a memorial service at Oaklands Chapel, 2736 Fernwood Road at 2 p.m. followed by a reception.
Heartfelt thanks to Ben and Elsa for their exceptional care of John over the past six months.
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John & Lorraine McWilliam
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Fenton & Susie Eng Although we did not know him personally, it is clear from all the testimonies, we can boldly state, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
To the Stewarts…. we are saddened for your loss on earth, but celebrate with you memories of a life well lived with no regrets. We pray for your continued strength, for there are blessings in all things.
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Glen and Dolores McKinnon Our prayers, love and special memories are with you all. Sincerely, Glen and Dolores McKinnon
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Michael Heppell John will be remembered by many of his comrades with the Victoria Fire Dept as a dedicated fire fighter and as a fire officer who displayed the highest standard of personal integrity, leadership and professionalism in the conduct of his duties.
I am honoured to have served with him.
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David + Debbie McCall Muriel ,Andy and family Our condolences to you and your family members.Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Debbie and David McCall
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William and Jane Eng Andy ,Anita and Family:
Our sincerest condolences to you and your family . Time is the healer and you will treasure memories of great times together and accomplishments.
Willie and Jane Eng
Dear Muriel….John & I have some fond memories with John & yourself. Many years have past since we all used to get together and you were extremely good to us with having us other for meals and get togethers! Such fun times! Bless you as you grieve the loss of your dear husband. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you and your family……John & Lorraine McWilliam