Robert Charles Stewart (1932-2017) will be remembered by his loving wife of 58 years Bonnie and four sons Douglas, Craig, Gordon and David; daughters-in-law Margaret and Kei; grandchildren Sarah, Cameron, Madeline, Sarita, Jonah, Noah and Lucah; and sisters Donna and Arlene. His small-town roots did not keep him from becoming a world traveler, including memorable trips across North America and to China, Japan, and most of Europe. The mention of almost any country or city at the dinner table was often met with 鈥淥h, I鈥檝e been there鈥�, which became a catchphrase among his sons. He always looked forward to seeing new places and meeting new people. 聽Wherever he went, Bob wanted to learn how people lived, the work they did, and what interested them. One of his favourite memories was of his trip (after extensive security checks) to Russia and Eastern Europe while a university student, as part of the first group of Canadian students to be allowed to travel there since World War II. A lifelong believer in the importance of education, Bob held a variety of teaching positions, from his first experience (right out of high school) at a one-room school near Turtle Lake, to two years at a DND school in Belgium, to principal and superintendent back in Saskatchewan, and later as director of all DND schools in Europe. After completing his Ph.D. in 1991 (his fifth university degree), he continued as a lecturer at Carleton University for several years. Perhaps his most fulfilling project was collaborating with local Indigenous storytellers and artists while he was working in the federal government as Superintendent of Schools for Northern Canada to produce a series of readers. These books were based on traditional folk tales, in the local language as well as English, and were given to each child to share with their family. We will remember the energy, enthusiasm and sense of joy that he brought to all his passions in life: family, music, art, gardening, travel and teaching. 聽 He loved to be with family and friends, and would usually be found at the center of any gathering, on the piano, organ, clarinet, or saxophone beside his cousin Terry Marshall, pounding out the rhythm with his foot. He faced every challenge in life with a relentless determination and focus, which was a valuable lesson and example for his children. He was thoughtful, kind, and open with his feelings. Above all else, Bob was a devoted family man who never missed the chance to show those he loved just how much he cared. Our family wishes to thank the staff at the Ottawa Civic Hospital for their care, and to the 脡lisabeth Bruy猫re Hospital for giving Bob a peaceful and dignified end to a life so well lived. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
