Michael Lance Stewart
1954-2019
It is with great sadness that the family of Michael Lance Stewart
announces his passing on October 23, 2019.
Mike was born November 11, 1954. He began life as Wayne Joseph Wilson
in North Bay, Ontario, son of Rena (Martel) Wilson. Due to family
circumstances, he was given up for adoption and was adopted by Gerald
and Delicia Stewart. Gerald’s work took the family to Saint John and
Toronto, where Mike attended high school. Ever the free spirit, Mike
left high school at the age of 16 and signed on to an Irving tanker to
see the world. Seeing no future in being a ship’s mess boy, Mike
decided to become a carpenter, eventually becoming a red-seal
carpenter and cabinet maker, a trade he pursued for 30 years.
When Mike married Deana Jungesblut of Harvey, in 2007, they became the
local Brady Bunch with Mike’s seven children and Deana’s four, all
from previous marriages. With some of the older children already out
on their own, Mike and Deana settled down to raising seven boys; not
an easy task. Mike demanded a lot of the boys, but he was always fair
and loving, and they knew he would always be there for them. Mike’s
high values and solid work ethic were instilled in the boys, and the
family now boasts a doctor, mechanical engineer, master corporal,
self-employed carpenter, and entrepreneur; all of the boys have done
well for themselves.
Mike always believed in giving back. He spent most of his adult life
volunteering in different capacities, most notably as president of the
York Credit Union and president of the Canadian Deaf/Blind
Association. His family has continued this tradition, volunteering
with Doctors Without Borders, and organizing the first ever deaf/blind
camp for adults.
Mike had a real capacity for building community. He may have walked
into a home as a cabinet maker, but he walked out as a friend. He took
a genuine interest in people and their lives; Mike never forgot a face
or name. He carried that ability into his work at Westphalia
Bakery.
In 2015, Deana opened Westphalia Bakery/Café in the Upper Village
Mall, Harvey. Mike pitched right in, helping with customer service. He
was such a fixture in the café, chatting with customers, taking
an interest in their lives, that if he wasn’t there, people wondered
where he was. Even as his health deteriorated and helping out became a
struggle for him, Mike was determined to remain at the café and
do what he could; it was the highlight of his day to be there and
interact with the customers and staff.
One of the high points of Mike’s life was finding and connecting with
his birth family. Mike had searched for years and last year he finally
found his six older sisters. In November, he flew to North Bay for an
amazing family reunion. Mike’s feet didn’t touch the ground for
two weeks and he came home just beaming.
Mike Stewart was kind and compassionate man. He will be remembered as
a wonderful dad and a loving, caring husband. He had a dry, sarcastic
wit and loved to tease, but all in good fun. He will be dearly missed
by all.
He is survived by his wife, Deana (Jungesblut) Stewart; their
children, Christian Stewart, Ricci Stewart (Isabelle), Misty Berry
(Keith), Michael J. Stewart, Mitchell Stewart (Maddie), Mark Stewart
(Somer), Matthew Stewart, Tiffany Shorten, Alex Shorten (Thireshnee)
and James Shorten; two grandsons; one granddaughter; his mother,
Delicia Stewart; eight sisters, Yvonne Hebert (Aurele), Gaetanne
Bernard (Raymond), Margaret Ferguson, Jenny Vautour (Matt), Hannah
May Norman (Rosaire), Shirley Ann Arbour, Amy Stewart and Darlene
Stewart; three brothers, Albert Stewart (Simone), John Stewart (Laura)
and Christopher Stewart; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and
nephews.
Michael was predeceased by his father, Gerald Stewart; a son David
Shorten; his birth mother, Rena Martel.
At Michael’s request there will be no visitation or funeral
service. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Michael, it has
been suggested a donation to the family at 164 Route 636, Harvey, York
Co., NB E6K 3G2.
Arrangements by Flewelling Funeral Home, Nackawic, NB.
19542019
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Michael Lance Stewart 19542019..
Décès pour la Ville: Nackawic, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick