John slipped away peacefully beside his best friend and wife Frieda on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at the age of 85. Loving Dad/Daddy of Jan Marie Stewart, Christie Ann Stewart (Brian) Dubreuil, Shari Lea Eyre (Mike), and Holly Ann Foster (Chris). Cherished Poppa of Amiee (Jeff) Kelly, Amber Stewart, Annlea Stewart, Brandon Rankin, Lindsey Clark (Ken), Shauna Eyre, Kaylea Eyre, Marcus Courchesne, Katie Courchesne (Stefan) Peat, and Alexa Foster and great-grandpoppa of Ava, Bennett, Camryn, Emery, Callah, Ruby, and Olive. Predeceased by his parents John Stewart and Frances Hill. Brother of many siblings. Predeceased by his in-laws Lloyd and Hilda Williams. John loved and cherished his Aamjiwnaang family and community, including brothers and sister in laws and their families.
Family was the most important thing in life to John, followed closely by the passion of flying and community service. He started out as an air cadet and proceeded to join the R.C.A.F. reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. John achieved commanding officer status at both the technical training course at CFB Borden, as well as the Senior Leaders Course in Cold Lake, Alberta.
From his involvement with the air cadets and the R.C.A.F. this lead to his contributions to many associations and organizations which included the 403 Wing, Aamjiwnaang Remembrance Day, Charter Member of Friends of 44, Battle of Britain, COPA, Royal Canadian Legion, Sarnia District Remembrance Committee, Sarnia Highland Games and Celebration of Lights. He taught his family to give to others and that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. John was recognized three times on the Sarnia Mayor’s Honours List for his various community services.
As a retired guidance counselor, teacher, he also contributed to the cheerleading and wrestling programs. John influenced many lives with his caring and, compassionate way. John loved Sarnia and community and was proud to be a part of it and help in any way he could. The Thursday B/S table will never be the same. One of his favourite sayings was, “We need to just look at this blue water, what a wonderful place to live!”
He no longer needs to wait for margaritas at Applebee’s, Cheers!
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to 44 Sarnia Imperial Air Cadet Squadron, Canadian Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice (cheques mailed to the funeral home or made online, please).
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
March 2nd 1936 November 25th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John William Stewart March 2nd 1936 November 25th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Sarnia, Province: Ontario