Marguerite and Charles Stewart

Good morning, everyone.

Today, we gather to honor and remember a remarkable man, Charles Leslie Stewart—a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. Born on August 11, 1939, to Charles and Leona Stewart, Dad grew up in Deep River, Ontario, surrounded by his large family, including six brothers—Bill, Robert, Brian, Wayne, Dale, and David—and seven sisters—Fern, Delphi, Donna, Bonnie, Dory, Charlene, and Pamela.

From a young age, Dad demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and commitment. In 1955, he left school to work and support his family. The following year, he joined the Royal Canadian Army Reserves, serving honorably. His journey through life took him across Canada, working in mines and logging camps from Ontario to Manitoba and Alberta to British Columbia. Dad’s adventurous spirit led him to Merritt in 1963, where he worked as a logger and began laying down roots.

It was in Merritt that Dad found love. He met Mom in the fall of 1964, and they married on September 3, 1966. Together, they built a life filled with love, hard work, and adventure. They bought property on First Avenue in 1965, and Dad, ever the hardworking soul, began building their family home in 1973 from a kit he ordered.

Charles and Marguerite raised six wonderful children—Dawn, Charles, Anne, Yvette, Cora, and Rose. As a father, Dad shared his love of the outdoors, teaching his children how to fish, hunt, and appreciate the beauty of nature. The family explored British Columbia together, gold panning, rock collecting, and sharing stories by the campfire.

Dad had a deep curiosity about the world. Whether watching Star Trek, reading science fiction, western Louis L'amore books, attending air shows, or studying planes and history, his thirst for knowledge was unwavering. He also had a love for gardening, cultivating exotic plants and trees, and maintaining a large garden.

Dad was a man of many skills, working as an underground miner at several mines in B.C. and the Yukon and later at Highland Valley Copper from 1988 to 2006. His work ethic and dedication were second to none. Even after retiring, he continued to take on seasonal steelworker jobs across B.C. until 2016.

One of his favorite pastimes was playing crib with his children, sharing stories, and enjoying good company. He had a knack for storytelling that made everyone feel connected to the past, as he spoke of his experiences and memories.

Charles’s love of exploration never faded. He and Mom took many road trips, attended gun shows, and even ventured to Florida, Cuba, and other islands in 2001. Every journey was a new adventure—a chance to learn and experience life together.

Faith also became an important part of their lives, as they began attending the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall, finding community and purpose in their spiritual journey.

Charles Leslie Stewart was a man who lived life fully—through hard work, love, curiosity, and a deep appreciation of family and nature. His legacy lives on in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and everyone who had the privilege to know him.

Today, as we say goodbye, we also celebrate a life well-lived. Dad taught us to embrace challenges, to work hard, to explore the world, and to cherish family. We will miss his stories, his strength, and his unwavering love.

Rest in peace, Dad. You will always be in our hearts.

Eulogy for Marguerite Marie Stewart

Good morning, everyone. We are gathered here today to celebrate the life and legacy of a remarkable woman—Marguerite Marie Stewart. Born on June 30, 1938, in Nelson, British Columbia, Marguerite was the beloved daughter of Yvette and Louis Houde. As the oldest of three children, she grew up alongside her brother Albert and sister Jeanette, forming lifelong bonds that shaped her gentle, adventurous spirit.

Mom attended Catholic school, where her curiosity and passion for learning blossomed. It was there that she discovered a love for scuba diving, exploring caves, and acting in school productions. These experiences instilled in her a deep desire to explore the world and embrace new challenges. After graduating, Mom set off on an independent journey across the United States, driven by her adventurous heart and unwavering courage. Upon returning home, Mom began working as a switchboard operator for BC Telephone. Always up for new experiences, she moved to Kamloops and lived above the Jade Garden Chinese restaurant, making friends and memories that she cherished throughout her life.

One fateful visit to Merritt to see her parents would change her life forever. It was there that she met Charles, the man who would become her lifelong companion. As Dad fondly recalls, he fell in love with her over a lemon crumble dessert—a sweet beginning to a love story that would span decades. That sweet connection marked the beginning of their beautiful journey together. They married, built a loving family, and filled their lives with memories, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. Mom had a deep love for nature and enjoyed camping well into the fall. Whether joining Dad on his hunting trips or preserving vegetables from her garden, she found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Her hands were never idle—she sewed, knitted, crocheted doilies, and shared her talents with her knitting club from 1985 to 1990. Marguerite’s creativity and warmth were always on display, especially through her cooking. She adored the colour pearl pink and cherished roses, especially the yellow rose bush that Charles planted just for her. Marguerite’s love for classic films was evident in her fondness for old Disney movies, Shirley Temple, and timeless classics.

Family was at the heart of everything Mom did. In 1990, while Dad was away working, she completed the remaining rooms of their home with the help of her children—a reflection of her resourcefulness and dedication. In 1996, Mom shared an unforgettable adventure with me on a bus tour to Disneyland. Though Space Mountain proved a bit too thrilling all I heard was Mom say “never again, too scary.” She loved exploring San Francisco, San Diego, and marvelled at the behind-the-scenes magic of Universal Studios.

Mom continued her travels in 2000, journeying to Ontario with her sister-in-law Delphi for a family reunion. She relished recounting stories of the people she met and the places she explored. In 2001, Mom and Dad took a two-week trip to Florida, where they ventured to Cuba and nearby islands, creating more cherished memories. Mom loved discovering new places, whether attending gun shows with Dad or setting out on their annual hunting trips from 2000 to 2015. She also cherished their spiritual journey, learning and attending the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall, strengthening their faith and sense of community.

They built a beautiful life together, filled with love, family, and countless cherished moments.

To us—her children—she was not just a mother but a guiding light. Mom was a woman of strength, compassion, and warmth, always encouraging us to pursue our dreams just as she had once pursued hers. Her zest for life and love for her family were at the heart of everything she did. Above all, Mom was a beautiful soul—kind, friendly, calm, and compassionate. She always put others first, lending a helping hand whenever needed. Her love and generosity continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

As we say goodbye to Mom today, her legacy lives on through the stories we share, the recipes she passed down, the values she instilled in each of us of love, kindness, and adventure. Her memories will forever be a guiding light in our lives, reminding us to embrace every moment with the same grace, courage, kindness and warmth she brought into the world.

Thank you, Mom. You will forever remain in our hearts.