Linda and we’re present November 18, 2025 at the Spruce Grove Cemetery, to view and offer our prayers to one of my best friends
Spreading of his ashes, it was a cold weather day, but the picture on his headstone brightened this day as the morning heavy fog slowly dissipated.as i stood in silence, and said a little prayer for Gary.
Always in my heart … always in my heart.
You are really really missed.
Pat and Linda Merrick

It’s hard to believe that a whole year has passed since we lost Gary. He is missed every day and left us way too early. He was my brother who always looked out for me and he made my life so much better because of who he was. I know he is at peace now and is looking down and still watching over me- that brings me great comfort. Hopefully he is with mom and Morley and having a great time!! We love you and always will. Pat and Linda with love.

I am deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Gary. Having known him for over 30 years as we worked together managing his business and personal travel, I can’t express how much he meant to me. Gary was not just a client ; he became a dear friend.

His love for fishing trips, whether in Alaska, or  on the island, or around the globe, they were always a joy to plan. Gary’s generosity was unmatched. He never failed to share his bounty of his trips, especially the halibut, and the salmon. he would even  meet my husband in the Walmart parking lot in the West End to exchange the loot. The calls from him were always a highlight, filled with warmth and enthusiasm. I always loved hearing about his adventures.The 

Planning trips for Gary and Bette was always a pleasure, ensuring they experienced the best using his points and more, wherever possible. Gary truly embodied first class in every aspect of his life. I will miss those wonderful calls and laughter we shared. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Sincere condolences

Lori Swan

I just heard today about Gary’s passing and extend sincerest condolences to Bette and family. I have many fond memories of the Stewarts’ time in Bathurst, NB. We had so many great get togethers with Gary leading us in song and always serving some interesting meals. He will be missed by many.

I just received a note about Gary's untimely passing. My memories of the times at Macdonald came rushing back. Gary was a hard working student who also worked hard at relaxing. I was fortunate to be included in both the "studiously driven Gary" as well a the "hard relaxing" Gary. Bette's infinite patience with me and a few others being invited by Gary to their home at Robertson Terrace on the campus for evenings of "hard relaxing" was generous. How Geoff slept through our gatherings was truly amazing. I remember those times and Gary and Bette fondly. 

My condolences Bette, to you and your family. Thank you for your generosity for allowing me to be included in your life during our time at Macdonald.

I have many fond memories of Gary and the team he created at the Western Boreal Program. We did a lot of good work and we had a lot of fun doing it - so many laughs shared amongst friends and colleagues. I am very thankful for the role he had in bringing me out west to Edmonton... literally shaped my life. 

My deepest sympathies to the family - you can be proud in the conservation legacy he left behind.

Dear Bette and Family , Geoff and I are shocked to hear of Gary’s passing . We are sorry . We remember your generosity in hosting the Ducks Unlimited house parties in Springfield , welcoming us Fredericton . Wild Game was featured , trivia , collective nouns , and Gary’s strumming his guitar. Gary was so very good about establishing the many sustaining relationship between DU and the Province of New Brunswick . We benefited from Gary’s big thinking and his national impact  for conservation . His Legacy will live on .
Sincerely Mary Ann and Geoff Harding

We met Gary and Betty when both our families lived in the married quarters at MacDonald College.  Although we all lived on shoe strings we became good friends and enjoyed each other’s company.  After leaving Mac, Judy and I visited them at the Delta Waterfowl Research Station and in Bathurst New Brunswick where they lived during Gary’s first job with Ducks Unlimited.  I will never forget watching with Gary hundreds of mallards landing in a water hole surrounded by ice in the marsh.  When in Bathurst Gary and I went to Plaster Rock where we fished for speckles in a tributary of the Miramichi.   Both unforgettable events.

We wish to offer our sincere condolences to Bette and her family on Gary’s passing.  He had such a good sense of humour and adventuresome spirit.  He will be greatly missed.

So sad to hear of the passing of Gary. I only met him once on a flight from Seattle to Anchorage in September. We shared the 3 1/2 hour flight and I listened to Gary speak of his long history with Ducks Unlimited and his love for the land and family. It didn't take me long to realize that I was sitting next to someone very special! Those of you that shared your lives with Gary are very blessed. I feel honored to have met the man and even though it was a brief encounter I share in your sadness for the loss of such a fine gentleman. Please accept my sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers. God Bless!

Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing Geoff. 
Our  condolences to you and your family.    Our thoughts are with all of you.  
It is during times of great loss that we realize how limiting words can be and how special our friends truly are.  We hope you hear the words we cannot speak, for words can do no justice to the heartache you and your family have suffered.

It was over 30 years ago that I had the pleasure of working with Gary as Provincial Biologists for Ducks Unlimited in our respective provinces.  What I remember most was Gary's strong bass voice that demanded attention to his well-considered words. At the same time, he was demonstrably considerate of other opinions and supportive of his colleagues. My condolences to his wife Bette and his children.
Although my time with Gary was short, it was impactful, and I have no doubt that his was a life well-lived.

You were one of the most passionate conservationists I have ever worked with.  During my time with DUC's WBFI (1999-2003) we put the northern part of the WBF on the map.  Whether it was habitat classification work in the NWT's Mackenzie Valley or recon surveys on Saoyú-ʔehdacho (Great Bear Lake, NWT), or in Whitefish/Bluefish and Old Crow Yukon, you were an amazing teacher, mentor and friend.  Gone too soon Gary.

I am so sad  to hear about Gary. What a great loss.  I send my condolences to his family who I know he loved very much. I was fortunate to work with Gary on the International  Boreal conservation campaign.    He always had a wise word or sarcastic quip that  made him a joy to work with. I was impressed by his campaign smarts and his ability to work with anyone. He had an uncanny ability to bring diverse people together to  get things done.  He was devoted  to protecting  the boreal and the birds and wildlife that lived there. His contribution will last for generations. Rest in Peace my friend!

I will never forget my times with Gary—in the halls of power, in the field, and at home with his family. He was a true friend who has left a generous legacy of conserved lands and waters for Canadians. Thanks for everything Gary. We are really, really going to miss you. —Monte Hummel, President Emeritus, WWF Canada

Sorry to hear of Gary’s passing.
My condolences to Bette Jean and the family.

So sorry to learn of Gary's tragic death. He was my first graduate student at The Macdonald Campus of McGill University. I introduced him to the Delta Waterfowl Research Station, prairie ducks and the Montreal Forum. We learned a lot together. He introduced us to our Bob's Special Chestnut canoe. He was great company, lots of fun and an accomplished waterfowl biologist and sportsman. Sincere condolences to Bette and his family.

Connie and I are saddened to hear of Garys passing. I first met Gary in 2000 when his emerging Boreal Forest Program intrigued and lured me back to Ducks Unlimited Canada. He not only became my boss and influential mentor, but also a good friend! We got to know each other when we spent countless hours together promoting the boreal to prospective industrial partners. What has been written about Gary is all true. His energy, generosity and overall presence will be missed by all who know him, and the outcome of his conservation efforts will live on for everyone to enjoy.  Connie and I were always welcome at Gary and Bette’s home where we enjoyed great food, drink, and conversation. Here we learned of Garys genuine love for Bette and his family. We send our deepest condolences and are thinking of you during this difficult time.  

Chris and Connie Smith

I remember when we were kids and at the lake and mom would send Gary and I to pick blueberries for her. We did that but on our way back we would eat all the blueberries and instead would bring back our pots full of garter snakes. Needless to say, mom was not impressed and we had to let them go- much to Gary’s disappointment as he was always curious about all animals. He was a great big brother and I will miss him forever but he is at peace now and that is a good thing.     Love, your sister, Linda

Decades have passed since Gary and I were students at Delta in the 70s.  I always enjoyed Gary's inspiration, brilliance, practicality, and humor.  I remember his seminal bluewinged teal study.  Thank you, Gary, for your impact on your family and waterfowl conservation.  May you "roost" in peace and God bless your family.  Rick Kaminski, retired waterfowl professor, Mississippi State and Clemson Universities.

I was very sorry to hear of Garry’s passing. I knew him as a dedicated DUC employee and a very good biologist.
While we worked in different areas in the Company  when we did meet I enjoyed his friendly positive manner.
My sincere condolences 
Stew Morrison

I was very sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I started my career as a fresh young biologist in DUC's Boreal Program. Gary made it a pretty fun work environment for a bunch of new grads, with endless free pop, skeet shooting team building, and occasional pool parties at his indoor pool.  He built a great program in the boreal and provided opportunities for many of us to launch our successful careers, and built a lasting legacy. I ran into Gary about a decade ago doing  work with the Pew, and he greeted me warmly and we had a good laugh about the fun days at the Boreal office. Condolences to his much loved family, friends, and work family.

My sincere condolences to the Stewart family. I was sad to hear of Gary's passing, I have many great early memories of time spent at BBQ's in your home. Wishing you all the best in this difficult time.

I first met Gary and Bette when he was a MS student studying Blue-winged Teal at Minnedosa...some stories from those days I won't share but lets just way he worked hard but found ways to have a good time too!  
Later at Ducks Unlimited we worked together on a wide range of conservation planning issues.  As the obituary noted he was "larger than life" in many respects...an outgoing, gregarious guy who spoke his mind, built partnerships, and accomplished a lot for conservation, particularly in the Western Boreal Forest.
Thank you, Gary, for your contributions to conservation..
My condolences to Bette and family.
Mike

Our hearts go out to Bette and all of the Stewart family at this most difficult time. Gary's passion, knowledge and accomplishments in the field of wetland habitat conservation will influence future leaders for generations to come. However, it was his love and dedication to his family that meant the most to Gary. Recalling the many hours we spent playing and singing old tunes plus our hunting days out in '338' will always make me smile.

OBITUARY

Gary Russell Stewart

11 June, 1950 – 17 November, 2023

Parkland Funeral Services

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