Mr. Wallace Earle Stewart

Wallace Earle Stewart P.Eng.

Wallace Earle Stewart of Kenora, Ontario passed away peacefully at Lake of the Woods District Hospital on January 13, 2013. Wally was born in Winnipeg on November 23, 1925 and was the eldest son of Harry and Effie (MacKinnon) Stewart.

Wally grew up in Winnipeg and over the years he would often recall memories of times spent with his family and friends. He had an exceptionally happy childhood, he was a good athlete-he especially enjoyed baseball and soccer. He graduated from Wolsley High School and after which he enlisted at HMCS Chippawa and served with the Royal Canadian Navy. He was a visual signalman on the minesweeper, HMCS Goderich. After the war, he returned to Winnipeg where he worked in the engineering department for the City of Winnipeg. He went back to school and graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1953 with a degree in civil engineering. He wore his iron ring proudly for the rest of his life. Wally went to work for the City of Hamilton and it was there that he met the true love of his life, his wife, Helen. They were married in 1955 and lived in Niagara Falls, London, Kapuskasing, and Barrie before moving to Kenora in 1960. He went to work for Towland Construction and later became engineer for the Town of Kenora.

Wally made a wonderful life in Kenora with Helen, his children, and many friends. He was active in the community sharing his time and knowledge with various clubs and organizations. He loved nature and the outdoors and many good memories were made during family adventures exploring Kenora and the surrounding area. He liked a good road trip, he was interested in people and the world around him. He liked to study maps. He was especially interested in birds and the weather. He enjoyed the changing of the seasons, he curled in winter and had great times playing golf in the summer. Many good times were spent out fishing on the lake. Wally was a bit of a history buff and could give a good lesson on a great number of topics. He was a mathematician extraordinaire. He was interested in how things work and why, he always thought curiosity was a tremendous quality. He had keen observation skills. He provided his children and then his grandchildren with his words of wisdom and constant encouragement. He was a talented carver. Wally made friends wherever he went and maintained many lifelong friends throughout his life. He was an excellent host. Wally and Helen loved a celebration and his most happy times were spent in the company of family and friends at home and at camp on Echo Bay. Many happy winters were spent with Helen in Corpus Christie, Texas during their retirement years.

Wally lived a good life. He was a fine man and a true gentleman. He was exceptionally fair, honest, and over the last few years countless people have mentioned that he was the “best boss they ever had”.

Wally was predeceased by his mother and father and his wife Helen.

Wally will be remembered with much love and sadly missed by his daughter Peggy and her husband Jim Gustafson, daughter Gail and her husband Jim Brigham of Winnipeg, son Ian and his wife Sheila of Thunder Bay, his brother Bruce and his wife June Stewart of Cobourg, Ont. His grandchildren brought joy to his life, he was a much loved Grandpa to Jeff Gustafson, Kate Gustafson, Ben Gustafson, Elizabeth Brigham, Emily Brigham, Maura Brigham, Clare Brigham, Karly Stewart, and Jolee Stewart. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 17th at 2:00 p.m. @ Knox United Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that if desired, donations may be made to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital

Foundation or a charity of one's choice.

“There is no greater happiness for a man than approaching a door at the end of a day knowing someone on the other side of that door is waiting for the sound of his footsteps.” ~RR

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuenralhomekenora.com

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