Stewart Leicester Smith

Our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, Stewart Leicester Smith, passed away on Saturday, September 5th, after a brave struggle against a cruel neurological illness. Stewart’s passing came as a severe blow to us all. He is survived by his wife and life partner of 34 years, Lynne Jones, his son Braden, daughter in law Michelle, brother Graham (Tina), sister Jennifer (Marc), sister Michele (Mike) and his many other family members and friends.

The Greater Vancouver community lost a wonderful man with Stewart’s passing. He was instrumental in the successful development of PLEA Community Services which helps children, youth, adults, and families who face significant challenges lead fulfilling lives within their communities. PLEA’s reach, with Stewart’s help, has extended throughout B.C. and into the Yukon.

Stewart played a founding role in the creation and design of FolkStone, an innovative program which places seniors with complex challenges and health conditions live in family homes where they are cared for like a member instead of living out their days in institutions. He was also responsible for designing the core program model of what became the KIDSTART Mentoring Program. These were indeed welcomed and successful ventures which have made a difference in so many lives. Stewart was justly proud of this legacy.

For those of us close to Stewart, we remember a kind, generous and loving man who was always seeking to better the lives of those around him. He had a big, kind smile, a warm, loving and kind heart and relentless energy for his passions. Stew had an amazing ability to help others - endlessly finding them employment, cars, houses and even dates. We all have a Stew story (especially about cars) that features him finding a real gem and then negotiating a great deal.

Stewart had a wide circle of friends and kept in touch with all of them. He was a long-time racquetball and squash player at the Burrard YMCA and spent many happy years breaking a sweat on their courts. He was also a fine guitar player and, in true-to-Stew fashion, generously shared his skills with his brother Graham and many others. Lots of would-be musicians learned to play, thanks to his patient teaching.

We all need to thank Stewart for the fine man that he was. He left us all better people because of the kind of life he lived. So, smile when you think of him. He would like that.

Stewart is predeceased by his father, Dr. Gerald Leicester Smith, mother, Margaret Faulds Stewart Smith (nee Aitken) and sister, Geraldine (Deena) Thorn.

A memorial service will be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a fund is being established to honour Stewarts legacy, please donate to PLEA Community Services in Stewart’s name.