John Stewart

John Stewart came into the world on October 20, 1949. He grew up with a big farm family in Rockglen, then found the love of his life, Barbara at the tender age of 20 when he went to the University in Regina. He spent his entire 30 year career at London Life Insurance Company. He took their early 80s slogan “Where every life is something special” to heart in every dealing he had with his clients, and in fact, in his everyday life. His career was prematurely interrupted before he reached Freedom 55 when he was diagnosed with a rare form of subcortical dementia at 52. Despite a diagnosis that carried a lot of uncertainty, he not only accepted his disease, but he broke down the stigma of dementia by being open about it, always welcoming other people in the Alzheimer’s community, embracing them into support groups and encouraging them to engage in social activities to keep their minds active. What he did for the dementia community was one of the biggest contributions of his life. His welcoming attitude continued when he started Day Program at Sherbrooke Community Centre in 2003. He made many friends at Sherbrooke so when he moved there in 2016, it was an easy transition. He was well-loved by the staff who provided amazing care for him in the 3 years he lived there. Special thanks to all of his medical staff, friends from the Alzheimer’s Society and support groups, and the day program participants, residents and staff at Sherbrooke who supported both Barb and John through this journey. They enriched their lives and we know that John enriched theirs as well. He will be remembered as a man who always had a big smile on his face and was friendly and welcoming to every person he met. While as teenagers his daughters were embarrassed by his seemingly endless need to learn the name of everyone he came across, as adults they saw what a wonderful characteristic this was. He had a way of making other people feel special. He was extremely proud of his girls and he was an amazing example of a husband and a father. His sense of humour was infectious and he could make anyone laugh. He was proud to have been one of 9 brothers: Bob (Gisel), Woody, Van (Sheryl), Monte (Lynne), Rocke (Anne), Barrie (Angie), Errol (Wendi), and Mike (Teresa) and a sister (Jacquie). He was predeceased by his parents, Lloyd and Yvonne, his sister, his parents-in-law, Jack and Eva and brother-in-law, Don. He is survived by what he always referred to as his “perfect family”: his loving wife, Barbara (Outhwaite) of 48 years, who provided outstanding care as they walked the path with dementia for 18 years, his daughters Kelley (Aled Griffiths) and Susanne Arn (Mitch) and five beautiful grandsons, Jaxson, Jakeb, Vincent, Oliver, and Evan. John’s life will be honoured on Monday, December 16 at 3:30 p.m. at Sherbrooke Community Centre at 401 Acadia Drive, Saskatoon in the Tawaw Centre. Memorial donations may be made to Sherbrooke Community Centre or the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan. Arrangements in care of Travis Minor – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.