Charles Stewart

It is with sadness we announce the sudden passing of Charles Stewart on November 3, 2021. Charlie resided in New Westminster. Charlie is missed by his sons Nigel (Sandra), Andrew (Katherine) and granddaughter Madeleine of Victoria, and son Fraser of Vancouver. He is also survived by his brother Tom Stewart of Vancouver, and many nieces and nephews. Charlie will also be remembered by his many friends and acquaintances.

Charlie is predeceased by his siblings Delia Lynch, Alex Stewart and John Stewart.

Charlie was born in Greenock, Scotland in 1944 to John and Margaret Stewart, and graduated from St Mary’s High School. After graduation, Charlie started out working in Scot’s shipyard as a rivet catcher. Immediately after his good friend Billy had been struck in the head by a hot rivet, Charlie shifted to a career in hospitality at the Tontine Hotel in Greenock, Scotland. Charlie started in the Tontine as a page boy in the lobby until he was old enough to start in the kitchen. From there Charlie went on to work in, and manage, several hotels in and around Scotland and England.

On moving to Canada around 1972, Charlie remained with the hospitality industry, and worked for Hyatt hotels, both at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Vancouver, and the (then) brand new Vancouver Airport Hyatt House on Sea Island.

After managing hotels, Charlie went back to his roots as a cook for Kingcome Navigation, where he went to sea aboard the Haida Brave, and Haida Monarch, for about 20 years. Later in life, Charlie looked forward to meeting up regularly with his old shipmates to reminisce.

After life at sea, Charlie went ashore to take over the lease on the Ivanhoe Hotel bar, with his longtime friend Chris. He made many friends there, and went out with a bang when he retired.

Charlie was truly a character who left an impression on many with his wit and charm. Charlie enjoyed helping out by cooking for some of his neighbours during the pandemic, as it made him happy to know he was helping out where he could, doing what he loved to do. Charlie was also an extremely proud grandpa, who didn’t hesitate to talk about his granddaughter to anyone who might listen, and was a frequent patron of his local shops and restaurants.

A private memorial will be held for friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice