Obituary of William Stewart

William Robinson Stewart William (Bill) Robinson Stewart was born on the family homestead in the McLaren District, Maidstone, SK to George and Evelyn Stewart. Bill grew up there working on the family farm until 1941 when he moved to BC. He found employment with a wood mill, Mohawk Lumber and later worked at Essendale (which is now Riverside Hospital) where he took a cooking course and continued to work there for eight years. Bill married Mabel (Hafstein,) also from Maidstone, on February 21, 1942 in New Westminster. Their daughters Trudy Lynne and Cheryl Lee were both born there. In 1959 Bill and family moved back to Maidstone to go into mixed farming. In 1965 they sold the farm and purchased another farm to straight grain farm and during those years he began to drive school bus for the Battle River School Division. In 1975 they decided to retire from farming and moved into Maidstone. Bill loved spending time with family and friends and cherished his time spent with his grandchildren and watching them grow up. He always kept himself busy and had a passion for carpentry. Over the years he built and renovated homes and was a handyman for family, friends, the church, etc. He enjoyed his years of bus driving and especially looked forward to driving for school field trips. He also drove ambulance for a few years after moving into Maidstone. Bill and Mabel moved into the Pine Island Lodge, Maidstone in February 2008 just after their 66th Anniversary. Bill passed away July 7, 2008, at the Pine Island Lodge at the age of 90. He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Mabel; daughter Cheryl (Shaun); grandchildren Chelsey and Luke. His brothers Ray (Bev) and Ian (Eileen); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Trudy; parents George and Evelyn, and brothers Lionel and Alan Stewart. A private family service was held at the Maidstone Cemetery July 12 with Joyce Carson officiating. The family of Bill Stewart would like to sincerely thank everyone for their cards, visits, flowers, food and monetary donations. Thank you to Joyce Carson for officiating at the memorial service and to McCaws Funeral Service Ltd. for their professional services. A most heartfelt thank you is extended to all the staff and nurses of Pine Island Lodge and Maidstone Hospital for your compassionate care. Donations in memory of Bill may be made to the "Twin Rivers Foundation" designated to the Pine Island Fund Raiser.