June 3, 1944 - March 5, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Robert Edwin Stewart announce his passing on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 in Castlegar, B.C.
Surrounded by and supporting his family until the very end of his courageous fight against cancer, Bob's steadfast resolve and endless love persisted even in the most trying of times.
He leaves in mourning his loving wife Violet Stewart. Bob was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta on June 3, 1944.
At just two years old, Bob moved to Montrose, B.C. with his late parents, Frank and Rose Stewart, and his sister, Jean Poole, still residing in Montrose. Bob graduated from J.L. Crowe Secondary School in 1962 and went on to study accounting at UBC.
Shortly after university, Bob returned to Trail to begin his career at Soligo's and started a family, building a home in Montrose to raise his daughter, Christine (Mike) Bartsoff, and son, Chad Stewart. Bob, Christine, and Chad spent countless weekends at Christina Lake with family and friends.
Bob married the love of his life, Violet MacLeod of Rossland, B.C. on July 10, 1992. In 1995, Bob and Vi moved to Blueberry where, for nearly three decades, they fulfilled each day with their love of golf, gardening, entertaining family and friends, and peaceful evenings enjoying the riverview.
Together, Bob's and Vi's endless love, wisdom, and support forever brought together a strong family that is today their legacy. Vi's daughters, Dianne (Tommy LeRose) Gradley and Stacey (Allen) Matthews of Castlegar, and son Dave (Jackie) Taylor of Slave Lake, Alberta, soon became Bob's own.
For 33 years, Bob worked at Kootenay Savings Credit Union corporate office in Trail, before retiring as Vice-President in 2003. He adjusted and began nearly two decades of his favourite ways to spend time-golf, curling, volunteering, travel, and even more time with the grandkids.
As the grandkids grew out of playing hockey, Bob and Vi increasingly enjoyed winters-starting after the many family holiday gatherings-in Mesa. Bob and Vi enjoyed each moment with their special friends, Dale and Jeanette, golfing and enjoying good company.
From a youth of baseball, to a retirement of curling and golf, especially with his regular foursome. Bob loved his sports. He spent years playing and later coaching local youth baseball, and in retirement serving as treasurer of the Castlegar Rebels and Castlegar Golf Club.
He always enjoyed watching a good game, whether it be hockey (the Maple Leafs), baseball (the Blue Jays), golf (Arnold Palmer) or curling (Team Gushue). Bob never complained if his favourite teams were on TV, and always made extra time to watch his grandkids on the ice, at the baseball diamond, or the soccer field.
While the oldest grandkids fondly recall the sweet treats Grandpa always kept in his filing cabinet at work, he always had an abundance of time to enjoy with family, and especially his grandkids.
Bob's legacy,and particularly his golf lessons, live on in his nine grandkids, Jesse and Kyle Bartsoff, Kody and Morgan Stewart, Luke and Megan Matthews, Amanda Bozzer, and Kevin and Kara Taylor. Bob's nephews, Darryl and Derrick Poole are left with many fond memories, as well.
Clark's Funeral Services has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, donations can be made in memory of Bob to KidSport Greater Trail, or the BC Cancer Foundation and its Patient Relief Fund.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.clarksfuneral.ca