Gordon Smith Stewart, age 89, passed away peacefully at Spruce Lodge, Stratford on Tuesday February 4, 2014. Born in Toronto, son of the late William and Susan (Smith) Stewart. Gordon was the beloved husband of Doris (Solway) Stewart whom he married in Toronto on August 31, 1945. Loving father of Heather Stewart, Patricia McNally (Fred), Douglas Stewart (Brenda), Jon Stewart, James Stewart, Jeff Stewart (Gail) and Julian Stewart. Cherished grandfather of Stephen, Scott (Fran), Ashley (Brian), Christopher (Ashley), Ryan, Nickolas, Karley and Keiran. Also survived by sister-in-law Beverley Smith and many nieces, nephews and their families.
Following 2 years as a bomber pilot in WWII, Gord embarked on a long happy successful teaching career first as a mathematics and science teacher at Port Credit High School, Principal of Allan A. Martin Jr. High School, Port Credit Vice Principal, then Principal of Northern Secondary High School, Inspector and Assistant Superintendent for the Sarnia Board of Education. With the introduction of the County School System, Gordon moved to Stratford as Superintendent of schools where he completed his career. Gordon had many hobbies, he enjoyed flying for many years, both in Sarnia and as a member of the Stratford Flying Club and chess, which he taught all the children to play. He was a prolific painter in oils which he shared with family members. He also loved carpentry, he built his first home, his cottage and small boats in Haliburton, as well as building hobby horses, doll houses and custom designed paddles for many members of the family. With the coming of the computer age, Gordon enjoyed the challenge of designing time tables for many secondary schools in the Province of Ontario and he loved the freedom to spend time with his grandchildren.
His family would like to thank the staff at Spruce Lodge for their excellent care and compassion. At his specific request there will be a private family memorial service with internment of his ashes in his beloved Haliburton at a later date.
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice through the W. G. Young funeral home, 430 Huron St., Stratford. 519-271-7411.www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
