March 5th, 1919 ~ January 21st, 2017
It is with sad hearts and wonderful memories that we say goodbye to our beloved Father, Grandpa and Great Grandpa James (Jim) Edgar Stewart.
Jim passed away peacefully on the evening of January 21st, 2017 at Nanaimo Seniors Village. He is now reunited with his true love of 68 years, Betsy Brown Stewart. Jim was born on March 5th, 1919 in Greencastle, County Donegal. He was one of five children. He attended school in Londonderry, N. Ireland where his passion of rugby began; he often would say he 鈥渢ook to rugby as a fish to water.鈥� He attended the Royal Veterinary College of Ireland at the young age of 18 where he graduated with highest honors and began his career as a Veterinarian for the next 34 years. Rugby and Cross Country running not only paid for his schooling but also were some of his fondest memories and proudest accomplishments.
Education remained to be highly valued by both he and his wife and they passed this on to their children and grandchildren. He was very proud of all of their accomplishments and commented on this daily. In 1959 Jim and his darling wife Betsy and their four children set off for Canada where he accepted a job in Saskatchewan. He would remain in Grenfell, Saskatchewan with his veterinary practice for the next 17 years. He loved working with big animals, especially the cows, and would tell fond tales of his experiences to anybody who would listen. While there, he met wonderful friends who he still remained in contact with and cherished their friendship immensely.
He retired to Courtenay, BC in 1976 and enjoyed his time on a hobby farm with his wife, cows, dogs, chickens and cats. He loved fishing and boating and spent his free time teaching power squadron. He always cherished his time at St. Mary鈥檚 Anglican Church and held very dear to his heart the everlasting friendships he made there while he gave the Sunday sermon and grandma played the organ.
Jim鈥檚 most valuable treasure was his wife and his family. He loved to be pampered by his wife and to tell tall tales of his adventures, although we still don鈥檛 know which stories are true. Jim never lost his Irish heritage and always spoke fondly of his life there. Jim will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a devoted husband, loving father, compassionate grandfather, distinguished veterinarian, humorist and educator.
Jim leaves behind many who loved him dearly, his four children Hamilton (Kim), Elsbeth, James and Morag (Allan). He will be profoundly missed by all of them including his seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Gone before him but never forgotten was the love of his life, his wife Betsy. May the two of them now be together forever.
The Funeral service will be held at St. John the Divine Anglican Church at 2:30pm on January 27th.