Martin STUART

1936 - 2023

MARTIN STUART November 6, 1936 - October 14, 2013 Just shy of his 87th birthday, Martin took his last peaceful breath on October 14, 2023. While the sky has gained a bright new star, the world has lost a true gentleman and adored husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and leader. A hero and mentor to many, he will be remembered for his Hollywood smile, twinkly eyes, and the charming but humble way he could captivate a room. Much to his amusement, his dry, intelligent wit flew above many heads, and his sound advice was highly sought in business and matters of the heart. He was a respected leader and proud Scotsman who shattered stereotypes of being cheap by exuding kindness and unwavering generosity in every aspect of his life, giving from his heart with pleasure and no reciprocation required. Martin was born in Glasgow to parents Charles Stuart and Jean Stuart (nee McDonald) on November 6, 1936. He was little brother to Johnny and Sheila, whom he adored. He spent many summers as a child in the beautiful seaside town of Oban, where his mother, who died when she was 45, is buried. He met his wife, Anne, in Glasgow in 1961, just before she moved to Canada, and three months later, he booked his flight to join her in the land of opportunity. They were married the following year, and their family grew to include daughter, Linda (David); son, Iain; grandchildren, Iain, Jamieson, James; and step-grandchildren, Brock and Austyn. As a young boy, he discovered his passion for masonry while building brick and stone walls around his childhood's front steps and flower garden. A testament to his craftsmanship, the walls still stand today. Upon arriving in Toronto, he sought employment in that field and with a heavy sample briefcase, he worked for Toronto Brick, which led to a sales position at Lake Ontario Cement. In 1967, at 31, he invested in a partnership at a struggling company called Century Concrete Products. Firmly believing that odd numbers make great partnerships and three is too many, he soon bought out the other two shareholders and turned the company around, creating what he considered his proudest achievement. In 1973, York Downs Golf & Country Club became his second home, where he formed lasting friendships and continued to enjoy the game he fell in love with as a young boy in Scotland. He chose the slow and steady route in life and business, making friends, not enemies, along the way. His employees highly respected his integrity and fairness. He walked the walk, as could be seen every morning at seven when he made the rounds to say hello, chat, and ensure everyone was doing their job well. A man of his word who exuded patience, he valued honesty and accountability. He extended second, third and even more chances to those who asked because he believed in the inherent goodness of others, even when it required digging deeper to find it. No matter his discomfort - whether in physical pain, enduring tasteless hospital food or the heartbreak of betrayal - he never uttered a single complaint. Even in his last fragile days, his response to the question of how he was doing was delivered with a smile and always the same - 'I'm fine.' His motto was 'Life Goes On.' And so shall we, with heartfelt gratitude for having him in our lives, for the depth of our feelings for him far exceeds the word 'Love.' A private family gathering of remembrance will be held shortly to celebrate the day he came into the world. In the early Spring, when the flowers wake, the golf course re-opens, and our grief begins to settle, we will formally honour his memory and celebrate all he meant to us. Please visit Martin's memorial webpage at www.etouch.ca for online condolences and service details.