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William Stewart Obituary

STEWART, William Douglas In loving memory of William Douglas Stewart, aged 79, who passed away on Friday, March 2, 2018 after a courageous and determined battle with cancer. "Doug," predeceased by his parents, Duncan and Jean Stewart as well as his wife Penelope Stamp, is survived by his four loving children: Duncan, Allison, Cameron, and Lauren; his brother/sister-in-law, Ian and Beverly Stewart of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia; sister-in-law, Betty Stamp of Vancouver, B.C.; and Walter, his faithful feline companion. Doug was a devoted and accepting father-in-Law to Rod, Stan, Kathleen, and Matthew; uncle to Jason, Shannon, and David; and an abundant, joyous force as 'Grumpa' to the true apples of his eyes - four sparkling grandchildren: Jace, Connall, Ever, and Rory. Doug was a consummate orator and leader - a master of language and words. Charismatic, charming, and inspiring, he delighted in conversation, debate, and story-telling whether it be chatting to neighbours / friends while gardening outside his home, or standing proudly in the great halls of Canada's House of Commons and numerous B.C. courtrooms. Elected as Student President of Oak Bay Senior Secondary, Victoria College, Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and the Alma Mater Society at UBC, Doug graduated with degrees in Commerce and Law. His career in politics began in Kimberley, B.C. where he was practicing law and was elected as a Liberal MP for Okanagan-Kootenay district in B.C. (for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau years) 1968-1974. The family then moved to Victoria where he worked for the Ministry of Attorney General until his retirement in 1992. Alongside his great work, Doug also full-heartedly championed great play and one of his last mantras left to us was, "always make room for the stupid, fun, and silly." With hugs, whistles, improvised ditties, raucous applause, and an unmatched joviality, Doug always welcomed, without pretension, one and all into his life and home. The treasure trove of memories (a smile that could light up a room, hearty embraces, epic Christmas dinners, barbecues on the back deck, colourful posters trumpeting birthday festivities, and cards sent without fail for each & every life celebration) won't soon be forgotten. Doug Stewart: dedicated civil servant, loyal friend, devoted family man, and adored Grumpa, shall be greatly missed. Rest now in peace Dad; we love you. Note: In lieu of a formal funeral service, the family plans to hold a celebration of Doug's life sometime this summer. For updates, please email: [email protected]. The family would like to thank Dr. Mike Davison and the numerous kind and caring staff at RJH, BC Cancer Agency, In-home Care & Victoria Hospice. In his memory, contributions may be made to the B.C. Cancer Foundation and Victoria Hospice Society. Tributes and memories can be shared by visiting www.earthsoption.com
Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Mar. 8 to Mar. 10, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for William Stewart

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10 Entries

Brian Sabiston

March 12, 2018

What a terrific man we have lost! Looking back at class photographs and memorabilia from Monterey Elementary School; Oak Bay High School days; and, BC Electric events (both my dad and Doug's worked at the BC Electric and we both enjoyed BC Electric Scholarships in 1956) I am reminded of Doug's infectious smile and amazing personality which both leap from every photograph back to Grade One! Most recently, in 2007, I shared a cabin with Doug (and his horn-equipped cane!) on a post-OBHS reunion re-positioning cruise to Los Angeles. Every day was full of memories and laughter ~ and now, a rich and lasting memory of Doug, for me too. I am sure that Doug came out of the womb, laughing and his obituary photograph captures him perfectly. What an amazing smile! What a tremendous wave! Taken together, his smile and his wave are both a greeting and a farewell. So, "Farewell" my friend. I am richer for having known you and the world is poorer for having lost you. To Ian and Doug's children and grandchildren, my sincerest and deepest sympathy.

Janet Stevens, class of '56

March 11, 2018

I was an OBHS classmate and a fellow member of the reunion committee. We all miss his Falstaffian presence at our monthly gatherings.
Rest easy, Doug. I'm sure that wherever you are there is now a lot more laughter.

Phil and Joyce wade

March 11, 2018

Doug was never too busy to chat, he was always so friendly. Sorry for your loss.

Noni Battye (White)

March 9, 2018

What an amazing man. The first time I met him was going for dinner and a swim with Cam. I made the mistake of asking if I needed to bring any food and couldn't understand the laughter I was greeted with. Over the following years, I never left his company with anything less than sore cheeks from laughing and a full stomach. Doug was the light of any room he was in and the world is a little less colourful without him in it. Much love to you all. <3 Noni

Jean, Doug & Bailey MARKI

March 9, 2018

His smiling face, constant jokes will be sadly missed by us. I, Jean was fortunate and worked with him for many years. We, myself, Doug & Bailey became good friends and had many good times.

March 9, 2018

My brother was a great guy. It seemed though that the only time myself and my family would see him and his family was either at a wedding or a funeral. We are at the other end of the country which made things difficult. When we did get together it was loads of fun and laughter. There was always a smile on his face. He had a difficult life the past few years, but he was a fighter who demonstrated such strength through those difficult times. He will be missed but never forgotten. Rest in Peace Brother. To all the family members, I hope it comforts you to know that your grief is shared by all of us who knew your dad. I know how close you were to your father and what an influence he had on your life. You were always there for him until the bitter end. God Bless you all.

Uncle Ian, Aunt Bev & Cousin Jason

Marlene Fox

March 8, 2018

I met Doug when I worked at the crown office many years ago. He was just the sweetest guy. Happy travels my friend.

Laurie Page

March 8, 2018

I was a legal secretary for Doug at the Crown Counsel office in Victoria. I have fond memories of his "funny" antics, humor, loyalty and dedication. My sincere condolences to Doug's family.

Lorne Newson

March 8, 2018

Doug was a pleasure to work with and a loyal friend. He was often a ray of sunshine on days when his friends were gloomy. He will be sadly missed.

Mary Weller

March 8, 2018

I lost a good friend when Doug died. We were friends for 45 years and spent many hours talking on the phone or walking by the ocean.I consider all of his "kids" mt kids too.

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Memorial Events
for William Stewart

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