Lester Gerard Stewart

It is with heavy hearts that we must announce that Lester Gerard “Elgy” Stewart passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on October 1, 2023 in Calgary, Alberta at The Chinook Care Long Term Care Centre. Our beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend will be terribly missed, yet we are comforted in knowing that he is reunited with Yvonne Marie, his forever love.

Lester is survived by his sister, Bridget Ann (nee Stewart) Dumouchelle; his daughters, Michelle (nee Stewart) Brown (Gary) and Lisa (nee Stewart) Reschke (Dave); his grandchildren Matthew, Alisha, Brycen, Renee, Jason, and Dave (Meg); and great grandchildren, Lucie, and Marlow.

He is predeceased by his parents, Agnes Teresita (nee Hill) and Lester Francis Stewart; his wife, Yvonne Marie (nee Cormier) Stewart; and his brothers Kevin Francis, Reginald Casimir, and John Blaise Stewart.

Born on April 30, 1933 in Reserve Mines, Cape Breton County, Nova Scotia, Lester was Cape Breton proud and one of five children, raised during the scarcity and challenges of the Great Depression. His father worked for the railroad, and for a time in Lester’s childhood, the whole family lived in the train station, next to the bustle and sounds of transit. They moved to New Glasgow in 1947 where Lester attended high school; he graduated from New Glasgow High in 1950.

After graduation, Lester went to work at Maritime Steel & Foundry as a Machinist Apprentice, followed by the CNR as a Telegraph Operator. After three years, he decided it was time to go back to school, enrolling at Saint Francis Xavier University to study engineering. Midway through school, he transferred majors and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He was a hard-working student, already committed and focused on a future career.

It was a chance encounter on a railroad platform that introduced Lester to his future wife. Lester was working at the station when a woman dressed in a sophisticated and stylish outfit stepped off the train and immediately captured Lester’s attention. He quickly offered to help with her luggage and was instantly smitten with her charm, elegance, and poise. As luck would have it, Lester knew her brother, who arranged for them to meet at a local dance that same weekend.

Lester and Yvonne (Stewart) were married in Amherst on July 2, 1960. Their relationship, having started like a scene fit for the big screens, continued to parallel one of the greatest love stories of all time. They were often referred to by their family and friends as a ‘Salt of the Earth’ couple with their legacy being one of love, inspiration, and positivity to all those who were lucky to know them. They especially enjoyed sharing many happy gatherings in their beautiful home where music, singing and laughter could be heard for miles! They were blessed to enjoy a happy 59-year marriage and true partnership, during which time they raised two daughters, Michelle and Lisa.

Lester began his career in the oil industry with Petrofina, which eventually became Petro-Canada. It was the start of an almost 50-year career in which Lester quickly gained the trust and respect of his colleagues and became a highly regarded leader. He led with authority and respect, with a fierce work ethic and tireless commitment to his various positions across the country and a sincere compassion for the people he worked with. Lester poured his heart and soul into his work and truly loved his work. He was passionate about the oil industry.

It was no surprise that Lester retired twice! He stepped down as Vice President of Marketing at Petro Canada in 1998 but didn’t hesitate to get back to work when the Canadian Petroleum Products Institute (CPPI) recruited him to their Atlantic Division. Lester had more energy to give and was excited to get back behind the desk.

He did eventually retire in 2001, at which point he was ready to make time for more leisure and travel. Yvonne and Lester savoured trips to visit family and to enjoy some of their favorite sunny destinations like Hawaii, Florida, and Mexico. Retirement also gave Lester and Yvonne more time to spend with their daughters and their families. Above all, Lester loved his family and being a Grandpa and Great-Grandpa. He was always regaling people with stories of his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s accomplishments, no matter how big or small.

Lester devoted a great deal of his time to volunteer efforts and always believed in giving back. As an avid sports fan, he was a member of the president’s club of his alma mater at St. Francis Xavier University with a particular interest in the development of their Athletics program and new Millennium Centre. He was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus Halifax chapter and active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in Nova Scotia. Lester sat on the church building committee and was instrumental in helping to negotiate the sale of the church. He helped raise funds for the new church building project for St. Benedict parish, which became a hub of community and faith for so many. Faith was monumental to Lester, and he was proud of the guiding role it played in his life. In 2010, Lester and Yvonne celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the newly built St. Benedict Parish, a fitting celebration of both their love and commitment to the church.

Lester will be remembered as a ‘salt of the earth’ man and man of his word--a pillar of strength for his family, his place of work, and his community. Despite his quiet strength, his presence exuded steadfast confidence. Lester cherished the opportunity to offer guidance and support; he was often the one family and friends turned to in challenging times. He taught us all the importance of staying true to our values and beliefs while pursuing success. He never wavered in his commitment to his faith, loyalty to family and friends, his honesty, or his integrity. Lester’s example inspires us all to feel stronger and more capable and to maintain a positive and hopeful attitude even through difficult times. We will continue to stand in the fortitude he gave us while mourning his passing, comforted by his heavenly reunion with his beloved Yvonne Marie.

Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life Reception will be held at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 1600 Acadia Dr SE, Calgary, AB on Saturday, October 14 at 11:00am.

A livestream of the service will be available by following this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84514377790

Celebrations will also be held in TORONTO & HALIFAX mid-July 2024. Details will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to honour Lester’s memory and pride in his alma mater and commitment to community. Donations can be made to:

St. Francis Xavier University Athletics https://secureca.imodules.com/s/650/lg21/form.aspx?sid=650&gid=1&pgid=3075&cid=6080

The Knights of Columbus Catholic Charities Society https://kofc.org/secure/en/donate/index.html