Neil Loren Stewart

In his 72 years on this earth, Neil loved most his family, his friends and music, especially military tattoo music. As a teenager, he was first a drummer, then the ‘lead stick’ and then the drum major of the Sea Cadet band, enjoying a number of tours with them. A few years later, after family and his work as a glazier were well established in Port Hardy, he took up the bagpipes, starting first entertaining the neighbours from his basement practice sessions and then going on to play for special family events. More recently during his time living and enjoying the Okanagan from their home in Vernon, Neil took up the fiddle and the pleasure of celtic music. Neil was also an avid Ducati motorcycle rider, enjoying the many routes in and around the Okanagan lakes as well as trips much further afield. Neil was an entrepreneur at heart and enjoyed many careers over his life as mentioned primarily a Glazier over his working years, to a part-time fixer upper of properties, to owning the Family run Gas Station where not only Both of his daughters worked but a couple nephews as well. From there it was onto obtaining his Real Estate License with his Mortgage Broker License as well. Neil loved this industry for its connection to people and the endless possibilities for "Fixer Uppers". As Work life slowed down Neil with his ever supportive partner, enjoyed the role of landlord to a building that brought many an interesting story and challenge with endless repair/improvement jobs to keep him busy. Finally, a memory of Neil wouldn’t be complete without a mention of his dogs, from Rex, to Molson the giant yellow lab that he taught to snort on command, and that carried his lunch to Roxy and finally Toby, his faithful loyal buddy over the last few years. Neil loved entertaining friends and family, and always had an open home and an open heart for others. As a Life Time Member of Kinsmen, and his years of membership to Rotary showed his care for the community and the people around him. He will be dearly missed and is survived by his wife Wendy Stewart (nee Halls), daughters Deana (Paul) and Kristy (Steve) and three granddaughters Sydney, Sarah and Mia.

A a celebration of life for Neil will be held Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 2:00 PM at First Memorial Funeral Services, 4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria, British Columbia V8Y1B4.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialsaanich.com for the Stewart family.