Obituary of David James Stewart

Obituary – David James Stewart

May 1 1944 – February 19 2021

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of David James Stewart. Cherished Husband, Father, Brother and Friend.

David James Stewart, 76, of London, Ontario, passed away on February 19, 2021 unexpectedly while recovering from surgery at his home.

David was born on May 1st 1944 to James and Dorothy Stewart of Saint John, New Brunswick, where he lived for many years with his siblings Richard, Mary Ellen and Nancy before they relocated to Ottawa, Ontario in their teenage years.

After graduation, (and math summer school) David met Sandra Fields Stewart (also in math summer school) and they were married in 1968. David landed a career job with Bell & Howell in Toronto, Ontario. The couple had two children Deborah Stewart and Ryan Stewart.

In 1979, David and Sally Rivers Hall Stewart moved to London, Ontario and were married on May 1, 1981. They were together for many years until Sally’s passing in 2011. David was a supportive and loving step-father to Robert Hall and Peter Hall. 

“Dave” as he preferred to be called, was one of a kind. He had an awesomely sick sense of humor, and literally knew something about everything. Even the most obscure question, not a problem, he would know the answer! He was an avid fisherman, and hunter, and enjoyed his time “up at the cottage.” He was also a lover of good food and Scotch.

Dave was known for over 50 years as the “fanman”. He worked for various companies throughout his career as an air movement specialist and designed ventilation systems and solutions for everything from gigantic automated Herderite dairy barns, to auto parts manufacturing plants and everything in between. He spent many years with his last company, Envira-North.

His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of Debbie, Rye, Rob & Pete, and always tried his best to support them. 

Dave was also a passionate flight sim operator and could often be found flying for HOURS down in his basement. If you were going on a trip, he would get your flight number and follow your progress, letting you know about possible weather patterns and what to expect while you were up there in the air.

Anyone who knew our dad knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. Dave was predeceased by his parents James and Dorothy, and by his second wife Sally. He is survived by his first wife Sandra, daughter Deborah (Rick) and son Ryan (Sheri), and step-sons Robert (Tricia) and Peter (Marney). 

His grandchildren were SO special to him. Dave was blessed to have Dylan, Brady, Breeanna, Ava, Mason, Brynn, Megan, Katelyn, Kelly and Peter Jr. to call him Grampy Dave.

A last trip will be made by both families hopefully this summer to Saint John, New Brunswick, a spot special to both David & Sally, where their ashes will be interred together.

Details on a memorial will be forthcoming and subject to Covid rules.

GOD SPEED DADDY-O