Obituary of Ian Stewart

Obituary Ian John Stewart died peacefully on the morning of April 22, 2012 at the Fort St John Hospital surrounded by his family. Ian is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jo; his children, Andy (Irene), Dave (Muriel), Wendy (Russ), and Cam; his sister Celia Faller (John); and his grandchildren, Brad, Nadine (Mike), Blaine, Laura (Jeremy), Donald (Avery), Corrie, Suzanne, Breanne, Jamie, and Toni. Ian was predeceased by his brothers Charles, Donald, and Gordon and his sister Elizabeth. Born in Bellshill, Scotland on December 17, 1923, Ian immigrated to Canada in 1928, where his family farmed at Meota, Saskatchewan. As a young man in Meota, he would eventually meet, court, and marry his wife Jo (Joanne) Hopkins. Here, he also began his work career at the local general store which led to work with McLeod's Hardware stores in the small communities of Vermilion, Olds, and Wetaskwin, Alberta. In 1957, Ian and family moved to Fort St John were he commenced work at the newly constructed Pacific Petroleums Ltd. gas and oil refinery at nearby Taylor. Here, he worked his way from Tank Farm Operator up to Safety Inspector. In 1963, Ian moved his family to Pacific's operations in Calgary, Alberta and later Burstall, Saskatchewan. In 1966, still with Pacific Petroleums (later Petro Canada), Ian returned to Fort St John where he eventually became Safety Manager for all northeastern BC operations. During this period, always active in his community, Ian involved himself with the Kinsmen and also with the Lion's Club as President. In the 1970's he volunteered with the RCMP Auxiliary which involved many evening and weekend patrols with local officers. In 1975, Ian joined the Worker's Compensation Board as an Accident Prevention Officer where worked until he retired in 1988. But retirement didn't mean only golf and relaxing for Ian. With that farm work ethic instilled in him, Ian was always busying himself with projects around the house or at the family cabin at Charlie Lake. In 2003, at 80 years of age, Ian earned his Master Gardner certification from the University of Saskatchewan. He was a member of the Fort St. John Horticultural Club (1990 - 2009) and became known locally as the "Orchid Man". Ian was also the "gardener" at the Northern Lights College campus from 1990 until 2011 when failing health forced him to retire once again. He also helped with the FSJ Hospital garden in the spring time. Ian was a quiet man and typically reserved of his opinion, nevertheless, he did not hesitate to tell you what he felt you needed to know. Also, his adult children learned that a dram of good scotch would usually pry talk of his early days on the farm. Ian has left behind a legacy any man would be proud of - his loving family. Ian's family gratefully acknowledges the medical support provided by Dr. Van Rensburg and the nurses and staff at the Fort St. John Hospital. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the HHFoundation, Ft St John Hospital Foundation, 9636 - 100 Ave., Ft St John, BC V1J1Y3 will be gratefully appreciated. Cemetery Details Woodlawn Cemetery Fort St. John, BC, Memorial Service APR 26. 01:00 PM St. Martins Anglican Church 10364 - 100 Street Fort St. John, BC, CA Services