Thankful for his full life we sadly announce Stuart’s passing at Riverside Glen Retirement Centre, peacefully, in his 91st year. Stuart was predeceased by his wife Betty (2005) and his brothers Drew and George. He is lovingly remembered by his children Marie (Ivan McBurney), Gwen (Adrian Gooyers), Jeanne (Bill Watson) and Stuart Jr. (Jennifer Mallard) and by his beloved grandchildren Sean McBurney, Shannon (Ted Rivers), Laura and Christie Gooyers, and Chloe and Thomas Elgie. Stuart is survived by his brother David, sister-in-law Wilma, brothers-in-law Gordon (Donna) and Bill Humphrey and sister-in-law Shirley Hunt along with many nieces and nephews. Our Dad was an accomplished and distinguished gentleman with many facets to his rich and long life. He was creative and meticulous in everything he did. He served with the RCAF in WW II having trained as a gunner for the war in the Pacific. Returning home he worked as a carpenter at Foundation Company of Canada in Guelph where he learned a myriad of building skills that enabled him to build homes and to maintain the family farm in Nichol Township in immaculate condition. He could build anything and built it to last. Dad shingled his last steeply pitched roof at the mature age of 70! While operating a successful farm for decades he studied for, and qualified as, a property assessor and valuator for the Province of Ontario working more than 20 years in Ontario Public Service. Volunteerism and community service were important elements throughout Dad’s life. Whether it was his early service on the inaugural school board in Nichol Township, lifelong active membership at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Fergus, membership in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 275 or working at the Guelph Food Bank, Dad believed in giving back to the community that provided him with a rewarding and fulfilling life.
Our family is thankful for nearly six years of loving care provided by Dr. Kotalik and all the staff of Riverside Glen - 2 West Memory Care Unit. Visitation - Tuesday March 3rd 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm or immediately preceding the funeral service scheduled for 2:30 pm Wednesday March 4th at Graham Giddy Funeral Home, 280 St. David Street. S., Fergus, ON. On-line condolences may be sent to www.grahamgiddyfh.com . In lieu of flowers a donation in Stuart’s memory to either a local food bank or a community service organization would be welcome. 519 843 3100