Obituary of Donald Stewart

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, Donald Stewart, on July 17, 2025 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. 

He will be deeply missed by his children Carol, Mike, Wendy (Tom) and Jennifer; 7 grandchildren, Shawn Hicks, Devin Hicks, Erica Valentate, Mike Lanteigne, Natalie Hudon-Eisnor, Gavin VanBeest and Amy VanBeest; 11 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and his sister Lavina Pittock. 

He was predeceased by his daughter Donna Stewart Hicks; the love of his life Joan; his parents Stan and Ivy Stewart; sister June Hunter; brothers-in-law Jim Hunter and Jon Pittock; and his beloved cats, Rusty I and II. 

Don was born in Stratford, Ontario, on May 29, 1931. He joined the military in 1951 and served in Korea in 1952. He was a member of the Canadian Guards Band before serving the remainder of his career as a musician playing the trumpet with the RCR Band in CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick. He played numerous gigs for many dignitaries in various countries around the world including the Queen, King Charles and the changing of the Guards on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Retiring in 1976 at CFB Gagetown he returned to London, Ontario, where he joined the Corps Commissioners until fully retiring. 

Don always had a love for the east coast, especially Prince Edward Island where he spent part of every summer vacationing. Don always travelled with a particular interest in churches and museums and his love for the water. Most of his travels were partnered with daughter, Carol, travelling from coast to coast. 

We would like to express our thanks to the staff of the Emergency Room at Oromocto Public Hospital and the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital and to the staff of Palliative Care at the DECH. 

There will be no visitation or service. For those who wish, donations in Donald's memory may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.