Obituary of George Stewart

Passed away Sunday, January 12th, 2020 at Highview Residences. Loving husband of Janet (2012). Father of Dr. Dan Stewart (Karen) and Shelley Oliver (Roland). Dear “Grandpi” of Emily and Hillary. Loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Thomas (Scottie) and Bella (Buntie) Stewart; and siblings: Emily, May, Betty and Tom. Born on May 30, 1928, George attended Lord Roberts School and Beal Tech Secondary School. George began his career as a junior draftsman at Pumps & Softeners Limited. He quickly rose in the ranks and was transferred to Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Montreal and finally back home to London in 1969. He retired from P&S in 1986 as vice president of manufacturing and as a director. He was the founder and general manager of the London Small Business Centre from 1986 to 1995. On September 22, 1995, the building was renamed the George Stewart Small Business Centre and he was credited with being a “world leader in business creation and entrepreneurial development”. George became a small business consultant for the Government of Canada and travelled extensively to Hong Kong, China, Thailand and the Philippines. Respected in business and as an educator, he was the recipient of numerous awards and commendations including the London Business Hall of Fame (1993) and was Canadian Business Incubator Manager of the Year (1993). George was an active member of the Rotary Club of London and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. He loved to volunteer for charitable events such as the London Sports Celebrity Dinner, Rotary Rummage Sale, Easter Seals, Camp Woodeden, Tim Horton Children’s Foundation and The Salvation Army, to name a few. George was a dedicated student, completing his BA (1972), MA (1976), CMA (1984), and BMus (2004). His passion for the trombone began in high school and he played well into his 80s with numerous bands including the London Police Boys Band, Beal Tech Concert Band, Stu Thompson Band, Martin Boundy, Ted Pudney Band, Bobby Downs Orchestra, Bill Sheary Big Band, Geriatric Gentlemen of Jazz, The Music Makers, The London All-Stars Big Band, London Jazz Orchestra, Prime Time Big Band, Moonliters Big Band and many more. George enjoyed the many summers at Keivi Island on Lorimer Lake near Parry Sound and the good times we shared with brother Tom Stewart’s family, the Dafoe family and the Johnson family. George was dedicated, caring, generous and had a great sense of humour. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. He lived by the motto: “Do Good and Keep on Doing It”, and that is his legacy. Thank you and eternal gratitude to the front-line staff at Highview Residences. You are part of our family and are friends forever. Thank you to Dr. Dana Moore and Dr. Margrieta Edels for their care and support. A Celebration of Life will be conducted at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 1:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior. George would appreciate any charitable donations to be directed to the Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex, Easter Seals Ontario or The Salvation Army.