Charles Bradshaw Stewart
December 22, 1933 – April 2, 2011
After a pleasant breakfast at Oak Bay Lodge on Saturday, April 2, 2011, Charlie settled back for a nap and passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Predeceased by his parents; brother, Duncan; nephew, Ian as well as his treasured aunts, Meg, Jen and Mary; uncles, Don and Al; he leaves behind his loving wife of 51 years, Florence and their children, Stephanie, James and Robert; grandchildren, Malcolm, Luc, Bryce, Sacha, Daniel and Dylan; his brother, Allan and sisters-in-law, Audrey and Juanita as well as many, many other in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed.
Charlie was born in Victoria in December 1931 and grew up in James Bay. He and his brothers, Duncan and Allan were raised by loving parents and a large extended family. His father, Bryce, worked as a marine engineer for the BC Coast Steamship Service (CPR), but died in 1952 when Charlie was only 18 years old. Charlie’s mother, Clara, Uncle Archie, Aunt Mag and Aunt Jen kept him in line.
Charlie attended Vic High, graduating in 1951 and then continued his education at Victoria College. He secured an apprenticeship at Dockyards as an electrician and worked there for more than 35 years.
He was introduced to Florence (McDonald) at an Empress Motor Christmas party in 1958 and after a brief courtship, they were married in June. The bought a house in Lakehill, where they lived for the next 28 years. Their one-eyed beagle, aptely named Lord Admiral Nelson, soon became a fixture in the neighbourhood. Their first child, Stephanie, was born in 1963, with James and Robert following in short succession.
After his retirement from the Dockyard in 1989, Charlie was overjoyed to welcome his first grandchild, Malcolm, into the world. There was a new addition to the family every year for the next five years – Luc, Bryce, Sacha, Daniel and finally, Dylan. He was the proudest grandad ever and devoted many hours/days watching soccer, lacrosse, swim meets, band concerts, plays and even skiing.
A Celebration of Charlie’s life will be held at McCall’s Floral Chapel, Johnson at Vancouver Street, on Thursday, April 14 at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow in the McCall’s Family Centre. Flowers are gratefully declined in favour of a contribution to the Alzheimer Society Research Program or the Heart and Stroke Foundation in his name. For more about Charlie’s life, or to send condolences for the family, please visit www.mccallbros.com.
As We Remember Them
At the rising of the sun and at its going down
We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and the chill of winter
We remember them.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring
We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer
We remember them.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn
We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends
We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live; for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength
We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart
We remember them.
When we have joy we crave to share
We remember them.
When we have decisions that are difficult to make
We remember them.
When we have achievements that are based on theirs
We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live; for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
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Dennis and Dorothy Jones
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Shirley and Vladi Vagels Dear Flo and family
We are sorry to hear of Charlie,s passing. It has been years since we have been in contact, but we have very fond memories of times spent with you and Charlie , playing cards, attending lacross games and dances etc. Our thaughts are with you at this time.
Vladi and Shirley
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Bob Curran & Daughter Linda... Dear Flo,
I know what you are feeling in a small part, as, i have gone through the same struggle with the death of a Spouse… I know you as a strong woman, and your strength will hold you up now, with your caring children… Both Linda and i were very fond of Charlie, he was a very
caring man… May God bless you and keep you strong…Bob & Linda…….
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Helen and George Olson Dear Flo, We are sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing, and send our sympathies to you and the family. We remember with pleasure the few times that Charlie dropped by to share a beer and a some good stories with George, on our patio. We very much missed seeing your friendly faces on our street, when you moved.
We know that you have strong support and love from all your family, which is a great blessing at this difficult time. We add our warm thoughts. Sincerely, Helen and George Olson
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Terry & Mitzi Prentice Flo and Family
We were very sorry to hear of your loss. It was a pleasure to have known Chuck and we extend to all of you our sincerest sympathy.
Terry & Mitzi
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Carol and David Lett Dear Flo – It is truly sad to realize that at this time of our lives we will lose many good friends and neighbours, but it doesn’t make it any easier, nor less shocking when we hear that one of ours has moved on to the next level.
Our deepest sympathies to you Flo, and to all your family. Aldersmith Woods complex was much the better for having known Charlie, and for having had your participation in our lives and strong support to the Strata Council.
Carol and David Lett
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Wayne & Nancy Dauphinee Our thoughts are with you Jim and we pass on our deepest sympathies to you, your Mom, Malcolm , Sacha and all of your family. Your Dad is in a much better place now and may he rest in peace.
With Love
Wayne and Nancy
We send our sincere sympathy to Flo and family for seeing Chuck through his long illness and final passing. We knew him as a faithful Hillside Mall Walker and very much enjoyed his wit and friendship. We will treasure the good memories we have of him and hope his memory will be a source of inspiration and comfort to those of you he left behind.
Dennis and Dorothy Jones