Neil John Stewart passed away peacefully at the age of 92 in the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, B.C., on April 5, 2016. Neil is survived by his wife, Sheila; sons, Ian (Judy Piercey) of Edmonton and Sandy (Darlene Leavitt) of North Saanich, B.C.; brother-in-law, George Mackintosh of Edmonton; nephew, Bruce Wilson (Margaret) of Edmonton; grandsons, Callum and Andrew and great-nephews Scott and Stewart of Calgary. He was predeceased by his son, George Neil.
Neil was born on October 3, 1923 in Edmonton, the son of John and Catherine, where he took his early education. He married Sheila Moyra Mackintosh, daughter of George Mackintosh and Mabel McIntosh, in Edmonton on May 17, 1952. His formal education included a BA from the University of Alberta, an LLB from the University of British Columbia and a Business Administration Certificate from Northwestern University in Chicago.
Between university semesters, Neil worked in the Canadian North as a hard rock miner, truck driver, deckhand, bulldozer operator and labourer.
Neil served his country during the Second World War, going ashore during the D-Day invasion of Normandy and served with the Canadian Grenadier Guards until the War’s end. His regiment also played a major role in the liberation of the Netherlands during which time he formed lifelong friendships.
He was awarded the French Legion of Honour last year for his part in the liberation of France. After graduating from law school, Neil practised law in Edmonton before moving to Calgary where he had legal and executive careers with Amoco Canada, which later became BP Canada. In 1971, he moved to Ottawa where he served as vice-chairman of the National Energy Board and later, during the OPEC crisis of 1973, as chairman of the Energy Supplies Allocation Board. He returned to Calgary in 1976 as executive vice-president of Amoco Canada.
In Calgary, he was active in civic affairs, amongst them the United Way, the YMCA and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Upon retirement, Neil continued his interest in the military. He served as an officer in the King’s Own Calgary Regiment, laterally as an honorary lieutenant colonel, from 1989 to 1998. As well, he was the founding chairman of the Museum of the Regiments in Calgary.
Neil cherished his family and friends. He travelled and read widely and could speak authoritatively on many subjects, especially military history. He played the bagpipes and had boundless curiosity and energy and loved music, books, Canada, Scotland and dogs. Neil will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Uplands Golf Course in Victoria on Saturday, April 30, 2016, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Society, the YMCA of Victoria, the SPCA or charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
17 Responses
Sheila. Sincerest condolences on Neil’s passing. He was a good friend for many years and I will always remember his enthusiastic conversation; his encyclopedic knowledge; his disposition to put the best face on every circumstance and of course his stirring command of the bag pipes. In the early days of the petroleum industry, Neil became a major player in establishing the wisest and most sensible legal principles governing the industry. He was considered by all house counsel as a person of principled integrity,with an exceptional grasp of the law and one whose word could always be relied upon. A very memorable and special friend.
Dear Sheila:
We were saddened to learn of Neil’s passing. He was such a good, kind, insightful person. We hope you are well and living comfortably. The best to you dear old neighbor and friend.
Wally and Margaret Laubman
Sheila, Carolyn and I have fond memories of Neil’s smiles and stories. His positive attitude, which he displayed so well at Amoco Canada, always made business discussions and social gatherings lively and valuable. Our sympathies to you and your family.
Condolences to you and your family. By all accounts, he lived a good life. Thinking of you at this time.
On behalf of the Wilkes family, I wish to extend our sincere condolences to the Stewart family. Neil was a very good friend of my parents Reg and Chris Wilkes since their university days.I remember as a boy visiting the Stewart family with my parents. It was obvious to me that my parents held the Stewart family in very high regard.I developed an early interest in military history and remember my father talking about Neil as a tank commander during World War II. I have read his book Steel My Soldiers’ Hearts which put into perspective for me the many sacrifices made by both the fortunate and not so fortunate soldiers of Canada . My other recollection of the Stewart family in my youth was their son George being enthralled by his rubber boots and wearing them everywhere!
At this time of great sadness, we hope your family will soon find peace celebrating a life that touched so many and accomplished so much.
Gordon Wilkes
Hello Sheila and Family. I just learned of Neil’s passing and thought fondly of our lovely dinners at your Calgary home when Bill and Betty Wilson visited me in Calgary … great company, dynamic conversations, and pleasant memories. I also remember one evening, Sheila, after we had been out for dinner, on the drive home you said something to the effect of “Thank you Neil for a lovely dinner” and he responded so kindly. I thought that was very touching and respectful and I’ve never forgotten that to where when my sweetheart takes me out for dinner now, all these years later, I do the same thing. I am confident memories of your many happy years together will be a comfort at this difficult time. With fond memories of you both. Rest in Peace, Neil. June Donaldson, Calgary and Palm Springs
My sincere condolences Sandy, to you and all your family. I am sure your father will be missed.
I remember Pat speaking very highly of him during those years of friendship so many years ago.
Mrs. Stewart, Ian and Sandy:
So sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences.
Years ago I was on a flight in the States, chatting to the guy beside me. He mentioned that he worked for Amoco in Chicago. I said: “My buddy’s dad worked for Amoco in Canada, Neil Stewart, have you ever heard of him?” His response was: “Heard of him?? He’s a legend in our company.” One of those conversations with a stranger that I will never forget.
Sending my heartfelt condolences to the Stewart family. May the memories of Neil live in your hearts forever.
Just wishing to send our condolences to the entire family. What a life he lived and all Canadians owe him a debt. Rest in peace.