December 26, 1924 – January 10, 2011
Retired LCdr. Stuart E. Soward passed away peacefully on January 10, 2011. Pre-deceased by his brother, Maurice. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Sheila; daughters, Kathie Arundell, Beth Danskin (Danny), Fiona Soward (Lyse); son, Stuart (Sandra); sister, Jean Morrow; grandsons, Michael Danskin, Ross Soward and granddaughter, Susan Danskin and his many nephews and nieces.
Stu was born on December 26, 1924, raised in Vancouver and enlisted in the RCAF in June1943 for pilot training, obtaining his wings in 1944. In 1945, he enlisted in the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm as a pilot, later that year transferring to the newly-formed RCN Air Branch joining 825 Canadian Firefly Squadron. He had a rewarding career as an operational naval pilot having flown 15 different aircraft serving extensively in first line squadrons flying both fighter and ASW aircraft aboard all three of Canadas’ aircraft carriers, participating in the Cold War with NATO forces. In 1954, Stu was officially commended by the Chief of the Naval Staff for his invention and development of an improved aircraft night landing signal system which was adopted by the RCN. His last tour of operational flying was as Officer-in-Charge of the 12 plane Tracker detachment aboard Bonaventure in 1961. Following command of the West Coast Naval Air Squadron and Staff appointments, he retired in 1970 at Victoria, where he first became involved in Community Affairs, serving on the Board of Directors of the Victoria Symphony Society and two years as President.
Stu’s business activities began as a member of the Board of Directors of Data Processing Company, later being assigned the role of Manager and President. He subsequently purchased a fuel oil distributor and became the local Agent for Pacific Petroleum Ltd. After selling the Agency he joined an Aviation Consulting partnership and was appointed the Vancouver Island Member of the Board of Directors of the BC Aviation Council. He then joined the Bureau of Management Consultants, Ottawa, where he prepared operational procedures for the Canadian International Development Agency’s (CIDA) various international projects.
In 1985, Stu began researching the biography of Canadian Naval Pilot Lt. Hampton Gray, who, flying from the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the only Canadian Naval Officer in WW2 to be so honoured. This first book, A Formidable Hero was published in 1987. Stu wrote and published a total of four books over the next eight years. All were on the subject of Canadian Naval Aviation history and related flying activities.
In 1988, focusing his interest in Lt Gray’s heroic exploit, he initiated a project to erect a memorial at Onagawa Bay, Japan where Gray was killed. With strong support from the Canadian Embassy Tokyo, the monument was unveiled on August 9, 1989 adjacent to the Japanese memorial dedicated to their own war dead. The Gray Memorial is the only monument in Japan erected to a foreign hero. Accordingly, Stu was awarded the Naval Officers’ Association of Canada Medal “For Exemplary Achievement in Service to NOAC and Canada”. In recognition of Stu’s achievements during his naval service, the Shearwater Aviation Museum has generously offered to dedicate the renaming of the West Wing to “Soward Hall”. Stu felt very honoured.
In 1995 he was chosen as the City of Victoria’s representative to the newly-formed Victoria Airport Authority. The same year Stu was awarded the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, recognizing the efforts of those Veterans “who in an exemplary way have contributed to the remembrance of the sacrifices and achievements of Canadians in armed conflict” on behalf of Canadian Veterans.
The only business unfinished for Stu was the halting of the Mega Marina planned for Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Stu worked relentlessly with his friends, Terry Milne, Peter Pollen, Patrick Finnigan and Peter Chance through the Victoria Harbour Defence Alliance and were pleased when the City downsized the development. He can rest knowing this issue is in their capable hands.
Stu requested no Memorial Service and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Society or Victoria Hospice. A gathering of family and friends is to be held at the Union Club, 805 Gordon Street, Victoria, B.C. from 2pm to 4pm on Monday, January 17th, 2011. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
17 Responses
I was sad to hear of Stu’s passing. I shared his experience in the TRACKER, loved his books and delighted in a story told by an old Air Force acquaintance of Stu trading a flight in a Fury (only one seat mind you) one night up in Bagotville. The story was in response to my question of why he had a picture of a SEAFURY on the wall with all the RCAF aircraft he had flown.
I was a different time and a wonderful time. Stu was privileged to have lived it and we were privileged that he wrote about it.
God speed Stu.
Joe Paquette
Dear Sheila and family
My heart goes out to you at this so sad time. I was humbled and grateful for Fiona’s inclusion of the VDHA and our dedication to Stu’s memory that we will carry on to defeat the mega marina project.God bless you all
With love
Peter
To Sheila & Stuart Sowards family:
I shall miss the many times I had the pleasure and privilege of Stu’s company most recently as we fought against the desecration of the Inner Harbour, and formerly at the mess dinners we enjoyed each year at the Union Club.
He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and with the poet Marvell I believe,
“He nothing common did or mean upon that memorable scene”
Moira joins me in expressing our sympathy to you and your family.
Gentle thoughts:
Pat & Moira Finnigan
It was a great privilege to know Stu and to work with him on projects in Japan and Victoria. I learned very quickly that Stu was very talented and fulfilled his part of any undertaking with ease and a lively sense of humour. As a result of working together we became good friends and enjoyed many happy occasions at the Union Club and RVYC, We regret the plan for cruising together up the Amazon had to be changed. In the twenty five years I knew Stu he lived a busy life actively engaged with the navalk and air communities and enjoying many happy events and moments. He will be greatly missed by me personally and by our Harbour Defence group, as well as many mutual friends in Victoria and Japan. We send you our deep condolences and sincerely hope you will take comfort in knowing Stu lived a full life replete with many friendships and achievements. June and Terry Milne.
Sheila, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our thoughts are with you.
Stu and I have been friends for many years both at Shearwater and Ottawa. He will be greatly missed in his love of Naval Air.
Sincerely,
Bob Murray
Lieutenant-Commander (Retired)
Dear family, thinking of you at this time. I have fond memories of going to a Christmas party at the house in Caddy Bay when I was much younger (I guess Mom thought it would be easier to bring us all rather than leave any of us behind), and visiting your house (Beth and Danny) as well, with my mom, Jean Howe. Reed read all of Mr. Soward’s books and spoke about how well they were written.
With fondest regards,
Sue Steel
Sheila and family: Although I was never priviledged to meet Stu, he is a legend in Naval Air Circles. He had already left Shearwater by the time I arrived in 1964, but I kept hearing his name. HIs legacy grew over time and it is with the greatest of respect that I pass along my sincerest condolences to you on his passing. A great man with a true passion for our beloved Naval Air.
I am delighted that his story will be told in the Soward Hall of the Shearwater Aviation Museum, a labour of love that he would be very proud to see continue to grow in the years ahead.
Respectfully,
John M. Cody
Colonel (Retired)
Farewell to a great Canadian!
My father served with the RCN in the mid 1950’s with Stu. I never had the pleasure of meeting Stu but did communicate with him by email when researching more of the Hammy Gray story. I also had the honour of his help and support in documenting and communicating the Hampton Gray story to fellow Canadians.
My deepest sympathy,
Don MacNeil
Ottawa, ON
sheila and the family,
My deepest sympathy to you and the family. Stu was a household name with us. I remember him well.
jacqueline
Dear Sheila and Family;
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. As he crosses the bar; we hope the wonderful memories that you and Stuart have made together will help you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.