STEWART, Rev. Gordon Kennedy

1921 - 2020 Gordon Stewart, who lived in Montreal, Que., Toronto, Ont., Sackville, N.B., and Dartmouth, died on Saturday, May 9, 2020, in the wonderful care of the Nursing Staff of Gables Lodge in Amherst. He lived a long and worthy life, beginning almost a century ago in Montreal, where he was born to William and Mary, recent immigrants from Belfast in the North of Ireland. Educated at Westmount High and thereafter at Mcgill (Masters of Arts in History) and Queens (Bachelor of Divinity), he married Florence Trotter and commenced a long and varied vocation as a minister in the United Church of Canada before finally retiring in 1986. During World War Two he served in Plymouth, England with the Corps of Canadian Firefighters. He served as Associate Secretary of Evangelism and Social Service at United Church headquarters during the 1960’s, and the rest of his time in the church was spent in pastoral care in Quebec, Ontario and the Maritimes. He was predeceased by his first wife, Florence Trotter, in 1983. His devoted second wife, Evelyn Crook, to whom he was married in 1990, still lives in Gables Lodge. He is survived by children, Moira, Wendy (Christopher Potter), Keir (Joanne Mcmurtry) and Graeme (Denise Gaudet); His ten amazing grandchildren, Amy, Tamsin and Daniel Potter, of North Yorkshire; Carmen, Alana and Tea Stewart of Halifax; and Liam, Marshall, Lucy and Isabel Stewart of Sackville. He was predeceased by grandson, Rory of North Yorkshire. There are two great-grandchildren, Amy’s sons Sebastian and Alex of North Yorkshire. He was a devoted husband, a scholar who could argue any point, and a great father to his children. His interests in Astronomy, Geology, Theology, Biology and Evolution were fueled by a voracious appetite for reading. He was known for his interest and keen involvement in issues of social justice. As a preacher, he was second to none, preferring a measured and intellectual approach to his sermons and lessons. He gave amazing children’s stories, often aided by the use of specimens from his extensive rocks and minerals collection or other artifacts from nature. He was a man who tenaciously tried to do the right thing. There is much more to learn of Gordon’s extraordinary life at: Jonesfuneralhome.ca and the family is indebted to them for their exemplary service. Donations in memory of Gordon can be made through the funeral home’s website, or directly, to The United Church of Canada Mission and Service Fund or to the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge St., Sackville, (506-3641300). Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Gordon’s online memorial at: www.jonesfuneralhome.ca or through the Jones Funeral Home Facebook Page.