Stewart, Leslie Frederick “Les” – Passed away at home in Halifax on December 7, 2015, at the age of 84. He lived a very joyful life, touching many people with his kindness, smile, and gentle humour. Born in Elmsvale, Musquodoboit, Les was the youngest child of Edmond Arnold Stewart and Ethel McKeen (Reid). After completing grade 12 at Truro Academy, Les taught in a one-room school in Elmsvale. He received a scholarship to attend Dalhousie University, where he made many lifelong friends and graduated with his BComm. While at Dal, Les was co-secretary of the Student Christian Movement (SCM) and attended Royal Military College in Kingston during summers. Les’ interest in stock market investing was stimulated by a brief period working in financial services in Toronto. After developing tuberculosis, he convalesced in Muskoka and Kentville. Upon recovering, he worked with Nova Scotia Trust on Spring Garden Road.
In 1959, Les met his wife-to-be, Margaret Jean Sherry, on a double date and were married in Musquodoboit in 1962. Les then had a 29-year career with the Nova Scotia Department of Development. Two of the various positions he was most proud of involved running the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills (YES) program and working with Co-ops.
An avid fitness buff, Les swam daily and his involvement with the YMCA spanned 50 years. He enjoyed watching hockey and baseball and attended the 1972 Canada-Russia hockey series in Moscow.
Les had a big heart and was actively involved in charity work, including volunteering with youth at WoodGreen Community Centre in Toronto, fundraising for the Y and United Way, taking Valley produce and treats to Halifax shelters, and serving as a Big Brother. He was also active in his community and church, teaching Sunday school at St. Matthew’s and Rockingham United, and volunteering with Boy Scouts. A devoted Dalhousie alumnus, Les attended class reunions and established an award in his late sister Frances’ memory. A true family man, Les cherished time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, whether it be spending time together at Berwick United Church Camp or at the well-loved family cottage at Evangeline Beach.
Predeceased by siblings, Frances Lilla Stewart, Dr. John Thomas Stewart, Seymour McKeen Stewart, Jean Isabelle Albright, Shirley Margaret Carver. Les is survived by his wife of 53 years, Margaret (Sherry); and by his children, Sherry (Brian Stewart-Hill), Sheena (Yggy King), and Robin (Douglas Heaney); grandchildren, Amaya Stewart-Hill, Laila Stewart-Hill, Brennan King, Fiona King, Christian Hill, and Courtney James (CJ) Hill; brother and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial service to be held in Rockingham United Church, 12 Flamingo Dr., at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, December 11th; reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund or Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation or to the Frances L. Stewart Prize in Psychology through Dalhousie. To send an on-line condolence, please email: sheenabean@shaw.ca.
Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.