Lowell Franklin Stewart

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Obituary Notice for Lowell Franklin Stewart
April 3, 1925 – November 23, 2020

On Monday, November 23, 2020, Lowell Franklin Stewart passed away at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, at the age of 95.

Lowell arrived on April 3, 1925, and was the youngest of 6 children born to John Datis Stewart and Lillian Ann (Burrows) Stewart. He had 4 older sisters; Delva (Henry) Roelofs, Verda (Rulon) Gibb, Bessie (Gordon) Hostetter, Dora (Allan) Cook, and 1 older brother; Datis (Francis Miller) Stewart. His siblings claimed he was spoiled being the baby of the family, but Dad always disputed that.

As a boy, he spent many free hours near Lethbridge’s river bottoms with his dog, his bike, and his friends, and could be known at times to get into a little mischief. His spunk and great sense of humour accompanied him throughout his entire life. He was witty and mentally sharp to the end of his life, and could always add one last quip to elicit laughter from listeners.

Following High School graduation, Lowell joined the Canadian Navy and worked in the torpedo room aboard ship. He enlisted near the end of World War II and returned safely home after a short tour of duty. After his navy service, he enrolled at the University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering – a career he thoroughly enjoyed.

Upon graduation, Lowell started his first engineering job with Imperial Oil, in Edmonton. There he met a lovely red-headed stenographer, Jean Alice McNee. They began dating and were later married on June 5, 1954. A year later their first child, Laurie, was born. Kevin was born in 1959, then Lynda completed the family in 1965.

Other career opportunities followed with Canadian Comstock, Oxford Development, a partner in Tuckwell Stewart Development, and a board-member with Kruyer Oilsands Research. He was a consultant in the design and construction of the Rimrock hotel in Banff, the Glenrose Hospital, the Royal Alexandra Hospital, and the University of Alberta Hospital, where he spent his final days. As the VP of the Mechanical Department, Lowell was involved in the construction of many other buildings throughout the US and Canada, including Edmonton’s AGT Tower, Imperial Oil Towers, and Edmonton Center.

Lowell was adept at many sports, including fast-pitch softball, curling, racquetball, and golf. Sadly, over the last 35 years his sight continually declined to the point that he had difficulty reading, watching TV, or even seeing brightly coloured golf balls. He could not see faces, even the faces of his new great grandchildren, yet despite the loss of his vision, he never complained. Often, others were unaware of his severe vision loss.

He was a loving and supportive husband of 66 years to Jean, and loving dad and mentor to his children, who were encouraged to do their best in whatever task they undertook. He was a good example, and the family knew they could always count on him at any time for wise advice and counsel. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was sealed to his wife and family for eternity in the Cardston, Alberta temple. He enjoyed serving in various positions, especially the opportunity to assist others as a Bishop. He continued to attend church even when he had difficulty seeing and hearing the services.

We will miss Dad’s sense of humor, the twinkle in his eye just before a witty comment, his patient listening ear, his wise words, his example of honesty and hard work, and his great hugs to let us know that he loved us He was a devoted husband to his wife, Jean (McNee) Stewart of Sherwood Park, Alberta; a wonderful father to Laurie (Dale) Luke of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Kevin (Ann) Stewart of Sherwood Park, Alberta, and Lynda Stewart of Sherwood Park, Alberta; a beloved grandpa to Renée Stewart of Calgary, Alberta, Alan Stewart of Montreal, Quebec, Laura Stewart of Edmonton, Alberta, Mark (Reylene) Luke of Chandler, Arizona, Spencer (Audrey) Luke of Bountiful, Utah, Patti (Dane) Lemon of Queen Creek, Arizona; and an adored great-grandpa to 7 great granddaughters and 6 great grandsons.

Lowell was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

We wish to express deep appreciation to all those who have shared their love and concern for the family, and to the hard-working hospital staff at the University of Alberta for their compassionate care during Dad’s hospitalization.

Due to the circumstances of COVID-19, there will be no funeral at this time. Memorial Services will be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made by donations to a charity, such as CNIB, Humanitarian Aid Fund – Church of Jesus Christ, or another charity of one’s choice.

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20 Condolences

Leigh and Lorenzo Polidoro

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Stewart Family. We had the pleasure of spending time and getting to know Lowell over the years and his great sense of humor. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Gary and Toni Stringam

We were so shocked to hear of Lowell’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lynda and Jean and all the family.

We remember with fondness the warm greetings and hugs we received each time we visited the Nottingham Ward over the past 15 years. Lowell always knew who we were by our voices. He will be sadly missed.

Terry & Marie Poulin

To the Lowell Stewart family

We came to know Lowell through his regular visits to our family. He was genuinely concerned for our well-being and we enjoyed his humor and sharing his knowledge. Lowell had an extraordinary ability to remember and recognize voices, and to remember names of people, even if much time had passed. A good man!

Shelley and Rob McCaskill

We send our love, thoughts and prayers to the whole family at this challenging time. It was sad to hear of Lowell’s passing but the fond memories remain of a life well lived, with a quick wit and a generous heart. Wishing you peace and comfort.

Cecile Marguerite Marie Gartner

Dear Lynda ,Jean and family. Have only known you and your family since my entry into Bedford appox 3 yrs ago, however did so enjoy your father and especially his love of chocolate cake. Your mom Jean is also such a great lady, so friendly and smiley. Your fathers accomplishments were amazing. Am sure he was the best. You you are so wonderful with the care you give to
your parents.

Marion Shaw

I am so grateful to have known Br. Stewart. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Patti Wickins

Our condolences to the Stewart family on the loss of Uncle Lowell. A life well lived…Our prayers and thoughts are with Aunt Jean and Lynda, wishing them a full and speedy recovery. Brad, Patti & Brockton

Bob and Linda Harris

We send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Stewart family. The loss of your husband, father and grandfather is devastating!
We were neighbours while Lowell, Jean and Lynda lived in Excalibur Estates. Lowell was always interested in how we were doing and always ended the our conversations with a joke or a witty comment.
He will live on in fond memories!

Pearl McCaskill

It is with much sadness, that I try to say how sorry I am for your loss. We all have such great memories of Lowell , he was a great person with a wonderful sense of humour. Please take comfort in knowing that he is now with Heavenly Father and his family that have already gone home. I pray that Jean and Lynda will recover soon??

Blair and Jane Bennett

Jane and I send our heartfelt condolences to Jean, Laurie Kevin and Lynda along with our prayers for peace and comfort. My memories of Lowell span more than six decades and we feel blessed as we consider the positive influence that Lowell and Jean and family have had in our lives. Our thoughts and prayers rest with the family! With love.

Blair and Jane Bennett

Doug McNee

Our sincere condolences to the entire family. Uncle Lowell was a man I give great respect and admiration too. He provided me with many great memories as a child and teenager. His kind heart, wit and generosity were second to none. He had a way of making you always feel welcome and comfortable no matter the occasion or circumstances. Thoughts and prayers to Auntie Jean and Linda for a healthy and speedy recovery at these very trying times. Doug and Kim

LeRae Hetchler (nee Scully)

Kevin, Laurie, Lynda, Jean and family, I am so sorry for your loss and want you to know my thought, love and prayers are with everyone at this extremely difficult time! May God always be with you all!

Lowell Scully

Jean, Laurie, Kevin and Lynda. I am devastated for your loss! And I am praying fervently for your family at this trying time. I believe with all my heart that you will be reunited and see him again.
One of the greatest joys in my life was being named after him! And to know the incredible man behind that name (Very big shoes to fill).

Darrel and Janae Harker

We cherish our time and friendship with our beloved Lowell. He has brought love and laughter and light into our lives that will be greatly missed. He certainly had the gift to make people feel loved .

Jan Oviatt

We are sorry for your loss and want you to know that we loved your dad’s twinkle on his eye. He was a kind man.

Randy Oviatt

Our thoughts and prayers for your comfort and peace are with you. He was always kind and gave a warm greeting. Prayers for health and recovery for the family are also being given.

Rich and Elaine Bayly

We loved Lowells sparkle and enjoyed playing the “marble game” with Lowell and Jean. Even though Lowell couldn’t see his competitive spirit made him a great opponent. Such a friendly and kind man.

Jim & Gloria Dick

We will miss seeing him when we attend the Nottingham ward. He was always smiling and pleasant to be with. He was a good friend, and I (Gloria) always liked our family connection–my
Aunt Verda was his sister. We are thinking of you at this difficult time, and hope that you find peace in your memories and the assurances the gospel gives to us.
Love, Jim & Gloria Dick

Kent & Linda Fletcher

We will miss Lowell. His wonderful welcome as a greeter at Church Services was a highlight of attending each Sunday. His friendship will always be treasured.

Doreen Pizzey

I am deeply sorry at this time for the loss of your husband and Father, Grandfather. I have many fond memories woven with love and laughter of Lowell. I pray The Saviour will wrap each one of you in His loving arms as you grieve his loss. Know that I love you Jean and you are in my prayers.