Lowell Franklin Stewart

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.