Obituary of H. Stewart Lawson

Stewart’s journey began on April 29, 1925 in the village of Portavogie, County Down, Northern Ireland. He was named after his father, Hugh, who sought a better life for his family in Canada.  Stewart’s mother, Sally (Sarah), then followed with their six children, all under the age of six, aboard the steam ship Andania, and arrived in Quebec City on November 17, 1929.  At the age of three he boarded a train to Toronto where the family was reunited with their husband and father.  Stewart thrived in Canada under the guidance of his parents, their values and strong faith.

When he was 14, The Boy Scouts Association recognized him for bravery after he ran into a burning building to save a 76 year old woman. 

Stewart enlisted with the Canadian Royal Navy when he was 18 and served from 1943 – 1946. Following his training at CFB Cornwallis he was assigned, on loan, to the British Royal Navy aboard the HMS Jamaica, defending western ally supply convoys to the USSR in the North Atlantic and North Sea.  Stewart transferred back to the Royal Canadian Navy and served on the HMCS Ontario, followed by an assignment with Combined Operations in restoring order in Hong Kong. 

Stewart’s family weren’t notified of the date when he would be discharged.  When he arrived in Toronto, after the long train trip from Vancouver, he boarded a streetcar to take him home.  When he entered the streetcar, he looked up and saw his mother sitting at the opposite end of the car.  He and his mother hugged, cried, and laughed all of the way home.  He was then welcomed home into the loving embrace of his family and a new chapter of his life began.

He joined his father as an employee (and subsequently a pensioner) of Bell Canada.  Stewart’s work included large projects at Toronto Union Station, The Royal York Hotel, and The Eatons Centre.  He was recognized for his experience, knowledge and high work ethic. 

Stewart met the love of his life, Mary, one evening at a dance at the Masonic Lodge in Toronto.  Their courtship included Stewart driving his work van past the bank where she worked at every opportunity.  They married in 1952 and celebrated 66 years of marriage last August.

Stewart was a family man with many interests that included building and fixing things around his home, planting trees in Caledon, Ont., fishing, music, oil picture painting, and horses.  On occasion he was persuaded to share his wonderful singing voice.  He enjoyed spending endless hours outdoors, family gatherings and time with his two grandchildren, Stephanie and Derek.   

He and Mary raised their children, Karen, Sandy and Greg, in Clarkson (Mississauga, Ont.) before retiring to Sussex, N.B., Mary’s hometown, in 1987.  They built their dream home with a barn close to family, a stream and covered bridge.  Stewart made regular trips to the horse barn in town, and he enjoyed his visits to Pleasant Lake and hikes in the wilderness. 

Stewart ended his journey peacefully on July 9, 2018 at Ridgewood Veterans Home in St. John at the age of 93.   He will be remembered as an honest, quiet, and caring man, and he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Mary (Yeomans) Lawson of Sussex, his son Gregory Lawson of Calgary AB, his daughter Sandra Lawson (Phil) of Mississauga ON, his grandchildren; Stephanie Ducey and Derek Ducey and 20 nieces and 14 nephews.

He was predeceased by his daughter Karen Ducey, a brother James Lawson, sisters; Anita Smith, Maude Sadlier, Vida Boehmer and Edwina Wilson.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex NB (506–433–1176), from where A Celebration of Stewart’s life will be held from Wallace Community Chapel on Saturday July 21, 2018 at 11:00am.

A Private Family interment will be in Trinity Cemetery, Sussex Corner.

Donations in memory of Stewart may be made to the Salvation Army, the Ridgewood Veterans Wing – Comfort Fund (Po Box 2100, Saint John, NB E2L 4L2) or to the memorial of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through WallaceFuneralHome.com