Robert “Bob” Stewart
September 2, 1932 - November 27, 2023
Funeral Details: Private Family Arrangements
Passed away peacefully on November 27, 2023 in his 92nd year, Bob lost his long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Bob will be greatly missed by his children, Tod, Paula and Amanda (Simon) and his granddaughter, Kendra. Predeceased by his wife, Jean, brother John and sister Frances, Bob is survived by his brother, Bruce.
Bob married his life love, Jean, in 1959 and graduated from the Electrical Engineering program from UofT in 1960. Quickly into his career he decided to return to high school and obtain his grade 13 to fulfill his dream of teaching. Bob taught math at Martingrove Collegiate until he retired in in 1995. Affectionately referring to his students as his “damn kids”, upon retirement Bob often spoke of how fortunate he was to have loved his career and teaching. His family still has many of the cards and letters from students and teachers when he retired.
Bob’s corky sense of humour and gentle demeanour will be missed along with his “walker-strut-bum-wiggle” dance that he performed daily to entertain the residents and staff at his long-term care home.
The family would like to give special thanks to his doting caregiver Lynn, Dr. Howard, and the staff of Home Area 2 at Roberta Place Long Term Care.
In keeping with Bob’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service will commence at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Barrie at a later date.
In honour of Bob’s memory, please consider a donation to your local Alzheimer’s Society.
We will miss you, Dad. With love, your “damn kids”.
Carole Marinier
Posted on: Wednesday, November 29, 2023Our deepest condolences Amanda to you and your entire family. What an amazing tribute to your dad and his amazing life , love and career.
Amanda Stewart
Posted on: Wednesday, November 29, 2023One of my favourite pictures of dad 🥰
Celia Featherby
Posted on: Thursday, November 30, 2023I was one of Mr. Stewart’s ‘damn kids’ at Martingrove and remember him as patient and thoughtful, well beyond what we deserved. It sounds like he was kind and thoughtful as a dad, too. I’m sorry for your loss. Thanks, though, for sharing him with us for those five high school years.
Marilyn Johnson
Posted on: Thursday, November 30, 2023Sincere condolences to Bob’s family and friends. I was Head Secretary at Martingrove when Bob was a teacher in the Math Department. I loved his light hearted gentle manner and his sense of humor. A kind and professional man for sure. He will be missed.
Susan Tennier
Posted on: Thursday, November 30, 2023So many great memories of Uncle Bob when we were kids. He used to drive us everywhere and when I asked him for something, he’d say, “Aww, go soak your head!” Always funny and light hearted. Condolences to Tod, Paula and Amanda. I hope you forever cherish the great memories with your dad!
Bruce Dancy
Posted on: Thursday, November 30, 2023Dear Todd, Paula and Amanda, please accept my condolences on the death of your father. I taught with Bob for many years in the beginning of Martingrove C. I. Bob was one of the ‘rocks’ in my department as we tried to build it into one of the best. He was well loved by his students in spite of, or because of, his affectionately gruff manner with them. It was great to have his practical background in mathematics on hand for discussion with students and teachers in the department. There were more than a few days when Bob would be reading a book on communication theory or gravitation. I remember many lunch time conversations about our growing families and life. I was sad to hear of Jean’s death and Bob was kind enough to reply to our condolences. As well, I remember Amanda and Paula repairing used math texts in our old math workroom. I recall Bob mentioned that Todd wrote an article on wine for some magazine. I thought that was a great topic. Looking back, those were good times. Your dad was a fine teacher and a ‘one of a kind’. I always respected Bob and will truly miss him.
Maria Fata
Posted on: Thursday, November 30, 2023Sincere condolences from one of Mr Stewart’s ‘damn kids’. Math was never my forte, but he was patient and made it manageable. The photo was taken in the spring of 1973, when our grade 13 class was getting ready to bid MCI farewell. It warms my heart to know that he had a good life and that he enjoyed teaching us, in spite of our antics. Rest in peace, Mr Stewart, you were one of the great ones.
Patti Burns
Posted on: Friday, December 1, 2023Dear Amanda,
We were very sorry to hear of your dads passing. From reading this lovely tribute to him we can see you certainly inherited his sense of humour and kind heart.
Our condolences to you and your family.
Love, Patti and John
Bob Sydia
Posted on: Tuesday, December 5, 2023My wife and I were very sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing. We went through Electrical Engineering together and both graduated in 1960. Most important we were friends and we enjoyed that friendship with your parents for many years, unfortunately we all became busy with careers and families and drifted apart. We are lucky to have good memories and a few pictures from the 1960s, we even have one of Tod and our oldest son fishing in a wading pool in your parents back yard. Again we are very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely
Bob Sydia
Kris and Tim Hughston
Posted on: Friday, December 8, 2023Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your dad. Mr Stewart was our Grade 11 math teacher and oddly enough my husband and I met in his classroom. He was a wonderful gentle man and great teacher. I was lucky to reconnect with him in the last few years when I was volunteering with Project Lifesaver Simcoe-tracking bracelets for those that wander. Although he didn’t remember me or my husband it was fun to reminisce with him about our time as student and teacher. Thank you Amanda for letting me know so quickly of your dad’s passing, that meant a lot to me. RIP Bob.