Donald Robert Stewart (CPO1 Retired) MMM, CD

It is with broken hearts that the family of Donald Robert Stewart announce his passing on March 7, 2023. 

Don is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Faye (aka Martha), his children Trent (Anna), Terrence (Caroline), Tracey and Treena (Rick). His grandchildren and buddies Bobby, Brendan, Merak, Jesse, Whitney (Adam), Ashleigh (Matherin), and Great Grandson Grayson. He is also survived by his sister Muriel and brother in law Marvin, and their children. Also survived by his best friends of over 60 years Terry and Audrey Kraushar and their children Devan and Stacey. Don was predeceased by his sister Joan in 2006. 

Don worked as an Electrician taking the family overseas to Norway and Algeria prior to coming back to Canada to work for the Alberta Apprenticeship Board as a Program Development Officer for 22  years until he retired in 1997. 

Chief Petty Officer Don Stewart was a very proud member of the Royal Canadian Navy where he met his loving wife Faye and best friend HT. After leaving the Regular Force for employment and adventures that took him and Faye to exciting places and times, Don rejoined the Navy at HMCS Nonsuch after moving to Edmonton with his family in 1975. Don rose to be Coxswain of the unit. Throughout his career in the Navy, he made significant contributions both organizationally and to many shipmates of all ranks and positions. Don was a trusted advisor to senior and junior officers, peers and sailors alike. In recognition of his exceptional service, Don was appointed a Member of the Order of Military Merit.

Even after “retirement”, Don continued to contribute as a volunteer in the Naval community working for organizations, and on events and projects over many years. Most notable of the projects Don led can be seen in the Navy history included in the Griesbach neighborhood, in respect of which Don’s contributions were recognized by a Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. He was a member of the Edmonton Salutes committee supporting the military community, members and families, for more than 10 years. The Canadian Navy, and broader military community, was a very big part of Don and his family’s lives, as demonstrated by the fact that all four of his children spent time in the Navy and Naval Reserve and his son continues to serve in the Canadian Army.

The family would like to thank all the medical professionals who helped along the way and the amazing staff at the Norwood Palliative Care unit for the care and grace in his final days. 

We will be celebrating the amazing life that Don lived on April 15, 2023 at 1:30pm at HMCS Nonsuch located at 11807 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta.  

Members of the military and first responders are welcome to attend in uniform.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Capital Care Norwood Palliative Care Unit 10410-111 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5G 3A2 in Don’s name.