Obituary of Walter James Stewart

Obituary With his loving family by his side, Walter James Stewart passed away peacefully on June 11 at the age of 79. Walter was born on February 4, 1944 to Joe and Peg Stewart in Fort St. John. He was raised on a farm in Montney as one of eight kids. While money was tight, trouble and fun were not. All of the kids grew up knowing how to work, how to play, and how to use that Stewart brain. He had so many stories from his childhood, but you were never quite sure which ones to believe. Walter married Alva Rosalind Epp on June 11, 1963 and they spent the next 60 years, to the day, at each other’s side. Walter hand-built their first home on evenings and weekends and this is where both sons, James and Chuck, were born. Several years later, and as the boys and construction business grew, Walter and Alva purchased an acreage in Charlie Lake where they built the home that they have lived in for the last five and a half decades. While this property has gone through many uses over the years (farming, gardening, storing all of Walter’s auction sale “treasures”, growing a tree farm, and other business ventures), it is best known as the place to find Walter’s chair and him in it. Walter loved to play pranks (that he considered to be harmless) on anyone he cared about and even though he was a good sport when he was on the receiving side, it always seemed like he was winning and could one-up everyone else. None of his grandkids wanted to sit beside him at a family dinner; you were sure to get a swipe of butter on your nose. Walter was an incredibly hard worker and had a very innovative mind, along with the skills to build the contraptions he thought up – a propane tank sled for hauling kids up a toboggan hill, a skid-steer attachment for chopping and landing firewood, and many more. Walter cared about his community and put his time and energy into being active with the Charlie Lake Community Club for many years, political activism, and keeping a pulse on what was happening in the Peace Region. As his aptly named CB radio call sign, Hammerhead, implies, once Walter set his mind to something, he was sure to follow through. He loved time with friends and family and when you showed up at his house, you could always count on a coffee, chat, and a rant about the world. If you didn’t know any better and you agreed to play cards with him, you were sure to go home with empty pockets. He was a shark! He was predeceased by his Mom and Dad, brother Larry, and several lifelong friends. Alongside his loving wife, Alva, he leaves to mourn his children James (Joan), Chuck, daughter-in-law Tracy, grandchildren Brad, Darcy, Erica, Kyla, and Sarah as well as eight great-grandchildren, many extended family members, and numerous friends. We love you and will miss you, your booming laugh, and endless teasing. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, June 22 at 2:00 pm at the Charlie Lake Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, and if you are moved to do so, the family suggests that you donate to a charity that is close to your heart. Services Celebration of Life Thursday June 22, 2023 2:00 PM Charlie Lake Community Hall 12717 Charlie Hall Avenue Charlie Lake, BC V0C1H0