STEWART, Gerald Noel

—

1930-2026

After nearly 96 years, surrounded by family, Gerald Stewart passed peacefully in Kelowna, B.C., on August 28, 2026.

Gerry was born on Christmas Day 1930 in Regina, Saskatchewan, and was a gift to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was the oldest of four, the only son of John and Ann Stewart. An exceptional student and a gifted athlete, Gerry graduated from Campion College in Regina. Driving his old Ford (yes that one) he ventured west to Vancouver and the University of British Columbia where he studied pre-med and played quarterback for the Thunderbirds. After graduating from UBC Medical School, Gerry did his residency in Calgary, AB. It was there that he met and fell in love with Ellen, and was embraced by the entire Sweeney clan. They were married June 21, 1958 and moved to Kelowna shortly after to start their family and his medical career. (Both coincidentally, grew exponentially.)

An early member of the Knox Clinic/Glenmore Medical Group, Gerry was eager and honored to learn and work alongside exceptional pioneers of the Kelowna medical community. Seeing a need, he became one of Kelowna’s first anesthesiologists. In 1969 he was one of the first six doctors in Canada to attain certification in the College of Family Medicine. He served as the president of BC Medical 1984/85 where he spearheaded numerous programs and policy changes that better served the patient. Gerry took immense pride in being a “family” doctor — in many ways the community was his family. He was known for his precision, his gentle touch and calm manner. He volunteered his talents at St. Judes Hospital in St. Lucia (1973/74) and later spent a year in New Zealand covering a family practice. Gerry retired from his family practice in 1997, but continued to cover for colleagues and assist in surgeries well into his eighties. In retirement he enjoyed organizing the annual golf tournament for BC doctors.

He was able to accomplish all this and more because he had Ellen by his side. In the early seventies, they built their family home and filled it with memories. Together they raised seven children, supporting each of them in their various adventures and careers. They travelled to countless sporting events and visited many countries. With Ellen’s help, Gerry kept up with a huge contingent of friends and family (her red address book was legendary).

Gerry had two religious practices that kept him centered: weekly mass and a Wednesday afternoon round of golf. He was both generous and frugal, humble and proud. An athlete to the core, Gerry valued good sportsmanship above all else. He regularly took a bag lunch to work, drove a VW Bug and carried his clubs on the golf course. He emceed many events and weddings, coached hockey, served on the school board, took his family on epic trailer/RV trips, and even created a backyard rink for the entire neighborhood. He filmed his grandkids at horse shows, on ski hills, and at soccer and baseball games – with his infamous VHS recorder. He loved nothing more than a full table – sharing delicious food, good wine and great stories  – always leaving room for dessert. (Mom made amazing pies).

He quietly served his community for over 60 years. He will be remembered for his generous and caring nature, exceptional storytelling, mischievous pranks, his love of maple walnut ice cream and the unwavering ethics that made him the kind of man who shows rather than talks about his character.

Many friends, family and colleagues have expressed how much Gerry meant to them — please know that he felt exactly the same way about each of you, and was honored to be called your friend.

Well played Dad.

Gerry was preceded in death by his wife Ellen; his son Mike; his parents; his sisters Kathleen and Sheila; and cousin Lawrence.

Left to celebrate his life are his children Tami, Pat, Brenda (Mark), Sandra (Phil), Todd, and Pam (Patrick); grandchildren Brett, Ami (Graham), Kevin (Madeline), Matthew, Sarah, Liam, Willick, Shyanne, Sam, Graden, and Taylor; great-granddaughters Georgia and Emilia; his sister Maureen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Jo Brown of Blenheim, New Zealand for her loyal and dedicated friendship, and to Elaine Kennedy, care aide and friend who treated him with such dignity, kindness and humor.

Funeral Mass, with Father Pat and Father Gerald presiding, will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM, at St. Charles Garnier Catholic Church, 3645 Benvoulin Rd, Kelowna, BC. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you leave a “memory of Gerry” at echotami@icloud.com.  These will be added to the “Stewart Memory Jar” – a most treasured family keepsake.