Death Notices

STEWART, Neil Murray – surrounded by his loving family, peacefully, at his home in Port Dover on Saturday December 26th, 2009 in his 60th year. Husband of 35 years to Rosemarie (nee Schenn). Father and best friend of Jordan (Alesha) and Julian. Proud grandfather of Slade & Petra. Favourite and most loved son-in-law of Hilda Schenn, brother-in-law of Simon (Gail – Outlaw #1), brother-in-law & best friend of Walter (Avarel – Outlaw #3). Much loved son of Tom and Eve Stewart and brother of Ian (Lorna).  Adored Uncle to his many nephews and nieces.  Neil's family was the source of his greatest joy;  his home was his sanctuary.  Neil was born February 24th, 1950 in Hull, Yorkshire, England.  His family came to Canada on the Empress of Britain in 1959 and settled in Hamilton.  In 1967 they moved to Port Ryerse.  Neil attended Port Dover Composite School, where he and his buddies created a few grey hairs on the faculty.  In 1969, Neil's family moved to Halifax but Neil opted to stay and finish high school with his new found friends and their families - the Schenns, the Lietaers and the Rufenachs.  Neil was a self made man.  His career began with Jewitt/Vallee as a land surveyor where the construction bug took hold.  For the next forty years Neil's many and varied construction projects took him back and forth across Canada.  His numerous projects included Ontario Hydro, Texaco and Esso and later, the construction of the GM/Suzuki plant in Ingersoll.  In the early nineties Neil formed his own company, NMS Projects, which specialized in Heavy Industrial Program Management Services.  His company managed several projects including the refurbishment of the Coleson Cove Power Plant for New Brunswick Power, the construction of the Whitby Cogen Plant for West Coast Energy and the Wind Power Project in Kingsbridge, Ontario.  NMS' last project was the multi-million dollar, East Windsor Cogeneration Center for Pristine Power.  Neil was able to combine his business connections and his love of children by initiating a series of very successful golf tournaments to raise money for Children's Wish Foundation.  While Neil enjoyed a great deal of career success, he was happiest when he was fishing on the boat with his boys and being with his family and his friends.  Neil would think nothing of jumping in his truck when flights were cancelled due to bad weather and driving across Canada to get home from his job.  Neil enjoyed playing poker with his poker buddies.  True to his Scottish roots, Neil also loved golfing and he could out-drive most players - straight to the rough.  Neil was very modest about his Great Grandfather Stewart, who started a golf club manufacturing business in the city of St. Andrew's in Fife, Scotland.  The Stewart iron clubs were distinguished by the impression of a clay pipe embossed on the heads.  This patent was later sold to Spalding.  Per Neil’s wish, there will be no funeral service.  A special thank you is extended to the nurses that supported us through our journey. Those wishing to donate in Neil’s memory are asked to consider the Children’s Wish Foundation, and donations may be made through the JASON SMITH FUNERAL CHAPEL, 689 Norfolk St. North Simcoe. On-line condolences, personal memories, stories or comments about our beloved Neil are welcome at www.smithfuneralchapel.com (519) 426-0199