Obituary of Barrie Stewart

Barrie passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on Tuesday January 14, 2025 from pancreatic cancer.

That morning, Barrie was comforted watching the sunrise, from his room at the Ottawa General Hospital, with his adored wife Brenda (nee Vincent) by his side.

Lovingly remembered by stepsons, Shane Trimble (Noella) and Mark Trimble (Shannon Gutoskie);

grandchildren: James, Katelyn, Madison and Nicholas as well as his nephew, Trevor Stewart (Michelle Wassenaar).

Son of the late William Allan and Mary Elizabeth (nee Barr) Stewart, Barrie was also predeceased by his only brother, James “Jim” Stewart (Ann).

 

He was born and raised in Renfrew, Ontario, went on to attend Carleton University and pursued a career in education.

Barrie taught for several different school boards having a positive impact on his students and was well respected by his colleagues.

He took extreme pride in his last assignment at Fitzroy Harbour Public School as Head Teacher/Administrator.

In 1978, he realized his dream of owning a farm and purchased a property on Stevenson Drive in McNab/Braeside, Ontario.

He was in his element driving his tractor and managing the farm.

Barrie and Brenda would call the farm and surrounding community home for many years until eventually moving to Arnprior in 2018.

 

Barrie was a pragmatic, independent, strong and determined man; some may even say he was a tad stubborn!

He took great pride in his Scottish heritage. The motto on a treasured Stewart crest he bought in Scotland,  reads:

“Courage grows strong at the wound”.

The motto compares the healing of a wound to the growth of courage after experiencing adversity.

Barrie’s strength and character carried him through a remarkable two year battle with cancer, never losing his sense of humour or wit.

 

He will be remembered for his contribution and dedication to his community by serving as Chair of the Waba Cottage Museum in White Lake.

 

Barrie enjoyed reading, history and the outdoors.

He particularly loved travelling to the destinations that he had read about and experiencing them in real life.

He also took great pleasure in always owning new vehicles and goin’ on tour in his pickup truck.

His greatest and happiest times were spent with family and friends just talking, telling stories (over and over) and enjoying each others’ company.

 

The family is grateful for the professional care provided by Barrie's homecare nurse, Chantal;

the oncology nurses and team at Renfrew Victoria Hospital; paramedics, Matt and John; Barrie’s family physician, Dr. Boersma and his secretary Marsha.

They would also like to thank the staff at the Ottawa General Hospital for the exceptional care given to Barrie.

 

Barrie was Brenda’s loving partner, confidant and treasured friend.

 

Final arrangements have been entrusted to the

Pilon Family Funeral Home in Arnprior.

In the spring or early summer, there will be a visitation with family and a tribute to Barrie will take place at Pilon’s.

This will be announced here closer to the date.

Barrie will then be laid to rest at the Horton Cemetery.

 

In his memory, please consider a donation to the Arnprior Regional Health Foundation or the Day Surgery Oncology Unit at the Renfrew Victoria Hospital.