Obituary of John Robert Stewart

It is with great sadness that the family announces the death of John Robert "Bob: Stewart. With family by his side, Bob died November 23, 2017, in his 80th year. Bob was born in Windsor on February 19, 1938, the youngest child and only son of Murray and Eleanor Stewart. He was predeceased by his sisters Elizabeth (Liz) Dodds and Margaret (Peg) McKelvey. Bob is survived by Joyce (Jody), his wife of 56 years, and his children Mark (Margo), John, Nicola (Don) and Peter (Lori), grandchildren Nicola, Logan, Dylan, Jacob, Nathan, Ryan and Nicholas. Also survived by in-laws John Turnbull, Sarah Turnbull and Brian Wilson and Grace (John) Caira and many nieces and nephews. Bob attended Walkerville Collegiate and Appleby College before joining his father in business at G.G. McKeough Ltd. Later he expanded the lighting division into The Lighting Studio Ltd. on Windsor Avenue. Bob was an old-school businessman who believed that the customers were always right, even when they were not. His word and his handshake were as good as gold. In 1982, Bob began a career in gelatin capsule manufacturing with Capsule Technology International and Technophar, working as a project manager for new plants in France, East Germany, China, Indonesia, Jordan, Bulgaria, Romania, South America and Puerto Rico. He made lifelong friends and earned the respect of colleagues around the world. As a self-proclaimed expert on everything, people knew if something was broken, Bob could fix it. A classic grease monkey and master tinkerer, Bob was at his best under the hood of a car with motor oil on his hands - and clothing. He was an accomplished amateur race car driver who had a passion for classic British sports cars. He collected, raced and repaired dozens of cars, and was a partner in a business that sold Morgan automobiles. He raced cars at circuits in Shannonville, Mosport, Waterford Hills and Watkins Glen and competed in the vintage racing class of the very first Detroit Grand Prix in 1982. In 1970, Bob embraced the role of a "country squire" when the family moved to Dumbarton Place in Pleasant Valley north of Harrow - the site of many parties, pig roasts, fireworks and family reunions. He was often the first person neighbours called when they needed a driveway plowed, a tree cut down or a car pulled out of the ditch. Always ready to lend a hand, Bob was a man of quiet generosity. He was an authentic person with natural sense of cool. Bob loved his manhattans, one-liners, fishing, barbecuing and played a mean game of bridge. He taught his children the importance of family, perseverance, hard work and doing the right thing. He will be missed. The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Burgess, Dr. Helena Hamdan and nurse Erica for their compassionate care. In Bob's memory, donations can be made to Brentwood or Hospice of Windsor and Essex County. At Bob's request, cremation has taken place. A gathering for friends and family will be held Sunday, December 10, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Spago's restaurant, 3850 Dougall Ave. Arrangements entrusted to SIMPLE CHOICE CREMATION CENTRE (519-254-2585). Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.simplechoicecremation.ca.