John "Jake" Thomas Duncan Stewart

Jake passed peacefully at Rosewood Lodge in Stonewall after a 26-year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.  Jake leaves behind Joy, his wife of 39 years; sister Phyllis; SILs Rose Wares (Kevin) and Pearl Plohman; BIL John Plohman and many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents Katie Bell and Jack, sisters Lena, Edna, Myrtle and brother Don.

Jake grew up in Cardinal Ont and along the St Lawrence River.  At the age of 18 he accompanied 2 friends to the CAF recruiting office in Ottawa to write the CAF entrance exam.  Jake thought he might as well do too since he was there with nothing else to do.  As it turned out he was the only one to pass!  Thus, he began a 25-year rewarding career in the CAF achieving the role of PMed Tech (Preventive Medicine Technician) and rank of Master Warrant Officer.  In 1986 at a military Mess exchange visit in Winnipeg he met a military nurse - Joy. They were married 6 months later!  They had to get married hehe!

Following Jake’s career in the CAF, he was offered and accepted a position as Environmental Health Officer. During his time with Health Canada Jake enjoyed a distinguished career including developing and conducting safety audits for many federal departments and agencies. He was well respected as a Senior Advisor for Workplace Health and Public Safety Operations.

Jake enjoyed many sports including racquet sports, windsurfing, golfing and many more.  He liked to be busy and physically active which helped to delay the progression of PD. He also loved helping others and was persistent in solving problems.

Family extends sincere gratitude to Rosewood Lodge for their compassionate caring during Jake’s final weeks. A heartfelt thank you is extended to Jim, Jake’s dedicated physiotherapist of 6 years; to Loreta and Victoria from “Friendly Caregiver” for their compassionate visits and support; and to a couple of social work students who spent engaging time with Jake.

A private celebration of life is planned.

Anyone wishing to make a donation please consider the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba who have been so helpful over the last several years.

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