Percival Herbert Nelson Stewart

Percival Herbert Stewart passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 5th, 2022 at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre, Toronto. Percy was born in Perth, Ontario the youngest child of John and Lillian Stewart. He was predeceased by his parents and four siblings: Alex, Charles, Maybelle, and Jack, and by his beloved wife Frances (Pearce) in 2004, after almost 59 years of marriage. Percy also leaves behind his four children: Bob, Maureen, John, and Bruce; eleven grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. At 20 years of age, Percy enlisted with The Canadian Navy during World War II and was stationed as a mechanical engineer on a minesweeper in the North Atlantic. Percy dodged many issues in his life including the Great Depression, tuberculosis, heart issues, four kids(!), each time bouncing back and cheerfully carrying on. Percy’s most memorable job was working on the Avro Arrow jet in the 1950’s. The jet was intended to be the RCAF’s primary craft but was cancelled by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. Percy worked at CBC as a film editor and his mechanical skills were put to use as a tool and die maker, and became famous as our resident ‘MacGyver’. Percy and Frances tirelessly cared for their growing brood and found time to give back to their community. They lived in Toronto (including Centre Island), Alcona Beach, and Barrie. Trinity Anglican Church, Barrie, was an important part of their lives and it is where Percy let his soaring tenor loose as part of the church choir. He also volunteered for the Cancer Society for many years as a driver for patients and donation pick-ups. Percy was loved and admired for his integrity, decency, humour, and his wicked piano playing skills. He loved to entertain, performing any tune requested, whether in the early years working in a hotel in Oshawa, visiting a busy pub in Ireland, replaying a song sung by a grandchild or bringing cheer to a house party for relatives and friends. There were sing-a-long concerts to Mario Lanza or Caruso opera roles. Percy exhibited an early and clear sense of fairness, and leaves an enduring legacy of kindness, a joy of life, and immeasurable love of mankind. He never missed the chance to bring cheer to someone’s day, crack a funny line, or tell his latest Irish joke, accent and all. He often brought home strangers in need of a ride, food, shelter, or even a job. We wish to offer our heartfelt gratitude to the amazing, selfless staff at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in Toronto. Their care of our dad over the past four years has been nothing short of heroic. It wasn’t his own home, but it was the safest haven for his final days. In lieu of donations, please feed some birds, chipmunks, or any critter you might find! Sing a song. Play a tune. Be kind and helpful to anyone in need. Spread smiles in memory of Percy. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.