Happy Birthday up there, hope you’re having a wonderful day knowing so many of us down here love you and miss you. 💐💙❤️
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You asked what I learned from David. He was my minister, friend, confidant at times. He taught me to trust in the sovereignty of God, faithfulness of God, mistakes are allowed in life, when I sin, God precious blood covers them, past present and future. I have an eternity to look forward to spending with my Redeemer. Jordis
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I met David as a 16 year old in 1969 at a Thanksgiving youth convention at St David's in Kelowna. He was the minister there and our speaker for the weekend. I grew up in the Christian faith and earlier that year came to know Jesus deeply and personally, so I was wide open to the Holy Spirit. I can't remember the specific topic that weekend but clearly recall how relevant and uplifting Dave's talks were.
Long story short, ended up living in Kelowna and getting to know and love Dave and Carol and their kids, along with Ron who I married 5 years later, and more close friends who also moved there. We loved sharing life with the St David's community and starting our own family. Ron and I have so many great memories of those years and the people who shared their lives with us. Something truly unique about Dave was that I never felt judged by him. He made me feel seen and known and loved unconditionally, the way that God loves me. What a rare gift!
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Thinking of you all…much love Vince and Nancy
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When joining The Upper Room I was fortunate to get to know David and family. Boss, friend, servant of Christ, brother in Christ, and someone who would listen when I would ask them to do something 🙂. This he would always tease me about. David would inspire those around him to be the best they could be. A life well lived.
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So many happy, treasured memories, Carol❣️
Much Love & Warm Hugs to you & your family.
😘🥰
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I first met David when I was in PYPS at a Thanksgiving Convention in Kelowna. It was a life changing experience - meeting David and Carol for the first time, and being part of David’s amazing ministry. , the convention was so inspirational David’s ministry, in so many places, was second to none. He was the most amazing orator (preacher), people-person, friend to all; he had a listening ear that was a comfort, and he arrived at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church right when we needed him.
Arthur and I are blessed to have attended David’s 80th birthday party; and we are so sorry we are not able to attend his Celebration of Life as we are in Eastern Ontario celebrating the life of our brother-in-law who passed away just five days after David. David, we love you and miss you and will miss sharing lemon meringue pie with you. You are now with your Lord and at peace. And to David’s family, our deepest condolences to you all and may God wrap His loving arms around you and give you strength and peace.
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2023, Victoria, BC, Canada
David’s 80th Birthday Party
— with
Jean and Arthur with Carol and David
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I want to send my condolences and thoughts to Carol and the whole Stewart family on the passing of David.
David was the minister at St. David’s in Kelowna when I was in my teen years. It was a formative time for me, and David played an important role. There are too many memories, instances and experiences to write down here,(young peoples group, Friday night badminton, the dry New Years Eve experiment, etc.) but that in itself lets you know what a constant presence David was in my life and the life of my family during the Kelowna years, and some afterwards as well, especially after the death of our mother Elsie who had been a close confident of David’s, and at both the 90th birthday of our father George, and conducting his funeral 3 years later in 2013.
But for whatever reason, what came to mind as soon as I heard the news of David’s passing was this very specific memory. There were 2 Sunday services at St. David’s in those years. Between the services, David invited a small group of young people(teens) into his office for a kind of discussion group. The news had been reporting all week about the killings of 4 students at Kent State University in Ohio that happened on Monday, May 4th, 1970. It must have been the Sunday after that, and it was one of the things that got discussed. I don’t remember what was said, or maybe it was just that it came up. But it was an example of how David provided a safe, open, and loving ear to whoever he was with. I was in grade 10 then, and a few years later David was instrumental in my getting my first job after college.
But maybe one of his best most memorable sermons( and I hope they have been saved) was about the ‘incidentals’, how sometimes the perceived most important things are actually not the most important, but rather it’s the incidentals that we should pay close attention to. Oh, incidentally…yes David, I was listening.
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I first David in August 1971 returning to Kelowna after living in Vancouver. After marriage he baptized my two children. His “down to earth” faith sparked my “hohum” attitude to my belief in God and thus began my journey of faith which continues to this day. Thank you God for David and to the many people whose lives he touched. Sending condolence to Carol, Scott, Suzanne, Naomi and Christie
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We feel so privileged to have known David as a Minister and friend and spiritual advisor, through our Presbyterian Churches. Our paths first crossed at Kerrisdale Presbyterian church in the early 80's and we have enjoyed the friendship and ministry of David and Carol for the past 45 yrs. We have the most wonderful memories of all these past years and we will miss him so much. David officiated at both of our sons weddings too. Thank you David, for all you have done for all of us.
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Sending heartfelt condolences and love to the Stewart family. I first met Dave when he married my neighbours in 1974. His spirituality and conviction of his faith made an impression on me. I knew then that I wanted Dave to officiate my wedding, which he did in 1976. Through our involvement at St. David's Presbyterian Church a close friendship with the Stewart family evolved over the next number years. I always enjoyed Dave's sense of humour, appreciated his caring and gentle nature, his preaching, and the wisdom he shared so readily. Thank you for your love and friendship...until we meet again, you will be missed.
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I was so sorry to hear of David's passing and send my heartfelt condolences to Carol and the family
I have the softest spot in my heart for David .. he was an instrumental support to me when I was 16 years old and going through a rough patch when living in Kelowna. I'm sure my mom was grateful for his support as well! His presence and compassion and sage advice were just what I needed at that time in my life ❤️
When I heard he was the manager at the Upper Room, I was compelled to volunteer when I first moved to Victoria in 1991. It was so lovely to reconnect with him.
He left an amazing legacy and I am privileged to have known such a wonderful human being in my life.
Joan Doerksen
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David was one of those very special people who one imagined would somehow live forever. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He gave so much to so many with humility, humour & heart. He was a wonderful friend to our Kelowna family, his compassion & willing presence in the passing & in the memorial services of both Mum & Dad so appreciated by all of us. He came to St David's in Kelowna when I was 15 & he stirred everyone up with his passion, youthful energy & that heart! It was a new thing to have a minister that extended his heart & ministry to the greater community of need & David did that right from the get go. Our dear Mum Elsie was one of his faithful & became an elder in the church during David's time there. David & Mum shared that generosity of the heart & tho it was sometimes hard as family to share them as they ministered to others, both of them had an undeniable & extraordinary gift of the spirit. There was great love & there was always laughter. Sending love & deep sympathies to Carol & all the family with this very great loss.
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Anne Bell
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, St Andrews Rd, Newport Beach, CA, USA
David was a gift for St Andrews as he was there when we needed him. He was so easy to talk to and down to earth. My most vivid memory of him was the day he said”Anne, I have to get on the street where I belong” He meant of course that his heart was with the most vulnerable. I also remember seeing him sitting on the curb outside the side entrance of our church listening to a fellow who was indeed one of these vulnerable persons. David was caring, compassionate, realistic and one of a kind. We truly are grateful to have known him.
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Our family has known Dave and Carol for over 56 years. Dave and Carol have been the most loyal and consistent friends my mother has had. Sadly her advanced age prevents a full appreciation of the moment and expressing that herself. Dave spent many a moment out fishing with my Dad and I and sharing an 8am beer, as well as many rounds on the golf course. He was always a pleasure to be around. He married my partners daughter and her man and I had hoped he might be able to do the same for me but time ran out. He was the epitome of what it means to be a Christian in actions, not just words, and he will be very sorely missed.
Jamie Macleod
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I find it a bit of a challenge to define exactly what role David played in my life - family chaplain, home church minister, advocate, colleague and friend. The sum is much greater than the parts. Dear friend seems to capture it . Millions of memories drift to the surface but most of all it was shared laughter and tears, the wisdom and patience so compassionately offered, and the support and advocacy as I found my way in ministry. David opened his arms, his heart and his life to us and we are all much richer for the experience. Rest in peace dear friend and thank you
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The Story of my friendship with David Stewart began in 1980 when I moved back to Vancouver and returned to my “home church” where David was now the Pastor. My children and I were immediately embraced by the ministry of the Stewart family and it was clear that here was a true man of God. He had that gift to be fun and laugh and play and yet still be there to help, advise and minister to the needs of all his congregation. We have many treasured memories of T-Ball games, Church School musical, Family Camp, Saltspring Island and Birthdays. Our birthdays being one day apart, we celebrated together on several occasions – I am especially grateful to have been able to celebrate with him for his final earthly birthday this past June.
I know that he is now with our Lord who he so faithfully served. And Carol, a true “help meet”, was always there beside him. Prayers for Carol and all his family, may you have peace and strength as you navigate this current “passage” of life. Find joy in the memories. I will miss him, those twinkling eyes and cheeky smile, and his loving care for all of us.
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Carol and family,
Noel and Marion and the family fondly remember you and Dave and your children being there for us when we needed you all. You provided a lifeboat for us and we so appreciated the help. Fun times came later when we were involved in building your retreat on Saltspring, with materials arriving by regular little red wagon delivery off the ferry.
Dave touched more lives than you could possibly count, and it was deeply meaningful to have known him.
Noel and Marion Burnham
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Love and hugs to Carole, Naomi, Suzanne and family. So, many memories from St. David's in Kelowna. 0 My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs, Brenda. Jeanni, Jeremy
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St. Andrew's Presbyterian, Victoria, was fortunate to have Reverend David Stewart serve as our minister from time to time over the years. Members and adherents were blessed to have Reverend Stewart's caring mentoring and leadership. The Penner and Cupit families were delighted that Reverend Stewart was able to officiate at Mike and Stephanie's wedding in July 2015. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Over 25 years ago employees at BC Ferries Head Office expressed an interest in hosting a Christmas dinner for people in our downtown community.
We approached David at the Upper Room and he recommended, rather than a Christmas Dinner we consider something later in February or March.
As a result BC Ferry employees hosted our first Valentines Dinner. The food was prepared at the Upper Room and delivered to the Kirk Hall at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church and served by the employees of BC Ferries.
Over the years employees hosted other suppers and Saturday morning breakfasts at St. Andrew's as a result of David's initial suggestion in his rather casual yet matter of fact way of communication.
I continued to know David and Carol during the various 'stints' David did at St. Andrew's as interim Minister. David's sermons were extempore and he spoke from the heart. He spoke his truth. What you saw was what you got.
He will be missed.
Jim Ferguson
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Dave and I go a way back to when we were both preacher's kids in southwestern Ontario. We reconnected when he was minister of St. David's in Kelowna and I was part of the leadership team on the Okanagan Basin Water Study in the early seventies. Later when I was living in Vancouver in the eighties he was my minister at Kerrisdale (and occasionally he had me fill his pulpit when he was absent). The highlight of our relationship doubtless was the few months we spent conducting numerous workshops for the PCC's Strategic Planning initiative in the mid-eighties. It was both theologically stimulating and socially fun. Subsequent to that time, he on occasion gave me sage advice about my own theological future. While we had been in constant contact since his retirement our paths had crossed occasionally and it always reminded me why I was thankful that he had been in my life: a true servant of his Lord and God.
g.w.
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