Published in The Lake Report, January 15, 2026, page 22.
Aug. 21, 1939 – Dec. 30, 2025
Henry George (Jim) Stewart of Virgil, Ont., passed peacefully at St. Catharines Hospital on Dec. 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on Aug. 21, 1939, in Kinneff, Scotland, Henry was the son of George and Catherine Stewart. In 1957, at the age of 17, he immigrated to Canada with his family from Southampton, England, following his father who had secured employment in Edmonton, Alta.
In 1958, Henry met the love of his life, Leona Chichak. They were married on Sept. 12, 1959, and shared 66 years of marriage together. They raised three children together: Rodney, Heather and Michele.
Henry built a long and successful career in retail, beginning with the Bata Shoe Company and continuing for more than 30 years with Sears Canada. He retired in 1996 after nearly four decades of dedicated service.
A natural entertainer with a warm sense of humour, Henry enjoyed music, magic, and performing for family and friends. He was an avid sports fan, followed traffic and weather reports with keen interest, and loved watching classic war films and westerns. Henry was also an avid lawn bowler and a well-respected president of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Lawn Bowling Club for several years, a role he carried out with dedication and pride.
Henry will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Leona; his children Rodney (Lisa), Heather Meyer (Brent), and Michele Johnson (Dan); his sister Joy Reeves (Oscar); his grandchildren Corey McCallum, Beth Stewart, Hayley Stewart, Amanda Bosnar, and Brad Johnson; and his great-grandchildren Harlow Bosnar and Oakes Bosnar.
He was predeceased by his parents George and Catherine; his brother Allen (Margaret); and his cherished dog, Maggie.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Qawi and the caring staff at Pleasant Manor for their compassion and support.
A celebration of life will be held in honour of Henry Stewart on Jan. 31, from 1 to 4 p.m., in the Mori room at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre, 14 Anderson Lane, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.
Family and friends are invited to gather to share memories and celebrate a life well lived. Donations in his honour may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
