Obituary of Stew McLaren

McLAREN: Stewart R. "Stew" - With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Stew McLaren, who died peacefully at his residence, surrounded by his family, on April 15th, 2025 at the age of 90. Originally from Rondeau Provincial Park, Ontario, Stew previously lived in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, Estero, FL and most recently in Ashburn, Virginia, where he moved to be near his son Stewart and daughter-in-law Olivia.

Born in London, Ontario, Stew was the son of the late Robert and Marguerite (Kerr) McLaren.

Survived by his wife Dorothy, to whom he was married for 61 years, and his loving son Stewart E. McLaren (Olivia). Predeceased by his brother Robert “Bob” McLaren

Also missed greatly by friends and extended family.

Stew was raised in Rondeau Provincial Park, where his father, Robert A. McLaren, served as Superintendent of the Park for 29 years.

As a youngster, Stew delivered milk and ice to the residents of Rondeau Park. Later, Stew worked as a sailing and swimming instructor at the Rondeau Yacht Club, allowing him to earn tuition to attend Albion College, graduating with the Class of 1958. For Stew, this was a considerable change from his first eight years of education, where he attended the one-room schoolhouse formally known as SS #12 Harwich. In recognition of his significant contributions to the Rondeau Yacht Club as a youth, Stew was subsequently made an Honorary Lifetime Member of the RYC - an honor which was a source of great pride, since his work at the RYC allowed him to attend Albion College, serving as the foundation for a very successful and rewarding life journey.

After graduating from Albion College, Stew went to work for the Aetna Insurance Company in Detroit, Michigan. After many years at Aetna, Stew was hired by what ultimately became Aon Insurance, where he served as a successful executive in their Detroit branch. After retiring from Aon, Stew founded his own employee benefits consulting company, S.R. McLaren and Associates, before retiring a second time to spend more time golfing and at the family cottage at Rondeau Park.

An avid sailor from his time as an instructor at the Rondeau Yacht Club, Stew spent many years sailing the Great Lakes with Dorothy, Stewart and many friends on their sailboat “Highlander.” A life-long athlete, Stew also spent many years coaching youth hockey, and was a founding member of the Grosse Pointe Hockey Association, where he also proudly coached his son Stewart.

In retirement, Stew became an avid golfer, spending many joyful winters at their home at the Estero Golf and Country Club in Estero, FL and many fun-filled summers at their cottage in Rondeau Park where he enjoyed riding his bike around the park and continuing to sail. Stew and Dorothy were able to continue their passion for golf in the summer months as members of the Blenheim Golf Club, where they enjoyed the company of many friends, both on the golf course and at Rondeau Park. Stew was an avid reader and historian, and loved dedicating time every day to reading countless books on history and sharing his knowledge and passion with others.

Growing up in Rondeau Park, and later as a life-long cottager, Stew knew every inch of Rondeau Park and its history. He loved sharing his knowledge of Rondeau Park with others and relating stories of what it was like growing up in “The Park.” Stew and his brother Bob were the last remaining original Rondeau Park residents. Stew, Dorothy, Stewart and Olivia treasured every moment they spent at Rondeau Park. The Park served as the catalyst for life-long relationships with dear friends and the basis for countless joyful memories that will be treasured for eternity. Rondeau Park has always held a very special place in Stew’s heart, and that of his family, and the time spent there will be forever cherished.

Growing up in Rondeau Park as a youth, and later as a cottage owner, Stew was a firm believer that parks are for people. He proudly served as the President of the Rondeau Park Leaseholders Association, now the Rondeau Park Cottagers Association (RCA), from 1988 to 2001. Stew remained on the RCA Board until 2019 when he was promoted to Director Emeritus - becoming only the second Director Emeritus in the history of the RCA.

It is with a warm heart that Stew, Dorothy, Stewart and Olivia would like to extend a special thanks to some of Stew’s Rondeau Park friends: Dr. Mike Newell (Erin), John Clarke (Glenda), Dr. David Colby, and Brian French for all of the great memories and support over the years; and to Bob Curtis (Sylvia) of Estero, FL for their heartfelt friendship; and to Keith George (Bobbie), Dave Hayes (Karen) of Ashby Ponds. Also, many thanks to the multitude of other wonderful friends on the fourth floor of Willow Crossing and to the staff at Ashby Ponds who all made Stew’s final years happy, joyful and care-free.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Stew can be made to the Rondeau Cottagers Association, Rondeau Yacht Club or Albion College.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Stew's family cottage at Rondeau Park on Saturday, June 14th 2025, beginning at 2:00pm and continuing later into the afternoon. All of Stew’s friends are welcome to attend this joyful celebration of his life and his love for the Park. This Celebration of Life will be held in the finest traditions of Rondeau Park summer life. A private family interment will be held on Sunday, June 15th 2025 at Duart Cemetery, Chatham-Kent, Ontario.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home

141 Park Street, Blenheim

519-676-3451