Obituary of Stewart Irving

James Ernest STEWART Irving (July 11, 1926 - November 24, 2019) of Riverview Gardens, Chatham and previously Village on the Ridge, Ridgetown passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2019 at the age of 93.  Born in South Buxton, Raleigh Township to parents the late Stanley Irving and the late Verna Conliffe (Irving) (nee Stewart).  Loving husband of 70 years and ten months to the late Hazel Winnifred Irving (nee Drewery).

Beloved father of Brenda and husband Chuck Guyitt of Ridgetown.  

Grandfather of Chad and wife Erin Guyitt of Guelph.  Great Grandfather of Charles, Beatrice, and Sullivan.

 
Brother-in law to Joan Irving, Jeanette Drewery, Vera Drewery, Shirley Drewery, Ruth Conliffe, and Shirley Conliffe.

Predeceased by his brother Melvin Irving, brothers-in-law Gord Conliffe, Don Conliffe, Raeburn Drewery, Percy (late Dena) Drewery, Melvin Drewery, Floyd “Pop” Drewery, Bertram Drewery (RCAF - 1944) and by his sister Jean (late Howard) Stewart.

Stewart was a founding member of St. Paul’s Congregational Church, Chatham.  Stewart had many job opportunities during his life but was known throughout Chatham-Kent for being Manager of M.J. Smith’s Store and thereafter a Registered Insurance Broker with Stewart Insurance.  Stewart was a member of the Kent Regiment, the Kinsmen Club, Past President of the AHCOM Shrine Club, Chairman of the Trustees of Victoria Avenue United Church, and a member of Chatham Horticultural Society. He played baseball and hockey for Chatham teams, as well as hunted and fished, but as time went by camping, horseshoes and cards became his most important pastimes.  Through all of his many activities he was most thankful for the people he met along the way who became his good friends and whom he loved to visit.

Friends and family will be received at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, on Thursday, November 28th, 2019 from 12 noon until the time of the Funeral Service at 1pm. Rev. Dr. Marg Moriyama officiating. Cremation to follow with interment in Pardoville Cemetery at a later date. 

Donations in Stewart’s memory may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.