It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Richard Stewart. He was born in Peace River, Alberta on November 10, 1964, to parents John and Frances (Ricky) Stewart, and passed away suddenly in Calgary on Friday, October 13, 2023, at the age of 58.

Rich grew up on the family farm south of Grimshaw, where his lifelong love of animals, the outdoors, and adventure began. Throughout his childhood, Rich was involved in 4-H, and helped at the North Peace Stampede, alongside his parents. Promoting 4-H and rodeo continued into his adult life as he was happy to get others involved either by buying calves, sponsoring or sending clients to the Calgary Stampede, or by supporting his nephews with their 4-H projects.

After graduating high school, Rich got his first job at the Peace River Airport. He loved the experience and had a lot of fun. As Rich enjoyed learning new things, he decided to apprentice as a welder. In July of 1988, he received his Journeyman Welder certification.

When Rich moved to Calgary, he found his second family at Davidson Enman Lumber - where he spent the last 35 years of his career. Rich was so proud to be a part of this team. He loved the family atmosphere and the opportunity to grow his skillset and build connections. Starting on the order desk, then purchasing, and the IT department. He was very proud to look after the different areas of the business that he became a part of.

Rich had a passion for guns and gun collecting and found a part-time job at The Shooting Edge as a Range Officer. He never really looked at this as a job, but a place to share his passion for firearms and to teach others to respectfully enjoy them as a hobby. He instructed many lessons at the range for first-time shooters, and people on their first date or anniversary. However, his most cherished time was when his nephews, Lain and Garret, joined him.

Uncle was a title Rich wore very proudly. He loved spending time with the boys and found as many fun things as he could to do as an uncle - from launching rockets, shooting guns, and playing cards over the computer. He counted down the days to when he could pick the boys up from 4-H camp and take them to Calgary for a few days of fun, and then make the trek back up north to the farm. He was the epitome of an uncle and was so very proud of the boys. He happily shared all their accomplishments and successes with family and friends.

Rich made a lot of great friends who, over the years, had come home to experience some farm life. Rich and his friends also went on adventures such as houseboating or to the beaches in Mexico. They also enjoyed taking turns hosting dinner parties and trying new food all the time. They also had a baseball team that they played for a few years in a city league. There were many fun tournament weekends with the team. Rich also made a trip down to the Boeing plant, and to the harbour to see the big boats that he always loved.

He was a man of many talents. He was also an amazing host and loved to have dinner parties. He was a connoisseur of fine bourbon, an impeccable gift-wrapper, and a generous gift-giver. He spoiled the local rabbit population with veggies and was the most genuine person you could ever find. His kind, happy voice, cheerful laugh, and infectious smile will be missed by all who he met.

Rich has been missing the Peace River Valley and the farm for the last few years and had made plans to move back to Grimshaw in the summer of 2024, to enjoy his retirement. He had plans to reconnect with old friends, do some golfing, raise a few chickens, and be closer to family. We are so sad that he couldn't enjoy his retirement as he planned.

Rich is predeceased by his parents John and Frances. He leaves to mourn his sister Sherri and her husband Paul Franz; his pride and joy, nephews Lain and Garret; his colleagues at Davidson Enman Lumber, uncles, aunts, cousins, and many, many friends.

A Celebration of Life for Richard was held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, in Calgary, for friends and work colleagues. In the spring of 2024, there will be a private Celebration of Life for Richard with family and friends at a date to be decided later.

The Franz family would like to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to the friends in Calgary and work colleagues of Davidson Enman who came tirelessly and helped Sherri in Calgary handle things with the house and getting things finished, as well as for also helping the family to load items to bring home.