Obituary of Hilton Lloyd Stewart

STEWART: On Thursday, August 9, 2018, Hilton Lloyd "Hilt" Stewart aged 84 passed away at Fairview Home in Brandon with family by his side. Hilt was born in Bottineau, North Dakota on August 8, 1934, the second son of John Lloyd Stewart and Lena Jean Blackburn. He grew up on the family farm south of Goodlands, MB and received his early education at Croydon School. After completing Grade 11 at the Goodlands School, he entered Brandon College where he graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor's Degree in Science working majoring in Geology. Hilt regarded his years at the College as being instrumental in shaping his character and his future. The friendships he cultivated there lasted a lifetime. Following graduation, Hilt was employed by the Sun Oil Company from 1957 to 1960 as a production geologist working out of Calgary and Regina. His years in the "oil patch" were fodder for many stories about his adventures which he loved to share with his family and friends. He made many new friends among his co-workers there and maintained contact with them long after he left the company. In 1960, Hilt returned to Brandon and enrolled in the B Ed program at Brandon College. Upon graduation, he was employed by the Brandon School Division as a teacher in the new General Course at Brandon Collegiate. The following year, he switched to teaching Senior High Chemistry and Mathematics. In 1965, he left teaching for one year to pursue an opportunity in Real Estate and Insurance. He returned to teaching in the fall of 1966 and was appointed Vice Principal and Grade 8 teacher at JR Reid School. Having a keen interest in the promotion of individualized instruction and continuing progress, he was then appointed to the principalship of the yet-to-be completed Meadows School, Brandon's first open area school which opened in 1969. During this time, his interest in politics grew, and he began campaigning for the Liberal Party where he developed his skills as a back room strategist. Hilt never lost his love of politics and maintained a high interest for many years. In 1971, Hilt was appointed Superintendent of Elementary Schools, a post he held for the next 21 years. During his tenure, he touched the lives of many students, teachers, colleagues and division employees all of whom he treated with great respect. All were of equal importance in his eyes. In his position as Superintendent, he was active in the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents. He also served on the Brandon University Faculty of Education Advisory Committee along with the Department of Education Committees on Core French and Middle Years Education. Throughout his working years and in retirement, he served his community in many ways. He was involved in chairing and co-chairing several committees for local and national sports events held in Brandon. He sat on the Brandon General Hospital Foundation Board, the Board of Revision for the City of Brandon, the United Way and the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba to name a few. He was a proud member of the Kinsman Club of Brandon and later served as President of the K-40 Club. He was actively involved with the Brandon University Alumni Association as well. In 1969, Hilt married the love of his life, Margaret Mustard. Together, they raised two daughters, Wendy and Barbara, both of whom are married and residing in Brandon with their families. He was a proud family man. He was delighted to be a father and later a grandfather and spent as much time as he was able watching them in their various pursuits whether it be school sports, hockey, dance recitals or school concerts. Throughout the years, summers were spent at the family cottage at Lake Metigoshe. Here he spent many hours boating, waterskiing, a sport at which he excelled, and fishing at which he dabbled. He taught his girls and his many nieces and nephews how to ski, all of whom have tales to tell of their adventures on the water. Upon retirement, he and Marg enjoyed travelling. Happy times were spent in South Texas, Florida, the Maritimes, Mexico, Scotland and cruising the Caribbean with family and friends. He loved the game of golf and enjoyed many courses such as Deloraine, Brandon and points West on golf trips with his buddies. He played in Texas and even had a game or two in Scotland. Summers also saw him at the family farm where he loved looking at the crops and later helping his nephew, David, with chores and the harvest. Hilt was a hail adjuster for many years, which also took him back to his farm roots. He loved walking the fields and discussing claims with the farmers. He was living proof that you can take the boy out of the farm, but you can never take the farm out of the boy. During winters in Manitoba, he enjoyed curling with friends and later, travelling with Marg and friends to Briers and Olympic Curling Trials across Western Canada. Saturday nights saw him in front of the TV watching the Maple Leafs and later the Winnipeg Jets. Hilt is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, his daughters, Wendy (Greg Hebert) and Barbara (Barry Stamford) and his beloved grandchildren, Riley Chen, Colby Stamford, Alexandra, Arden and Amelia Hebert. He is also survived by his brother, Duncan, his sister, Helen (Gerry Myers) his sister-in-law, Carol Argamaso as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister-in-law, Marlene Stewart and brother-in-law, Ravelo Argamaso. Hilt's love of family was great, his collection of friends extensive, and his contribution to education and to his community substantial. He was a humble human being who was devoted to Marg, his family and his friends. His warmth and respect for others are his real legacy. He will long be remembered by all who knew and loved him. A Celebration of Hilt's Life was held at Central United Church on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Doug Craig officiating. Donations in memory of Hilt may be made to the Parkinson's Society of Manitoba, 414 Westmount Drive, Winnipeg, MB, R2J 1P2; or the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2B3; or a charity of choice.