Obituary of Michael Gordon Stewart
MICHAEL GORDON STEWART
It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of Michael, who died at age 49 on Sunday, October 28, 2018 after a valiant 14-month battle with cancer.
In his last days, Michael was surrounded by loved ones ... his husband, family, friends and colleagues all rallied around his bedside to provide comfort and to swap lighthearted stories. Resilient in the face of his illness, “Mikey” was determined to enjoy every last minute.
Michael was the beloved husband of John “Jack” Doolittle, cherished son of Brenda (nee Bosloy) Stewart of Ottawa, and Dick Stewart (Pauline Daling) of Ottawa. Precious older brother of Geoff Stewart (Julie Wallace) of Ottawa, kind Uncle to Kaela and Connor Stewart, dear son-in-law of Maureen Doolittle of Orillia, and a witty brother-in-law to Jennifer and Jamie Kleven (Taylor and Payton) of Dundas, as well as being loved by many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Born in Ottawa, Michael cultivated lasting friendships which have endured, both from his early school years in Kanata, to his undergrad years at Trent University and the years spent earning his law degree at Queen’s University. At one point he honoured his maternal grandmother’s heritage by teaching English in Poland.
He joined Goodmans LLP in 1999, where he enjoyed working as an Associate in the Municipal Law Group. Over the course of his career, Michael played a senior role in many significant development matters in Toronto, including projects such as the development or redevelopment of the Waterfront, Distillery District, Regent Park, Royal Conservatory of Music, MaRS building and Cathedral Centre. He dealt with municipal government for private clients in areas including planning, heritage and affordable housing. Michael was also Past Chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s municipal law section and spoke at many industry and legal events.
In his personal life he was devoted to Jack, his husband of 12 years. Together, they thrived in urban life, sharing time at home with friends, family and superdog Muskoka. They also shared a great love of travelling.
Smart, hard-working and honest, sentimental about family and keepsakes, firm in his opinions, Michael had a generous spirit, kind heart, and a keen sense of humor. Good food, shopping, history, old movies and television and creating unusual gifts all brought him joy. He also loved to indulge in an occasional rant about things he disliked.
Michael enriched our lives and we will miss him forever. We are grateful to staff at Toronto General Hospital and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre for their excellent care.
Michael’s Celebration of Life will be held in St. James Cathedral Centre, 65 Church Street in Toronto, on Friday, November 9th beginning at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (www.thepmcf.ca). Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.
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