Stew was a wonderful colleague . In our jobs we worked closely together , as most issues affected both doctors and nurses . Much laughter , and occasional tears , as we planned our actions  of correcting behaviour , and changing practices . Once he was convinced , Stew would support the idea strongly . If he didn't think the idea had merit , however,as Barry Purves liked to say ...it was like trying to push water up hill . He was a kind and gentle man , as has been said so often , but he had a wicked sense of humour , shared when he trusted you would not share his observations ! Often , at the end of the day , we would meet in one of our offices , and rehash the issues of the day . A quiet time of reflection for us both . 

Stew also was our local executive physician . He would help us with our minor  ailments  and send us to our own physicians if needed , but usually , our issues were efficiently solved. WHenever we went anywhere , Stew always knew someone . The most obscure was the man we met at a conference in Toronto . I asked Stew how he knew him, and rather than the usual ," patient ,universtiy ,golf," apparently they went to a Scout Jamboree together as young boys . 

I left Lions Gate Hospital 20 years ago . Over the subsequent years , I treasured our lunches and gatherings together . They reminded me of that "halcion" time of my work life . Stew was such a big part of that .