John "Stewart" Anderson

Stewart Anderson aged 94 years of Calgary AB, formerly of Brandon, MB passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 18, 2020 with family at his side. Stewart was born in Edward Municipality in southwestern Manitoba to the late William and Bella Anderson.

Stewart was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He married his childhood sweetheart, Mae Cousins, in 1950 and they had a fulfilling 63 years together. He took great joy in his work, known for his strong work ethic, and had a long career as an automotive machinist. He worked for J.A.Keddy Ltd in Brandon for 26 years, the last 21 as shop foreman. In 1974 he fulfilled his dream of owning his own “shop” and started Custom Cylinder Head Rebuilders on Dec. 1, 1974. He was well known in the automotive industry and was respected for his focus on quality work and above all “customer service”, which he believed was the most important aspect of business. Along with his wife Mae, they worked side by side operating this business until he retired in 1991. He was an active member of the Automotive Industries Association and honoured by the Brandon Assiniboine Kiwanis Club for 35 yrs of dedicated service.

They enjoyed travels, friends and time at Clear Lake. Stewart also spent time restoring a 1930 Model A Coupe which they showed in numerous parades. They were a very socially active couple with a large group of lifelong friends with whom they danced, travelled, and enjoyed life. He always said his favourite days of his life after retirement were spent with his grand children upon whom he showered with love and support.

Mae and Stewart moved to Calgary in 2006 to be near us all and were part of every celebration and family event. After the loss of his “beloved Mae” in 2014, Stewart suffered a stroke and his life was changed. He worked hard to overcome his deficits and remained positive and focused to continue living life as best he could. His greatest joy after this time was the arrival of his first great granddaughter Hayden in 2016. Stewart and Hayden had a very special bond....we always said there was “a little bit of Mae” in her and they enjoyed so much special time together, singing, dancing, holding hands, quiet talks, and sharing endless hugs and kisses. These were his happiest days and he was lucky to see her often. With the arrival of his second great granddaughter Raina Mae in 2019, once again we saw smiles and joy. The family is so happy that we had him here in Calgary with us all and he was part of every family event no matter the challenges.

Stewart was predeceased by his wife, Mae in 2014; is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Valdyn (Brad) Gaukel; grandchildren, Jordan (Jason) Gaukel, Johanna (Sunjay) Kaushal, and great-granddaughters, Hayden and Raina Kaushal, all of Calgary. He is predeceased by his brother, Francis; sister, Elizabeth Gelineau and survived by sisters, Ann Clark, Isabel Reddaway, Daisy Neff and a large extended family.

We will hold onto our memories forever and will strive to live life upholding his values......“hard work never hurt anyone” and “take care of each other”.

We will miss him dearly but will remember his as a full life well lived!

The family wish to thank the wonderful staff at Covenant Health St Marguerite Manor for their compassionate and loving care over the last few years where he lived out his life. Also special thanks to Dr Wertzler and Nurse Practitioner Mary Elizabeth Cooper who ensured his final days were comfortable, allowing his final mile on this earth to be in his home, and with family at his side.

A Private Family Memorial will be held and his ashes will be interred at Edenbrook Cemetery, Calgary, to be reunited with Mae.

If friends so desire, memorial donations can be made to a charity of choice.