Clarence ‘Clare’ Stuart

Peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2015 at McGarrell Place in London. Born in Powassan, Ontario, on August 25, 1921, the youngest and last living member of the family of George Stuart and Arletta Johnston, including brothers Harold, Everett, Lloyd, Kenneth and Norval and sister Eileen. Predeceased by his dearest friend and lifelong partner Joan (nee Ferrier). Survived by his daughter Barbara-Jo “Jocelain” and son-in-law Stephen Hitchcox, and his son Robert “Bob” and daughter-in-law Carol. Cherished by granddaughter Erin Boyce and her husband Dayan and grandson Holt Stuart-Hitchcox, as well as step-grandchildren Cherie, Christine, Mark and Adam Dalton and great-grandson Logan Boyce. In the spring of 1942, influenced by patriotism and adventure, “Stu” joined the RCAF as a pilot. After completing an overseas tour of combat in Bomber Command flying Lancasters for the RAF, he returned to Canada. Welcomed back personally by president John David Eaton and vice president O.D. Vaughan, Stu spent two years at Eaton’s College St. store in Toronto. He married Joan in July 1947, resigning from Eaton’s to open a home furnishings store in Val-d’Or, Quebec. While there, Stu and Joan became proud parents in 1952 and in 1954. The family moved to London, Ontario in 1965, where Stu opened a retail venture and a small purebred cattle farm, retiring from both in 1977. He lived out his retirement years in London, Ontario. A private family service will be conducted.