Obituary of Connor Robert Stewart

Connor Robert Stewart March 3, 1974 - August 9, 2015 Connor passed away suddenly of natural causes at home in Cranbrook, British Columbia on August 9, 2015 at the age of 41. He is survived by his parents, James and Rhoda, sister Kelly, and son Kenneth Layne LeBlanc as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins in Northern Ireland, throughout the United Kingdom and in Canada. Connor grew up in Englehart, Northern Ontario, where he still has many close friends. In 1993, he spent a summer working on a ranch in BC and from that time on, the west had him hooked. He moved permanently to BC in 1994, working on ranches in the Kamloops and Merritt areas. He later worked as a manager in the hospitality and retail industry, most notably at Denny's and more recently at Staples. Although he had traveled extensively and worked throughout the country, his heart was in British Columbia where his love for the woods, creeks and mountains was strong. He loved camping, fishing, hiking and horseback riding, spending many hours out in the wild. Always quick with a genuine smile, an iron handshake and an infectious laugh, Connor became a friend to all who encountered him. He provided a warm home for several international students studying in Cranbrook, who became his cherished friends over many years. Connor worked tirelessly for his community and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need, being an advocate and supporter of many local charitable organizations. He was passionate about making his community vibrant and supportive of all its residents. He organized a shop locally initiative to help ensure that the community thrived. Connor's family would like to thank everyone for the unbelievable outpouring of support and love. A celebration of Connor's life is planned for 4:30 pm on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends please consider making a donation in memory of Connor to the Canadian Mental Health Association (Kootenays Branch) or the Cranbrook and District Community Foundation to continue the work that Connor was so proud to be part of. He accomplished so much to help others in his short life and he is gone from us far too soon. He will be dearly missed by his family, his friends, and his community. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com