Ralph W. STEWART

STEWART, Ralph W. Age 74, passed away February 11, 2004 at his home in Naples, Florida. Born in Cochrane, Ontario, December 30, 1929, to John and Eleanor Stewart. He is a graduate of St. Michael's University in Toronto and attended the Grand Seminary of Montreal. He married the love of his life, Suzanne, in 1952. Travelling with the Canadian Air Force, he then settled in Ottawa where he later served as a Member of Parliament from 1968 to 1978. His love of music led to the founding and conducting of the "Schola Centi", a 100 voice choir. Mr. Stewart was then appointed Canadian Consul General to the Southeastern U.S. in Atlanta where he served for 3 years. He has been a winter resident of Naples, Florida for over 30 years, where he founded and conducted the Naples Orchestra and Chorus (I Musici di Napoli). He has been a devout member of the Catholic Church, having been the Director of Music at St. Ann's and St. Leo's Churches in Naples, as well as at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord, St. Bernard, Blessed Sacrament, St. Basil's, De la Nativite, Immaculate Heart of Mary, and assisted with music at St. Clements in Canada. He was recruited as a Knight of Malta, the highest laic honor in the Catholic Church. Most recently he was involved with the inception of Ave Maria University in Naples, Florida, and taught there prior to his illness. Mr. Stewart is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Suzanne, his 8 children, Colin Stewart and his wife Cathy, his daughter Angela Stewart, Martin Stewart, Kevin Stewart and his wife Shelagh, Vance Stewart and his wife Linda, his daughter Anna Hall and her husband Matt, his daughter Jo-Ann Hall and her husband Mark, his daughter Stephanie Ramsey and her husband John, 25 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, his brother Conrad Stewart of Brampton, Ontario and his sister Reigh Fitzsimons of Toronto, Ontario who will all miss him deeply. Friends may pay respects at the Kelly Funeral Home, 1255 Walkley Road (east of Bank), Thursday, February 19, 2004 from 6 to 9 p.m. Funeral Friday to St. Clement's Church (Mann Ave.) for Mass of Christian Funeral at 4 p.m. Interment at St. Croix Cemetery, Rockland, in the spring. In Memoriam donations to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre Foundation appreciated. The Ottawa Citizen,