Obituary of Charles Eric Stewart

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Charles Eric “Sonny” Stewart, of Doaktown, NB, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, Fredericton, NB, on July 15, 2025.  He was 83 years old, born on April 28, 1942, in Carroll’s Crossing, NB.

Charles (Sonny) is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Wanda “Gail” Stewart (Porter); two daughters, Karen McAleer (Robert) of Doaktown and Coralee MacDonald (Craig) of Killarney Road, NB; his grandchildren, Laura Colford (Jordan) of New Bandon and Jeremy McAleer (Tamara) of Blissfield; his four great-grandsons, Mason, Myles, Weston and Walker; sister, Olga Ross of Boiestown; sister-in-law, Janet Burke of Fredericton; nephew & chosen son, Beverley Stewart (Daphne) of Quispamsis, NB; and several nieces/nephews.

After graduating high school in 1958 with a business diploma, Charles (Sonny) went to work for Ashley Colter Company, in Boiestown, NB.  Shortly after, he began work with Diamond Construction (1961) Limited, in Fredericton, and retired in 2002 after 40 years.  

Charles (Sonny) enjoyed meeting and talking with people, and he was especially in his element when he was serving his community and contributing in some way to someone in need from inside or outside of Doaktown.  He served as councilor with the Village of Doaktown from 1983 to 1984, and as mayor from 2004 until 2012.  During his time as mayor, Charles (Sonny) played an integral role in the youth centre coming to fruition and helped with raising close to $100,000 for the new healthcare facility within the community.  He participated in many fundraisers (Terry Fox Run, Relay for Life to name a few), tapping into his network of business acquaintances he had made along the way for donations. Charles (Sonny) was a volunteer attendant with the St. John Ambulance for a considerable amount of years and he gave back to others by donating over 100 times to the Red Cross.

Charles (Sonny) was a long-standing member of St. Thomas United Church in Doaktown and served on various committees within the United Church of Canada.  He maintained the records for the United churches within the charge and their burial plots for decades and up to the time of his death.  He also served as Treasurer.   

Charles (Sonny) is predeceased by his parents, Tennyson and Doris (O’Donnell) Stewart; father and mother in-law, Ernald and Geneva (Jardine) Porter; brothers/sisters in law, Leonard and Babs Jardine and Merlin and Esther Pond; brothers-in-law, Waldo “Buddy” Ross and Thomas Burke; and, nephew, Kevin Thomas Pond. 

Sonny met many people during his working years in Fredericton and formed many lasting friendships with each of them from every county in New Brunswick.  Before his health declined in 2011, he enjoyed going for walks up to get the mail or going to Tim Hortons for a coffee and catching up with anyone he could catch the eye of.  He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, and in most recent years, with his four great-grandsons, all under the age of five.

There will be visitation at St. Thomas United Church, 367 Main Street, Doaktown, on July 20, 2025 from 12 to 2 pm and Funeral Service following at 2 pm. A reception will be held directly after the service at the Doak Provincial Heritage Site, 386 Main St, Doaktown. Burial will take place at a later date. For those who wish to make a donation in Sonny’s memory, the family has requested donations be made to St. Thomas United Church or donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com.