Obituary of Stewart Ernest Windrum
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stewart Ernest Windrum on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the age of 87 years. Stewart was born on August 22, 1937 in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, to his parents Earnest and Iris Windrum. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Lois, his first wife, Eleanor, his brother Donald, and his beloved granddaughter, Camryn.
During his life, Stewart was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Stewart and Eleanor raised their two children in central and southern Alberta, enjoying their relationships within the various communities in which they lived. When he married Donna, Stewart also embraced her four children as his own, weaving together a family built on mutual love, respect, and shared values.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Donna; his children Catharine and Robert, Brent (Janie), Scott (Lorraine), Dean (Lana), and Cheri (James); and his cherished grandchildren: Kelsey (Joel), Dylan, Brynn, Zachary (Allison), Emily (Catlin), Cole, Mitch, Bailey (Ryan), Madelyn, Finley, Jonah, and Ezra. Stewart was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Blaire, Hudson, Carsyn, and Delilah.
Over the years, Stewart called many places home, each of which became part his life story and diverse professional career. When his father went to war in 1940, he moved with his mother and brother Donald, to live with his grandmother in Regina. They then moved to Innisfail where Stewart completed his elementary school years.
He attended the Three Hills Bible Institute for his secondary schooling, and then completed his studies at the Berean Bible College in Calgary AB to become a pastor in the Benalto Baptist Church. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Alberta. During this time, he also earned his Embalming License and worked with his father in the Windrum Funeral Chapel in Innisfail. This gave him the experience to establish, write a curriculum, and then teach in the Western School of Funeral Service. When he sold the business, the school became the Canadian College of Funeral Service and is still successfully operating today under the leadership of Roger Girouard. Stewart’s professional journey continued with studies at University of Lethbridge to complete his Bachelor of Education to then teach at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute. The next steps in his professional life included working for the Taber School District as a Principal and Vice Principal, while he also gaining a masters degree in Educational Leadership from Gonzaga University in Spokane. This led him to Castor, AB to work as a School Superintendent for the County of Paintearth in Alberta.
After retiring from full time work, he moved to Red Deer in 1995 and continued working part time in the area of psychometric assessment for children in the school system, while also instructing a course at Red Deer College for University of Alberta.
At the heart of each role was a deep commitment to guiding, mentoring, and supporting others. Stewart had a unique ability to speak truth with compassion and to lead with humility and grace.
Together, Stewart and Donna shared a deep love of travel and adventure. They explored Canada coast to coast and visited many places around the world, creating memories that they treasured deeply.
Stewart was also always ready to learn new things and enjoyed reading, writing, painting, creating stained glass art, and building furniture. He finished a basement for Donna’s daughter to open a Family Day Home and then built a large patio deck at their home in Red Deer.
A man of integrity, faith, and quiet strength, Stewart left a legacy of love, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.” Galations 5:22.
The funeral will be held at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 40 – Holmes Street, Red Deer AB officiated by Pastor John Lentz, at 2:00 pm on Friday, June 13. After the service, there will be a late lunch served and time to socialize and share memories while viewing photographs of Stewart’s life experiences.
We invite you to contribute a gift in Stewart's name to the Red Deer Hospice, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, or to a charity of your choice.
Condolences to Stewart’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net . Please indicate “Stewart Windrum” in the subject line.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials
Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944