September 12th 1955 – May 25th 2026
With heavy hearts, we share the unexpected passing of Donnie on May 25th 2026 at the age of 70. He was a devoted husband to Debbie and a wonderful father to Donalea. Donnie was truly special, always bringing smiles with his quick-witted humor.
Born on September 12th 1955 in Port Arthur, Ontario, he was the youngest of six children raised by Leamon “Len” & Elsie Stewart. His childhood was spent on Shuniah St and Mackenzie Beach Rd while attending Vance Chapman, Shuniah Street School, and Mc Kenzie Public School. He went on to Lakeview High School before pursuing auto mechanics at Sault College. Over the years, Donnie achieved a lot. His first project was building Crystal Beach Service Station alongside his dad Len and close friend Vic Milenko. In addition to vehicle servicing, he excelled in sales for Skiroule snowmobiles in the area. As time passed, he worked with his father beach combing along Lake Superior’s shores. Later, he transitioned into car sales, owning local businesses like Midtown Motors & Autoland. In 1999, Don & Deb bought Mc Kenzie Inn, where they restored the entire building and ran it until 2006. Afterward, he owned Bay Motors and Fix4Less Auto. In 2008, Don joined late friend Rick Mc Leod working in Northern Communities. Besides all this work experience, he also had a strong interest in real estate and home renovation projects.
No matter how busy life got, family and friends were always Don’s top priority. Sundays were often spent cruising down Lakeshore Drive with his late sister Gail, brother Sam, and sister Sally as well as enjoying many happy gatherings with in-laws Val & Dave and Bridgie & Mike among others. He cherished friendships developed over the years including those with Perry Tiboni, Jason Hopkins, Cathy Martin, Lori & Steve Dukarich. He looked forward to morning calls at 8am with Donalea and loved hanging out at the “shop” with Reggie, Eric, Jerry , and all his buddies.
Don is survived by his wife of 52 years Debbie; daughter Donalea (and son-in-law) Riley Carchidi; sister Sally; brothers Sam and Rick (Marlene); mother-in-law Marlene Burke; in-laws Val Kabernick & Dave Bazaluk; Bridget & Mike Stachejczuk; along with many dearly loved nieces and nephews. His fur-grandbabies Rio & Chiefy will miss him too as will countless friends.
He is predeceased by parents Len & Elsie Stewart; sisters Gail Westergaard & Sandee Mannella; brother-in-law Gord Kosa; sister-in-law Betty Crago; nephew Tim Crago ; niece Susan Crago ; and father-in-law Arnold Sjostedt.
We want to extend our sincere thanks to the paramedics from Superior North EMS for their swift response during this difficult time. Our gratitude goes out to Dr. Davenport and the ICU team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for their exceptional care.
A Celebration of Life will be announced later on. Instead of flowers , donations can be made in memory of Don to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Northwest Animal Centre. Online condolences are welcome at www. sargentandson. com.
“You may be gone from our sight
But you will be never gone from our hearts”
We love you so much.
