If you ever visited the Mc Alpine farm south of Dubuc in the 1940s, you’d probably hear laughter coming from the barn or spot a young boy-barefoot, spirited, and full of mischief. That boy was Stewart Mc Alpine, the fifteenth child in a lively family of 16 where each day was an adventure and every chore was a chance for fun or a new tale. From chasing runaway chickens to riding horses, Stew’s childhood was filled with moments of curiosity, warmth, and a talent for turning everyday life into something special. This playful, hardworking spirit deeply connected to family would shape who he became and the impact he leaves behind.
Stewart Mc Alpine of Esterhazy Saskatchewan passed away on September 22, 2025 at the age of 90 years. Stew was the fifteenth child of Annie (Ekberg) and Donald Mc Alpine, born on May 28th, 1935 on the family farm. While he attended Freedhome School for his education, his real learning happened through work on the farm. Family stories say that Stew could hitch up and operate a team of horses with a harrow by age four. The Mc Alpine household was always active, and Stew had a talent for turning chores into games or finding ways to tease his sisters, nieces, and younger brother Gerry.
In the late 1950s, Stew left the farm with his brother Ronald to work at a logging operation in Ontario but soon realized that home and family were too important to stay away from. Stories from that time often include adventures in the woods shared by Stew and Ronald alongside their longing for home back in Dubuc. When he returned home again, he carried with him a renewed appreciation for both land and loved ones.
Stew married Marian Arnott-the love of his life-at Westview United Church in Yorkton on November 9th, 1963. They began their journey together in Dubuc where their first son Robert was born in December 1964. In 1967 they moved from Dubuc to Esterhazy where their second son Scott arrived in April 1968. Their home became known as a welcoming space for friends and family; hospitality marked every visit. Their partnership created an environment filled with laughter, music, and friendly discussions. Family tales often highlight how Stew and Marian worked together-whether it involved balancing jobs at the mine with farming duties or supporting their sons through school sports or activities. Many also remember Stew’s passion for hunting and curling-fall brought special moments spent hunting with sister Jean and her husband Bill as they competed over who would catch “the big one.” Winters offered him breaks from farm work; aside from cheering Rob and Scott at hockey games, he found time to share his love of curling-from men’s nights to mixed competitions; Stew enjoyed both strategy aspects of curling as well as bonding over it with his boys.
After returning from Ontario., Stew began working at IMC potash mines in Esterhazy starting in 1964; during his distinguished career lasting over three decades there he eventually rose to become Maintenance Foreman overseeing Mill Mechanics at K-2 until retiring in 1996. You might think one successful career plus raising kids would be enough for most people-but not for Stew! He took what he’d learned growing up on the homestead seriously when purchasing land south of Dubuc which initially started small but grew into two-and-a-half sections over time! After retiring from mining operations though selling this property seemed necessary-he wasn’t ready just yet so rented it back while continuing farming until officially stepping down altogether around 2001.
During retirement years spent loving grandkids made him happiest among them all five whom truly brought pride along multiple trips taken down Calgary way attending events like hockey ringette soccer games plus dance recitals too! Hosting everyone out camping near Bird’s Point meant teaching children fishing skills pulling them behind boats tubing-all things made him incredibly proud!
Stew is survived by his beloved wife Marian after sixty-one years together along with son Scott married Lisa (Parislau) having grandchildren Megan Matthew too; daughter-in-law Carolyn (Dufour) also sharing grandchildren Adam Teresa Michael. He’s additionally remembered fondly by sister Vivian Hogarth brother Gerry (Eugenia) , brother-in-law Ken (Janet) plus numerous nieces nephews special friends close by.
The passing away of Robert due complications related MSA devastated him back around twenty fifteen. He’s predeceased already parents Donald Annie brothers William Donald Jr Archie Lawrie Ronald sisters Florence Isabelle Kay Mary Margaret Jean Juhli Pearl Patricia plus Kieth Eva Arnott being included under mourning relatives alongwith various other nieces nephews who’ve gone before them.
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