It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stewart Harry Leben on October 5th, 2020 at the age of 73.

Stewart was born in Halifax, NS on January 16th, 1947, one of four children to Fred and Laura Leben. With his father Fred in the army, the Leben family moved around Ontario; from Creemore, to Camp Borden, and finally to Ottawa where Stewart would spend the rest of his youth and young adult life.

Stewart joined the Canadian Navy in the late 1960’s and was able to see parts of the world while serving on the HMCS Skeena. Upon his return to the Ottawa Valley, Stewart held several jobs until discovering his passion for auto mechanics. Stewart started his apprenticeship in Ottawa and finished it in British Columbia after he moved to Nelson in 1975.

Stewart married Dixie Lee Wickens in 1975. He became a father to Jennifer Laura in May of 1976. The Lebens moved to Elkford in the summer of 1977 after Stewart was hired as a light duty auto mechanic at Fording River Coal. In May of 1983 they expanded their family when their son, Devin Stewart was born.  Stewart’s career at the mine continued until 2002 when he retired with 25 years of service.

Stewart was an Alderman for the District of Elkford for three terms in the 1980’s. He was an active Lions Club member for several years and enjoyed volunteering for numerous events in the community.

Stewart loved his family, which was always his number one priority. He was ecstatic when he became a grandfather in 2006 to his granddaughter Taitum, and again in 2007 to his grandson Ryder. He really enjoyed connecting with his relatives over the phone, especially his family in the Ottawa Valley. Stewart also loved celebrating special occasions, especially Christmas when he spoiled everyone.

Stewart moved to Cranbrook in 2011 where he lived out the remainder of his years enjoying his blue grass and country music, being in the outdoors and living life in his carefree spirit; “Being free, white and over 21.”

Stewart was predeceased by his parents Fred and Laura Leben. He is survived by his children Jennifer (Darryl) Dougall and Devin (Sarah) Leben; grandchildren Taitum and Ryder Leben; his siblings Don (Edie) Leben, Heather (Gary) Peebles, and Rick (Elly) Leben as well as many aunts, uncles, nephews nieces, cousins and other extended family.

Email cmfs@shaw.ca for Zoom link