Dave Stewart

Three years after being diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) Dave passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 1st, 2023. Predeceased by his father Donald, a Royal Banker and member of the RCAF in WWII, and mother Hazel, a school teacher, and older brother, Don, a rancher and cattle breeder. Survived by his longtime running partner and wife of 25 years Mary Riopelle; son Sean (Natalia Herez); daughter Stephanie (Paul O’Donnell); grandchildren Oliver,  Rafaëlle and Bernadette; sister, Lin; and a wonderful assortment of nieces and nephews. 

Dave was born in Kelowna, BC and travelled with the family across the country with stops in Vancouver, Winnipeg and Montreal before settling in Chicago in 1963. Dave attended New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois and Miami University in Oxford, Ohio graduating with a degree in economics. Waiting to join the RCMP, he drove taxi in the Chicago area and returned to Canada in 1971 to join the Mounties (#29091; Troop 14 - 71/72) with postings to Ottawa, Rimouski, Quebec City, Montreal. In 1984, he transitioned CSIS working in Ottawa and Toronto before he retired with more than 38 years of service. Dave thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of his career and is proud of the contribution he made to the security of Canada. 

Growing up, he was always playing sports and making friends. In his youth, he was a little league baseball all star and won a provincial championship with a pony league baseball team.  However it was in high school and college he turned to track running and it became his passion and a lifetime activity.  As an adult, he played recreational tennis and golf with enthusiasm but limited ability.  While he always enjoyed the competition, it was the friendships that he developed through sports that were most important to him and have lasted for more than 60 years.  All of Dave’s friends relished his intelligence, extensive knowledge, sense of humor and sharp wit. 

After an exciting and adventurous few years in the RCMP, he settled in Ottawa in the late 70’s to raise a family and resumed running to maintain his fitness. He ran several marathons before returning to middle distance running and joining a track club. 

As he approached 40, he realized he could be competitive in the Masters (over 40) category. Juggling his job and family responsibilities, he increased his training and focussed on track and road racing. In the late 80’s, Bill Rodgers and Frank Shorter, two well known American athletes, were also turning 40 and were competing in Masters races across North America. Dave was invited to compete in many of these events and, over the next several years, he won his share of races against top international athletes. He also set 14 Canadian Master’s age group records on the track and in road races, including two world records (indoor 1500m (3:58) and the mile (4:15)). Several of his Canadian records still stand after more than 30 years including the 3000 m (8:24), the indoor and outdoor mile records, the road mile from New York City (4:12) and the 8 km (24:05). He was one of Ottawa’s running legends. 

Dave was proud of his career and his many other accomplishments, but most proud of his loving relationship with his wife Mary and his children. With pride, he watched Sean and Stephanie pursue their dreams and develop into caring and successful adults. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with each of them and their families and had many world-wide trips with them. After his cancer diagnosis in 2021, two new grandchildren were born.  He spread his youthful spirit through the special relationships he developed with his three grandchildren, who will advance his legacy of hope and optimism.  

Dave saw his journey through the trial of cancer as part of the overall battle to find a cure. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy were successful for a while, but NSCLC has proven to be a difficult opponent. The cancer centre at the Ottawa Hospital is first class and Dave received excellent care and treatment from his oncologists, doctors, nurses, technicians, and so many others. 

Throughout his ordeal, his wife Mary was with him every step of the way. They faced Dave’s health challenges together, as they had lived their lives, with love, determination, commitment and resolution. To paraphrase Rudyard Kipling: “Together, they filled the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run”. 

Family, friends and colleagues are invited to celebrate David's life and share memories on Wednesday November 8, 2023 at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa from 1 pm to 4 pm.