Stuart Albert McBride

Stuart McBride passed away on June 18, 2023, at the age of 95 years, after a brief battle with cancer. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Pamela (Mike); son, Scott (Kelly); grandchildren, Julia, Brady, Natasha, Angus, Fletcher and Hayden; as well as nephews, a niece and many friends.

He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Beverly (nee Anthony) in 2021; and previously by brothers, Donald, Gordon, and Roy.

Stuart was born in Edmonton, Alberta on January 16, 1928, and as a young boy moved with his family to a homestead just outside of Nampa, Alberta. The experiences and relationships from his time in the Peace River Country provided a foundation for the rest of his life and served as source material for tales recounted with great pleasure to family and friends alike.

Stuart’s father passed away when he was 14, forcing him to grow up in a hurry and take on many of the day-to-day responsibilities on the farm along with his mother. Over his 2+ decades on the farm, he also worked as a heavy equipment operator, truck driver, mechanic, and town manager for Nampa.

On a New Year’s Eve blind date in Peace River, Stuart met his future wife, Beverly.  They married nine months later in September 1965 and departed the Peace River Country to St. Albert, Alberta, where Stuart took a job with his brother, Don.

In 1968, Stuart, Beverly and their two young children moved to Calgary where Stuart took on a role with the federal government while also spending nights and weekends completing an accounting designation. He worked with the federal government for 25 years, mainly with Parks Canada, with highlights being involvement in the creation of Pacific Rim National Park and Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve.

Soon after moving to Calgary, Stuart and family settled in the North Haven community, living there for over 40 years. One of Stuart’s proudest achievements was as a key member of the group successful in making the case for Nose Hill Park to be established. He lived within sight of Nose Hill for the rest of his life and greatly enjoyed his walks (solo or with family) up in the park.

Stuart was an accomplished self-taught musician, primarily on clarinet, but also piano and accordion. He played in dance bands as a young adult in the Peace River country and continued to play in various bands well into his 90s. He was also a faithful member of the bass section in the choir at St. David’s United Church for many years.

Stuart’s advanced intellect and broad array of life experiences made him a true Renaissance man with expertise in most any field you could name. Family and friends came to rely upon his ability to provide a valuable answer to almost any question posed to him. 

Stuart was an involved father who provided realistic and well-grounded life lessons to his children. Many fond memories exist of afternoon bike rides (with him riding his 1940s vintage bike!), family vacations through Canada and the western U.S., and hikes and cross-country ski outings in the mountains.  He was a dedicated husband who built a great partnership with his wife Beverly and was a great source of support for her in later life as she dealt with escalating health issues.

The family will hold a private memorial at a later date.

Donations can be made to the Nova Scotia Nature Trust or Peace Regional Victim Services.