William Ralph (Bill) Stewart
May 12, 1940 – March 21, 2025
Bill was born in Selkirk, MB to Ralph Stewart and June Rennie.
His musical influence came from his grandfather who played fiddle and guitar and was one of the original Red River Settlers. Bill played steel guitar, then took up drums in sea cadets at age 12.
Upon moving to Carman, MB, where his parents owned and operated the Robinson’s Retail Store, he met a curly blond haired Marjorie Stevenson. She would turn out to be the love of his life. They were married on the 6th of October, 1962.
Bill had the good fortune to play with many local musicians such as Dick Sanderson (piano), Cline Cochrane (sax), and Carm Colvin (banjo), at barn dances where they were paid a whopping $7 each for an evening.
In 1960, Bill moved to Brandon, MB where he played in dance bands and at the age of 20, played live on radio with wall of fame fiddler Barry Foreman, as well as Wednesday nights on the televised Co-op Country Concert.
Bill and Marj then ended up in Flin Flon, MB where he plied his trade as a jeweller/watchmaker. It was there in July of 1964 that they welcomed their 1st baby boy, Brian. Then it was off to Dauphin, MB, where he continued in the jewellery trade and playing live on CKDM radio station. He toured many northern communities in 1967 for Canada’s centennial, with entertainer/friend Ray St. Germaine.
The jewellery business and music pulled Bill and his young family to Thompson, MB, where in October of 1968 they welcomed their 2nd baby boy, David. During his years in Thompson, Bill played in the band “Fiddlin Red and Country Gentleman” for many years. They were quite famous across the north, as there were few fiddlers there then. Along with music and watchmaking, Bill dabbled in: car sales, real estate sales, property management, and first aid attendant at the Inco Mine.
In 1972 it was time for another change. A move to St. Claude, MB, where he and Marj became the proprietors of the Commercial Hotel. Many lifelong and close friendships were cultured during those 6 years.
In 1978 it was time to move back to the “Home Town” of Carman, MB. Bill became an employee with Manitoba Highways, engineering division, where he remained for nearly 3 decades until he retired.
Retirement was filled with music, gardening, and travel. Arizona, Texas and British Columbia, were some of the favorite destinations.
Bill has recorded on 22 records with 18 artists and a minimum of 50 players. He played at Festival Du Voyageur 25 times. He played for 11 years with the group “Inclination” and the “Continentals” for many years prior to that.
Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years; Marj (Stevenson), sons Brian (Susan) and David, grandsons; Graham (Brittney), William and Davey, great grandson Max (Graham and Brittney). Bill will also be missed by his brother Don and family; wife Linda, children: Joanne and Jamie.
A celebration of Life is being planned for Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Carman Legion Ladies Auxiliary Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Society of Manitoba.
May 12, 1940 – March 21, 2025
Bill was born in Selkirk, MB to Ralph Stewart and June Rennie.
His musical influence came from his grandfather who played fiddle and guitar and was one of the original Red River Settlers. Bill played steel guitar, then took up drums in sea cadets at age 12.
Upon moving to Carman, MB, where his parents owned and operated the Robinson’s Retail Store, he met a curly blond haired Marjorie Stevenson. She would turn out to be the love of his life. They were married on the 6th of October, 1962.
Bill had the good fortune to play with many local musicians such as Dick Sanderson (piano), Cline Cochrane (sax), and Carm Colvin (banjo), at barn dances where they were paid a whopping $7 each for an evening.
In 1960, Bill moved to Brandon, MB where he played in dance bands and at the age of 20, played live on radio with wall of fame fiddler Barry Foreman, as well as Wednesday nights on the televised Co-op Country Concert.
Bill and Marj then ended up in Flin Flon, MB where he plied his trade as a jeweller/watchmaker. It was there in July of 1964 that they welcomed their 1st baby boy, Brian. Then it was off to Dauphin, MB, where he continued in the jewellery trade and playing live on CKDM radio station. He toured many northern communities in 1967 for Canada’s centennial, with entertainer/friend Ray St. Germaine.
The jewellery business and music pulled Bill and his young family to Thompson, MB, where in October of 1968 they welcomed their 2nd baby boy, David. During his years in Thompson, Bill played in the band “Fiddlin Red and Country Gentleman” for many years. They were quite famous across the north, as there were few fiddlers there then. Along with music and watchmaking, Bill dabbled in: car sales, real estate sales, property management, and first aid attendant at the Inco Mine.
In 1972 it was time for another change. A move to St. Claude, MB, where he and Marj became the proprietors of the Commercial Hotel. Many lifelong and close friendships were cultured during those 6 years.
In 1978 it was time to move back to the “Home Town” of Carman, MB. Bill became an employee with Manitoba Highways, engineering division, where he remained for nearly 3 decades until he retired.
Retirement was filled with music, gardening, and travel. Arizona, Texas and British Columbia, were some of the favorite destinations.
Bill has recorded on 22 records with 18 artists and a minimum of 50 players. He played at Festival Du Voyageur 25 times. He played for 11 years with the group “Inclination” and the “Continentals” for many years prior to that.
Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years; Marj (Stevenson), sons Brian (Susan) and David, grandsons; Graham (Brittney), William and Davey, great grandson Max (Graham and Brittney). Bill will also be missed by his brother Don and family; wife Linda, children: Joanne and Jamie.
A celebration of Life is being planned for Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Carman Legion Ladies Auxiliary Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Society of Manitoba.