THE PONDS - Stewart Alexander Murdock, 86, The Ponds, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2014 in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, surrounded by his family.
Born at The Ponds, he was a son of the late Alexander Robert and Lucy (Dearn) Murdock. In 1947 Stewart moved to Toronto, Ont., and began a career in carpentry. In 1950, he married the love of his life, Phyllis and they began a 64 year journey together. In 1981, they moved back to The Ponds, where he continued his carpentry craft, “repairing and building” all along the Shore Road. Stewart enjoyed his career and never really retired. He was a member of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Merigomish. Stewart enjoyed playing the guitar and cards. In younger years, he was a formidable hockey player and greatly enjoyed watching the game. He cherished time spent with his family. Stewart possessed a gentle nature, choosing to lead by example and always putting his family first. His legacy is a role model for his children, amazing “Papa” to his grandchildren, and a loving husband to his wife, who was his “everything”.
Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Phyllis (Arbuckle); children, Judy Murdock, New Glasgow; Bruce (Lynn), Syracuse, N.Y.; Paul (Wendy), Mississauga, Ont.; Vern (Bob) Foote, Pine Tree; grandchildren, Darryl, Christopher (Julie), Carly (Ryan), Kristi (Jeff), Brent, Robyn (Chad), Shelby and Hayley; sisters, Norma Mingo, Brookfield; Doris (Gerald) Thompson, Avondale; brothers, Kenny, Sammy, Jackie, The Ponds; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Aleta Murray, Anna Mae Nicholson and Loretta Arbuckle; brothers, Harry, Jamie, Leroy and Arthur.
The family will receive visitors 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday in St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church with Rev. Bonnie Wynn officiating, assisted by Rev. Andrew S. MacDonald. Interment will be in Murray’s Point Cemetery, Lower Barney’s River.
Family flowers only. Donations may be made in Stewart’s memory to St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church or Murray’s Point Cemetery. www.pkmacdonald.ca