Albert “Al” passed away Dryden, Ontario on February 4, 2026 at the age of 93. Al was born April 17,1932 in Mattawa, Ontario.
His first flight was February 5, 1950 with Bradly Air Flight school in Carp, Ontario. March,1950 he completed his Private Pilot License and the following month, he completed his Commercial Pilot License. Initially, he began his career with Ontario Provincial Air Service (OPAS) in 1952, and he left OPAS in 1956.
His aviation career continued with Airedale, Austin Airways and Fecteau Airways which gave him experience as a northern bush pilot and flying both sides of the coast of Hudson Bay and James Bay.
In 1969 Al returned to OPAS and continued flying but this time water bombing caught his fancy. He was based out of Kenora, Sudbury and Sioux Lookout where he flew turbo engines, twin engines and CL 215.
Some of his proud moments were flying Vice President Walter Mondale, delivery of the first CL 215, a test flight of the rebuilt Fairchild KR 34 and the 10 years of participating in the International Toronto Airshow.
In 1985, A.L. Stewart, Chief Pilot, Ministry of Natural Resources Aviation & Fire Management Centre, Sault Ste Marie officially retired.
Al and his wife moved to Stonecliffe, Ontario, where he began his hobby as a Cabinetmaker and settled into retirement.
Although Al was unable to experience flying a CL415, he did get the privilege of sitting in the pilot seat of one. Thanks to his friends at MNR Dryden Aviation & Fire Centre.
He is predeceased by his wives: Winnie Clace and Suzanne Bergeron, his parents: Wallace and Corinne Stewart, his sister: Cora Logan, brothers: James, Richard, Earl, Robert, Edwin, nieces: Janine, Jill, Cathy Ann, nephew: Kyle and his great granddaughter: Sierra.
His legacy continues with his daughter: Patricia (Daryl), son: Glenn (Bonnie), step-daughter: Barb and step-son: Doug, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
We will miss you and you will always be in our hearts…
Cremation has taken place. A private graveside service will take place at later date in Stonecliffe, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers donation donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society Kenora/Rainy River District, 618-9th St. N. Kenora, ON P9N 2S8
Condolences(3)-
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Bob Elliott says
February 9, 2026 at 12:52 pmI’m sorry to hear of Al’s passing. He is a great guy and a great pilot, we had some interesting rides together. My condolences.
Ted Bekkers says
February 11, 2026 at 1:35 pmAl was my first operational Captain on the CL-215 l was with him for 2 week and like a few other pilots with the MNR it was a great pleasure to fly with such a gentlemen and a experience pilot..God speed Al may the lord ride all the way.
Tamiko says
March 3, 2026 at 8:48 amSending sincere condolences to Pat and the family.
With sympathy,
Tamiko