Obituaries

TUNINGLEY, Robert Stewart

TUNINGLEY, ROBERT STEWART

Born June 8, 1937 in Watson, SK and died tragically July 21, 2011 in Westbank, B.C.
Survived by his loving wife Vera, daughters ~ Janet Lee (Dave), Jeri-Lynn and Jenny Lou (Daryl), as well as 3 grandchildren ~ Justian, Jane, and Paige, aunts and many cousins in MB, SK and BC.
Most of his childhood was spent in Souris, MB with his mother, Margaret Stewart Tuningley. His father, Fred Tuningley, passed away when Stew was a child due to complications from a war wound. His mother passed away in 1987 in Portage La Prairie, MB.
Growing up his mother and his Aunt , Hazel Hargreaves, had a boarding house, which is where Stew’s love for socializing with others ~ and his friendliness ~ was first fostered. This is also where his love for travelling began.
He graduated from Brandon College (Brandon University) and began his teaching career near Swan River, MB. His love of teaching stemmed from watching his mother enjoy her years as an educator.
Stew was a teacher in Portage La Prairie, MB for over 30 years, most of which were spent with high school students focused on the sciences. He is fondly remembered for regularly wearing a vest and tie. According to his friends, Stew’s attire improved after he was married.
In 1981 he married Vera and became a Dad to 3 teenage daughters and a dog named Ginger. Not only did he inherit teenage daughters, he also inherited Vera’s 6 siblings and their families. This was an adjustment as he was an only child, but he was very thankful to be part of such a loving family. In the past few years Stew has been a doting Grandfather. He had an abundance of patience for everyone.
Stew and Vera were celebrating their 30th Wedding Anniversary this year. Both believed they were on loan to each other from God.
Stew retired from teaching in 1986 and kept himself busy with interesting part-time jobs like being a mail carrier, flag man, substitute teaching, and, of course, daily trips to the golf course. In 1996 Stew and Vera moved to Westbank, BC. Stew was a very active member of the Westbank community with the Lions Club, his church (St. George’s Anglican) and the Shannon Lake Golf Club. He enjoyed curling, reading, and a good debate centered around politics, history and/or religion.
Even though he couldn’t tell a joke well, he had a great sense of humour, loved a good joke and could be a bit of a prankster. Stew would be the first to volunteer if anyone needed help. He always had a shoulder and an ear to lend if you needed it.
It is with great sadness that his life came to a close at the age of 74 years. A smaller man in height, he was a great man in stature. His strength, energy, compassion and generosity knew no bounds. He has left behind a big hole in the hearts of many.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at St. George’s Anglican Church, 3690 Brown Road, Westbank, BC V4T 1Z1
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George’s Anglican Church, Westbank Lions Community Development Society (#2, 2466 Main Street, Westbank, BC V4T 1Z1), or a charity of your choice.

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