John Wray Black Stewart passed away peacefully on August 20th, 2026, after a long illness, in Ganges, on Salt Spring Island.

John left Ireland to come to Canada in 1964, and settled in Saskatoon where he joined the Department of Soil Science at the University of Saskatchewan. He was recognized internationally for his research on phosphorus and sulphur cycling, which helped in predicting the effects of climate change. He remained at the University as the Dean of Agriculture for the last 10 years, until his retirement in 1999.

John’s work took him to numerous countries, and with his wife Ann and children Matthew and Hannah they enjoyed the experience of life in other cultures. The family lived for periods in the Philippines, Brazil, Berlin and Colorado. All wonderful experiences.

Throughout his life, John was a kind, gentle and understanding Irishman. He enjoyed carpentry, tennis, skiing, coaching soccer, and golf, and on his retirement to Salt Spring, volunteered on many committees. On leaving Ireland, John left behind a robust family of siblings (he was one of eight) and cousins, all of whom will miss his gentle stabilizing influence.

His grieving family of Ann, son Matthew and his wife Jenny, and their children Olivia, Thomas and Michael, daughter Hannah and husband Virihei are greatly thankful for the years they spent together, and are deeply saddened by their loss.