- Obituary
COXFORD, Norman Stewart WWII Veteran 426 Squadron - On Wings of Fire Stew passed away quietly on Sunday, August 8th at home, surrounded by family. At the age of 93, Stew was the last living child of Maud (Armstrong) and Thomas Coxford. Stew valued family and friends above all, and despite being the second youngest he was the family patriarch (survived by sister-in-law Rita and 1st cousin Kathleen). He was the driving force behind many family events and traditions, such as an annual sleigh ride, reunions, Christmas dinners and any excuse for a gathering. In his final years, he held a weekly oyster and martini luncheon at Big Daddy's, west end, where all family and friends were welcome. Stew treasured many meals with three and even four generations at his table. An accomplished business man for 70 years, he began his career working with the Journal, followed by Beach Foundry, Carsons and then onto the Laurentian Club where he retired at the ripe old age of 75. He was also a consultant throughout the years, and particularly loved working with the Kanata Storage gang. Stew volunteered for the armed forces when he was in his early twenties, attended officer's training, and served as a navigator on a Lancaster bomber flying 18 missions. He was a proud veteran, served on the 426 reunion organizing committee, and instilled in his children and grandchildren a respect for the armed forces and those who fight for peace and freedom. Stew was a consummate storyteller. He cultivated a great circle of friends throughout the years, many lifelong, and stayed in contact with letters, phone calls and we all know about the emails in recent years!! Predeceased by both his first wife, Connie Coxford, mother of Sharon Lang, Norm (deceased)(Susan), Leith (Al Trick), Laurie (Neil Tweedale), Lynn (Jim Wainright), Tom (Karen Clark) his second wife, Ora Cannon Coxford, mother of Craig (deceased) (Cheryl), Kim (Colin Rowan - deceased), and Kirk (Cheryl). Loving grandfather of Kirk, Kevin (Jenny), Tara (Jeff), Jason, Richard (France), Jenna (deceased), Nathan (Michelle), Jaime (David), Jenna (Scott), Michael (Ceilidh), Brittany, Taylor (Bridget), Cara (Trevor), Cale (Lucy), Alyssa, Lindsey (Ryan), Cody, Caleum, Tim, and Lana. Stew enjoyed spending time with his three great grandchildren: Lauren, Emma, and Drew. In addition to his immediate family, Stew was a strong influence on his numerous nieces and nephews always making time for advice or reason. A service will be held at St. Richard's Anglican Church, 8 Withrow Ave. (at the corner of Merivale Rd.) Thursday, August 12th at 11 a.m. followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations in Stew's memory can be made to the Perley Rideau Foundation and the Palliative Care Outreach Program.
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1917 - 2010 (93 years)
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