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They made the Ultimate Sacrifice
GRAEFNER, Stewart - Passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2016, at the young age of 55, after a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was lovingly surrounded by family from across the country for the last week. Stewart was born on Thanksgiving of 1960, to Rena and Rudolf Graefner and grew up in North York, Ontario. After high school Stewart apprenticed as a mechanic. In 1981 he joined the Canadian Forces where he served until 1995 when he decided to become an entrepreneur opening a small convenience store in Park Lane Mall, Halifax and then Penhorn Mall, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Stewart re-enlisted in 1999 and was still serving at the time of his passing. He served 31 years with 2066 actual sea days spread out over 14 ships and with a tour in Afghanistan for good measure. Having travelled extensively and bringing back numerous souvenirs, he later in life brought back the love of his life, Kim, who turned out to be "the greatest souvenir ever". He also inherited a daughter, Shannon, and a grandson who became his "best buddy", Bryce. In 2010 he discovered he had pancreatic cancer which was later considered in remission and he was returned to duty. The recent bout was discovered in 2015. Stewart is survived by his loving wife, Kim; his mother, Rena Flannigan Graefner; daughter, Shannon Ransley (Colleen); grandson, Bryce; sister, Ingrid Knight (Steve); nieces, Nicole (Solon), Erica (Oziel), Allison, and Lisa. Stewart is predeceased by his father, Rudolf Graefner. Viewing will take place Monday, September 12, 2016 from 4-7 pm, at Cruikshank's Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor St. Halifax, Nova Scotia. Stewart's brothers and sisters, Veterans UN/NATO group will escort the remains from the funeral home to CFB Halifax. A full military funeral will take place at CFB Halifax with Padres Pickens and Kean conducting the funeral service in St. Brendan's Chapel at Stadacona on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 11 am. Following will be a reception on the Bridge in Juno Tower. The family thanks all friends who visited, wrote, called, texted or emailed. Each of you made a huge difference. With special thanks to those professionals involved in Stewart's last stand: Designated Officer: SLt Laura Elliott, Dr. John Hache, Dr. Bruce Colwell, Dr. Michele Molinari, Palliative care nurse: Monica Fuhn and Bayshore LPN: Courtney Amamio. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Medical Oncology Chemotherapy Program at the QE II Foundation.
Ships served in:
In Service of Canada - RCN Peacetime Casualty Index
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