Obituary of Billy Blue Stewart

May 21, 1970 – Niagara Falls, Ontario

November 10, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Billy Stewart beloved husband of Adrienne Stewart (nee Cristelli) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, November 10, 2023, at the age of 53 years.

He is survived by his wife Adrienne (Cristelli), son Noah, mother Jean Dodd, father-in-law Chris Cristelli, mother-in-law Lorna Cristelli, brothers Shawn and David Stewart, and brothers from another mother Matt (Alyson) and David (Teri) Cristelli.

He will be missed by nephews Nick, Mike, Evan, Ben, and Aiden and numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Billy was predeceased by his father Gary Stewart.

Billy was also a pet lover and never missed a chance to pet a passing dog. He was predeceased by beloved pets Bishop, Finn, and Cleo - all of whom brought him great comfort and happiness. He is survived by Bear.

Billy was incredibly proud of becoming a firefighter with the Calgary Firefighters Association, Local 255, in the City of Calgary Fire Department. He was also a volunteer with the Panorama Fire Department. He spent 22 years serving with brothers and sisters within these departments.

Billy was passionate about all things that involved riding a board, and enjoyed snowboarding, mountain biking, wake boarding, hiking, camping, kite boarding, and bungee jumping. He also enjoyed sharing a dram of scotch beside a warm fire with friends. He was most proud of becoming a firefighter and of becoming a husband and father. He was also an advocate for occupational cancers within firefighting, raising awareness through sharing his own story.

He fondly remembered trips to San Francisco, Whistler and Breckinridge with Jeff Costello, the Bahamas with Adrienne, Matt and Kristina Stanley, various snowboard trips with friends, and the Scottish Highlands with the Cristelli boys. He also enjoyed any chance to get to Sauble Beach with the Nolan crew, which was where he and Adrienne became husband and wife on July 18, 2004.

Adrienne knew that Billy was truly her soul mate. She knew it when she met him and during the 28 years they shared. He was her best friend. He was handsome with his long hair and toque. He was thoughtful, funny, generous, loving, and would do anything for anyone.  He was a brother to many, and a wonderful husband and father.

They loved to be together, to laugh, to cry, hold hands, and snuggle. As he would say, “we're connected". There will never be another Billy Stewart. He will live on in our memories and shared stories. Adrienne and Noah have been blown away by the support and love they have been feeling during this difficult time. They could not do this without all of you. In the end, I know Billy was thinking, "I ain't scared".

Thank you to the medical staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. We would like to especially acknowledge Dr. John Kelly, neurosurgeon. We would also like to acknowledge Dr. Roger Tsang, oncologist. Many thanks to unit 58 in the neurology department at South Health Campus, who treated Billy, his family, and friends with such warmth and compassion. Adrienne and her family would also like to acknowledge Greg Peter, Brad Lancop, Mick Lutz, and entire Calgary Fire Department for their ongoing support. They also took great comfort from the people who came to visit with Billy from Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, and beyond. Adrienne, Noah, and Billy felt surrounded by love and support in the most special way.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Alliance Church (12345 40 St SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6) on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 11:00AM with a reception to follow immediately after. 

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr.Stewart’s service streamed live on the day of the service at Funeral Service for the late Billy Blue Stewart.

Password: FAC-Billy

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brain Cancer Canada,
(PO Box 30007 RPO Woodbine Heights, Toronto, ON M4C 5J2) Telephone: 1 (855) 713-1301 or online at https://braincancercanada.ca/donate/.

In living memory of Billy Stewart, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.