Obituary of Charles Stewart-Robertson

John Charles Stewart-Robertson passed away in the early hours of January 26, 2023.

Born in Brantford, Ontario, to Margaret Nellie (Walker) and Thomas Robertson, he shared his birthday, March 6, 1941, with his mother.

He obtained his PhD from the University of Edinburgh, where he formed a life-long connection to Scotland, its philosophers, and friends there. He also spent periods living and teaching in various countries, including Japan and the United States.

During a production of Our Town at Brantford C.I. in the role of “narrator”, a reviewer stated he accepted the role “with admirable results”. However: “He could better his performance by curbing many of his hand gestures.” Thankfully he didn’t, as his family and many students over the decades can attest. Though he considered a career in the clergy, he would find his path in his love of teaching, going on to dedicate more than 35 years as a professor of philosophy. 

He was there to inspire and educate, complete with hand gestures, but also to listen. He said recently: “A teacher listens, or is not a good teacher - he’s just a loudmouth.” Listening to students was part of his love of people - his deep humanity and ability and desire to see the good was obvious to anyone, and particularly apparent to his family, the Stewart-Robertsons at Linden Lea in Fairvale, New Brunswick.

He said he started with an appreciation for Sinatra while in high school, but it was classical and jazz music that always filled the home, as well as books. And books were a consistent gift to his children as they grew up, always perceiving and encouraging their latest interests with messages signed inside the covers.

His memory is cherished by wife Janet and their children Tristan (Liam), Owen (Juliet), Graeme (Christiana), Clara (Sony). He is also survived by Britt-Mari Sykes and her son Alex; Niall Robertson (Nathalie) and their children Liam, Adrian, and Suki; Julian Robertson (Melanie) and their children Madeline and Quinn; and also many cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424) on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 from 2 - 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation – Oncology, Amnesty International or the Nature Trust of New Brunswick.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.BrenansFH.com