An Otonabee Township farmer for 70 years, R. R. “Dick” Stewart was an outstanding example of a rural leader who took an active leadership role in many groups and organizations.

With the continuous support of his wife Daisy and his family he operated Woodview Farm as a mixed farm of beef cattle, chickens, horses, sheep and grain.  For several years during the winter months the farm hosted Farm Forum meetings for aspiring young farmers.

Dick Stewart was manager of the Peterborough Agricultural Society from 1956 to 1970.  He served as a director of the Ontario Wheat Board and a board member of the Agricultural Societies of Canada.  As a member of the county Plowman’s Association, he served as president of the local committee for the International Plowing Match in 1964.  Dick was president of the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture in 1955 and served as provincial director from 1954 to 1962.  He was a director of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture for nine years serving as governor representing four area counties.

Dick represented the Ontario Federation of Agriculture on the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce.  He was a member of Peterborough Rotary Club, Peterborough T. B. Association, Civic Hospital board and the County-City Health Unit board.  He was on Otonabee council 1947 to 1953 and Peterborough County warden in 1952.  Dick served as treasurer of Stewart Hall United Church for many years and was a member of St. Matthew’s United Church building committee.

He served in the Canadian Army 1939 to 1945 being discharged with the rank of major.

Dick Stewart was a true family man, friend and pioneer whose motto was always “fairness.”

Nominated by R. Gary Stewart, 2016