Stewart Gustav Moen

Stewart Gustav Moen, aged 76, passed into the Lord's presence on July 17, 2023. Stewart was a committed Christian, accepting Jesus Christ into his life at age 28 guided by Rev. Wallace Jordan, then pastor of Bayer's Road Baptist Church. He began attending Bayers Road Church where he was baptized and later became a Deacon. There he received much encouragement, new friendships, Bible study opportunities and sang in the Men's Choir directed by the late David Morgan. He loved Bible study and had a persevering prayer life Recently, Stewart had been a resident at Arborstone Continuing Care. He leaves behind his loving wife of 39 years Hope (MacEwen) Moen, daughter Sarah Mackenzie (Dylan), granddaughter Isla Mackenzie, sister Susan Moen, aunts Madelyn Spicer and Ruth Loomer, cousin Gerrit Timmer and other cousins for whom he deeply cared. He was predeceased by his parents, the late LCdr (ret.) Arlo Moen and Shirley ( Loomer) Moen and recently his special aunt Muriel, age 100. Stewart was well loved and respected by his aunts and uncles on his parents' side both here in N.S. and out west. He often spoke of his esteemed Uncle Elijah. With his marriage to Hope, he was warmly welcomed into her family by her parents, the late Rev. H.F. and Dolly MacEwen and by his five brothers-in-law and five sisters-in-law, becoming the uncle to their fifteen children. Stewart loved his family and valued his friends, especially the "oldies but goldies." Stewart was born in the Wolfville Hospital on April 8, 1947. As a child he greatly looked forward to visiting his maternal grandparents on their apple farm in Kingsport. Stewart treated his mother with love, gentleness, kindness and humour which marked the way he treated other people in his life. Stewart's family moved often as his father worked up through the ranks in the Canadian Navy. Stewart deeply respected his father who grew up in Outlook, Sask. Arlo had joined the Canadian Navy at age 18, served in WW ll, sustained a war injury, survived a torpedo attack on the Saguenay and was serving on H.M.S. Rodney with the sinking of the Bismarck. Stewart graduated from Halifax West High School in 1965 and studied the next two years at Dalhousie University. Taking a year off to travel out west in his little Volkswagen, he worked with the Canadian Geological surveys both in Calgary and forests of British Columbia. Missing family and home, he returned to Halifax, completing his Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie in 1973 at age 26. Stewart's life changed radically when he accepted the Lord Jesus in a personal way at age 28. He had been searching for the meaning of life and he found it in a personal relationship with the Lord. He was baptized at Bayer's Road Baptist Church and later became a Deacon. He loved Bible study and had a persevering prayer life. At that time, Stewart was also looking for a suitable wife, and when he was introduced to Hope through a dear friend, he fell for her, her name, her smile and her musicality. He was a very happy bridegroom at West End Baptist on July 14, 1984. Stewart and Hope's lives changed completely and for the better with the arrival of their beautiful adopted baby girl in Feb. of 1990. Sarah was a joy to Stewart and he was a wonderful caring father to her. As she grew, sometimes they would go for an ice cream, making sure not to tell mom! Stewart was always there to encourage and support Sarah in her education, friendships, dance, piano lessons, sewing and swimming. Stewart felt led to enroll in Acadia Divinity College at age 39. He was challenged by the Biblical studies, Church History, Historical Geography and Theology courses with Dr. McRae, Dr. Zeman, Dr. Williams, and Dr. Ashley. He completed his Masters of Divinity in Oct. 1991 after much writing of papers, exams and commuting to Wolfville. While the door for church ministry did not open, Stewart volunteered to lead a monthly church service for 25 years at Shannex Maplestone in Fairview. Hope always attended with him, greeting the residents and playing the piano for the hymn singing. Stewart worked at several jobs during his lifetime ranging from auditing for the N.S. Government Department of Housing to custodial work later at the Halifax Christian Academy. Stewart was pleased to serve at HCA, working off Sarah's tuition fees. He enjoyed the atmosphere there and brief chats with the wonderful teachers including Mrs.Dennis and Mr. Wager. In March 2000, Stewart went with Hope to the former First Baptist Church, Dartmouth where Hope had accepted the organ position. He was always very supportive of Hope and her musical opportunities. After he retired at age 64, he was able to finally join the church choir and was so blessed by putting the choir anthems in their folders and collecting them after services. Like his father, he also published a book. For years, one of Stewart's hobbies was writing poetry. Buffalo Poetry, printed in 2016, contains many of poems. Stewart developed liver problems over the years and was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver in the past few months. He went from the VG to Arborstone Extended Care where he was treated so well by the caring Staff and fellow residents. Stewart passed peacefully from death unto life in his sleep on Monday, July 17th. He will be greatly missed. Forever with the Lord. A Celebration of Life service will be held Wednesday July 26, 2pm at Bayers Road Baptist Church. Pastor Martin Zwicker will be officiating. Family music is planned. A reception will follow in the church hall where Stewart and Hope had their wedding reception, July 14, 1984. Special thanks to the nurses, doctors and CCA's at the VG, floor 5A and 4B, and to the Staff of the 4th Floor at Arborstone ExtendedCare. Your care and kindness meant so much. Donations can be made to the Canadian Liver Foundation or Compassion of Canada.

Stewart Gustav Moen

April 8, 1947 - July 17, 2023