Obituary of Stewart McAlpine
If you ever found yourself on the McAlpine farm south of Dubuc in the 1940s, you’d likely hear laughter echoing from the barn or catch a glimpse of a young boy—barefoot, determined, and mischievous. That boy was Stewart McAlpine, the fifteenth child in a bustling family of 16 where every day was an adventure and every chore a chance for mischief or a new story. From chasing runaway chickens and farm animals to riding horseback, Stew’s childhood was stitched together with moments of curiosity, kindness, and a knack for turning the ordinary into something memorable. It was this spirit—playful, hardworking, and deeply devoted to family—that would shape the man he became and the legacy he leaves behind.
Stewart McAlpine of Esterhazy Saskatchewan passed away on September 22, 2025 at the age of 90 years. Stew was the fifteenth child of Annie (Ekberg) and Donald McAlpine, born on May 28th, 1935 on the family farm. While he received his schooling at Freedhome School, his real education came from his time working on the farm. Family lore has it that Stew could hitch up and run a team of horses and a harrow at the age of four. The McAlpine home was always bustling, and Stew had a knack for finding fun in the everyday—like turning chores and farmwork into games, or inventing new ways to tease and annoy his sisters, nieces and his younger brother Gerry.
Stew ventured away from the farm in the late 1950s with his brother Ronald to work for a logging operation in Ontario, but the pull of family and home was too strong. Stories from that time often include tales of Stew and Ronald’s adventures in the woods, but also their longing for home and the warmth of family back in Dubuc. When Stew returned home, he brought with him a new appreciation for the land and the people he loved.
Stew married the love of his life, Marian Arnott, at Westview United Church in Yorkton on November 9th, 1963. They began their life together in Dubuc where their first son Robert was born in December 1964. Stew and Marian moved from Dubuc to a new house in Esterhazy in 1967, where in April 1968 their second son Scott was born. Stew and Marian’s home became a gathering place for friends and family, with their hospitality at the heart of every visit. Their partnership was the foundation of a home filled with laughter, music, and the occasional friendly debate. Family stories often recall Stew and Marian’s teamwork—whether it was tackling the complexity of life between working at the mine and the farm, or encouraging their sons in school, sports or their other activities. They also recall Stew’s love of hunting and curling. Fall was always a special time on the farm hunting with his sister Jean and her husband Bill, where they would often complete on who would bring home the “Big One”. Winters gave Stew a respite from work on the farm, and in addition to the time spent in hockey arenas cheering on Rob and Scott, Stew found time to pass on his love of curling. From men’s nights, to mixed curling and bonspiels, Stew always loved the complexity and strategy of the game, and loved being able to share that with his boys.
After returning from Ontario, Stew started his career in 1964 at the IMC potash mines in Esterhazy, where during his 32 years of distinguished service, he worked his way to become the Maintenance Foreman of Mill Mechanics at the K-2 facility until his retirement in 1996. You would think that one successful full time career and a growing family would be enough for most, but that was not in Stew’s DNA. He also decided to put everything to work that he had learned growing up on the McAlpine homestead by purchasing his own land south of Dubuc. While the farm started out small, he was able to eventually grow his operation up to two and a half sections of land. After he retired from the mine, he also decided to sell the farm, but he was not quite ready to shut things down yet. He rented the land back and continued farming until he officially retired in 2001.
In retirement, Stew loved to spend as much time as possible with his 5 grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. There were multiple trips to Calgary to cheer them on playing hockey, ringette and soccer, or to attend piano and dance recitals. He also loved to host everyone at the camper at Bird’s Point, teaching the kids to fish, or to pull them on a tube behind the boat. He was extremely proud of all of their accomplishments.
Stew leaves to mourn his beloved wife of 61 years Marian, his son Scott with wife Lisa (Parislau) grand children Megan and Matthew, Daughter in Law Carolyn (Dufour), and grand children Adam, Teresa and Michael. He is also survived by his sister Vivian Hogarth and brother Gerry (Eugenia) McAlpine, His brother in law Ken (Janet) and many nephews, nieces and special friends.
Stew was devastated in 2015 when his son Robert passed away from complications from Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). He was also predeceased by his parents Donald and Annie McAlpine, Brothers William, Donald Jr., Archie, Lawrie, Ronald, sisters Florence, Isabelle, Kay, Mary, Margaret Jean, Juhli (Pearl), Patricia, and his in-laws Kieth and Eva Arnott as well as several nieces and nephews.
