Tribute

William Stewart (Gunny) Nash

It is with profound sadness that we share the sudden passing of our dear Dad and Grampa, William Stewart David (Gunny) Nash on August 24^th, 2020. Stewart will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his three children, of whom he was so proud – Christine (Cory) Nash of Ancaster, David (Jen) Nash of Lake Cowichan, and Brad (Lisa) Nash of Cold Lake, as well as his three little grandsons, Hudson, Keaton, and Gavin. He is also survived by his brother Wayne Nash of Lake Cowichan and stepmom Doris Nash of Nanaimo.

Born on June 4^th, 1943, Stewart was the eldest son of Henry and Evelyn Nash. He proudly lived his entire life at the Lake and was a well-known figure around town.

Stewart loved the outdoors and spent his entire working career in the woods. His first falling job was at Blowhole Bay on Nootka Island.  From there, Stewart began falling up coast in various logging camps including Gold River and Prince Rupert. He later worked for BCFP Port Renfrew, where he remained for 30 years until his retirement.

Stewart was extremely active in the community he loved so much. He was a long-time member and avid supporter of the Lake Cowichan Royal Canadian Legion. Stewart also enjoyed and took part in many Lake Days events including the Logger Sports chopping competition, where he practiced fervently to become a skilled chopper in that event. When the arena was to be built in Lake Cowichan, he volunteered both his labour and time helping to raise local money. Once completed, Stewart took to the ice, as did many others. He began playing hockey alongside other ‘old-timers’ in town and formed a hockey team – ‘Sack’s Raiders’. Subsequently he organized an old-timer’s hockey tournament, which included a banquet and dance that became a much-anticipated event in the community for many years to come.  Stewart firmly believed in the importance of supporting local sports and did this through the attendance of community hockey games and by being a season ticket holder to the Cowichan Capitals for more than 20 years.

Stewart developed a strong passion for farming and was well-known for the turkeys and chickens he raised. Through this, he formed many friendships and connections within the farming community. Stewart especially enjoyed delivering his eggs to friends within and around Lake Cowichan – he always loved a good conversation and looked forward to “stopping by” to catch up on daily events.  Stewart was always happiest when out on his tractor, cutting and baling hay – something which he was still actively involved in, right up until his recent passing.

“Gunny” will be remembered by his family and friends as an honest, hard-working and friendly guy. One who was always generous with his time, he would do anything to help those around him. Independent by nature, in his words, he was “his own man”. His loyalty and strong work ethic will forever live on in our hearts.

We would like to express our deep appreciation to Earl La Forge, along with Gordy Knott and so many others in the Lake Cowichan community. Dad strongly cherished his friendships, and your love and support during this difficult time will never be forgotten.

“You will be dearly missed”- Chris, Dave, and Brad.

A celebration of Stewart’s life will be held at a later date due to COVID 19. Those wishing to make a donation in his memory may do so locally at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 210: P.O. Box 603, Lake Cowichan, BC V0R 2G0 or provincially at the British Columbia/Yukon Command: https://www.legionbcyukon.ca/