Kenneth Stewart “Stew” Armstrong
May 16, 1944 – December 4, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth Stewart Armstrong, widely known as Stew, who passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 4, 2025, in Bellingham, WA, at the age of 81.
Stew was born in Altrincham, England, on May 16, 1944, the son of Kenneth and Elsie Armstrong. He moved with his family to East Vancouver, where he spent his early years with his sisters, Valerie and Jennifer. The family later moved to Burnaby, where he spent his formative years.
A lifetime passion for mechanical theory defined Stew’s interests. He was happiest when he was taking things apart to understand them, a love best exemplified by his devotion to maintaining his classic MGTD motorcar, which remained with him to the end.
His spirit of initiative and adventure saw him through a successful education and career. Stew completed business administraion at BCIT followed by a degree in business accounting at the University of British Columbia (UBC). His sharp intelligence and drive led to a highly successful banking career that took him around the world, with assignments in Hong Kong, New York, and Chile.
Stew was a lifelong enthusiast of the water. He proudly built his own sailboat, which ignited a passion for boating and sailing that lasted throughout his life. He was a dedicated member of both the Vancouver Rowing Club and the Semiahmoo Yacht Club, and actively participated in the US Coast Guard training programs.
Stew is survived by his wife, Claudia; his sister, Jennifer (Stephen) and nephew Keegan (Rachel). He is also fondly remembered by his dear friends, Dave and Sue Anderson, Patty and Lincoln Rutter.
Stew was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Valerie and his nephew, Dylan.
A Tribute to his Life will be held in Blaine, March 2026.
