Stewart noted that joining the IFEA before the first presentation of La Fête Colombienne Des Enfants was instrumental in the success of that event, as through the IFEA he was able to meet many helpful individuals who were most generous in offering their ideas and advice.

Being inducted into IFEA’s Hall of Fame in Montréal, Canada made it even more meaningful to him as a Canadian, as La Fête Colombienne Des Enfants was focused on encouraging all Canadians to learn about and appreciate the contributions that the French culture makes in forming the Canadian identity.

In addition to La Fête Colombienne Des Enfants, Stewart also helped found the Canadian Children’s Festival Association, created Mandarin and Japanese immersion events, served as Vice President of the Canadian Festival Association and served on the IFEA Executive Committee.

Stewart’s passion, computers and digital communication tools, had an enormous impact on him personally and the industry, as it continues to have today.  “I am continually amazed,” said Stewart, with an eye on new emerging technologies of the time. “The advent of e-mail alone is significant, but add to that the World Wide Web and the publishing and bookkeeping programs that are an integral part of our days, and one realizes just how great an impact the personal computer has already had, not only on our industry, but also our lives.” 

John Stewart passed away in 2002, far too soon.  He would have been disappointed to miss the many changes and opportunities that technology has produced since his passing.  In keeping with that passion and preserving John’s legacy, the John Stewart Memorial Scholarship continues to provide support to those individuals working with technology to improve their event and our industry.