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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday June 20, 2007 - 5 Father remembered as pillar of the community Continued from page 4 and she's constantly wearing a permanent smile." Sahai had similar praise for Emily's father. "It's a tragic loss for this community," she said. "Not only was he a dedicated father, but I know he invested a lot of time in the activities and well-being of a lot of kids within our community. "He was involved with a lot of athletics, with our community barbecue and, I know from talking to parents, he was always picking kids up and dropping them off at all the various events that happened in the community. He was extremely, extremely involved." Nowhere is the impact Stewart had on his community more apparent than in the almost steady procession of grief-stricken residents, who have approached Sahai to talk to her about how he touched their lives. "I have received multiple phone calls all day and I have had parents come into the school to talk to me about the grief they feel because of the loss. I have had teachers who are so upset because they have taught his kids and know how active he was in all his kids' lives at school," she said. "We're all feeling a loss with his death." This feeling has not confined itself to adults. The children who attend school with Emily are also deeply concerned for her well being. "We've had the Tragic Events Response Team in here to help the students just understand what's happening. I know the teachers have held prayers for Emily. We have had parents coming in and helping with the kids just to provide support," said Sahai. "We're all trying to stay really positive. The kids have been making cards. We've been having open discussions to just make sure the kids feel safe. We're just praying that she comes back...she'll come back to us." As Emily recovers in hospital, items of goodwill from her classmates are beginning to make their way to her. "All the kids in Emily's Grade 5 have made cards and stuff to show that they care about her and hope she makes it through," said Hann, as she delivered the cards to the Stewart home. As a community mourns the loss of one of its greatest champions, its concern now shifts towards McMaster Hospital with Emily's classmates hoping to see her back in school soon. "It's hard when you're 11 to find out something like this can happen," said Hann. "You hear about these things in the news, but you don't really realize that it can happen to a friend of yours." Details of the funeral arrangements were not available by the Oakville Beaver's press time yesterday. SALE Floor Clearance CUSTOMER APPRECIATION 4 DAY SALE! WED-SAT, June 20-23 Everyone Saves Century EVERYTHING Offer valid on all in-stock merchandise, excluding promotional goods & special purchases, June 20-23, for all customers. No special orders. Sale goods sold as-is. All sales final. ON ALMOST 30% to 70% off FLOOR MODELS BUCKINGHAM CENTER TABLE IN THE STORE! $000 409 BRANT ST. BURLINGTON 905-333-6670 1-888-846-7845 Monday to Saturday 9:30-5:30, Thursday & Friday 9:30-9:00, Sunday 12:00-5:00 w w w. t h o m a s v i l l e b u r l i n g t o n . c o m InsertionOPEN SUNDAYS 2007 (or other) date: Wed., June 20, 12-5 Insertion Size: 4 X 110 (or other) 140 Please set all address info here. Proof to Manager. Rebecca St. OAKVILLE 844-7728 844-7728