It is with great sadness that Canadian Cattlemen learned of the passing of Stewart Ainsworth, prominent cattle breeder and owner of Lazy S Ranch, Mayerthorpe, Alta.
This 1,000-head ranch was operated by Stewart and his wife Doreen along with their families consisting of son Greg and wife Tracy, son Grant and wife Claire, and daughter Donna and her husband Larry. He will be profoundly missed by his grandchildren Jade, Shaylyn, Lindsay, Carson and Jace.
Stewart was born to Kelsa and Ruby Ainsworth at Rimbey, Alta. His love for farming and cattle began at a young age and grew as he became a lifelong rancher who took great pride in his farm. Stewart had strict specifications for his cattle, and he worked hard to develop a ranch name with quality cattle that fit his criteria.
Read Also
Condolences to Jack Anderson’s loved ones on his passing
John “Jack” Corbett Anderson, born in Edmonton, Alta., on October 28, 1927, passed away peacefully at 97, with family by…
Stewart grew up in Byemoor, Alta., and married Doreen in 1967. At that time, he worked for the Lacombe AI unit, where he AI’d cattle at the Bull Pound Community pasture and surrounding area. Stewart and Doreen started their own cattle herd at the same time. In 1977, they moved the family north to Mayerthorpe and established Lazy S Ranch. Over the years, Stewart, Doreen and the family developed a quality purebred Simmental herd. They held their first Lazy S Bull Sale in 1969. Stewart was extremely proud of the bull sales that have continued now for over 50 years. He also enjoyed the friendships he made throughout the cattle industry. Delivering bulls gave him the chance to get to know other ranchers across Canada.
Family was always very important to Stewart. He always made time for family fun through activities such as 4-H and team penning. But there was also still work to do. Even if the kids came home late, Stewart always made sure they were up early and put to work right away — the cattle came before sleep! In his later years, he still impressed that work ethic on his grandchildren, who he was so proud of and loved deeply.
Memorial donations in Stewart’s name can be made to the Young Canadian Simmental Association, #13, 4101-19 St. NE Calgary, Alta., T2E 7C4, 403-250-7979.
An online memorial will be announced at a later date. Watch lazysranch.ca for more information.
From all of us at Canadian Cattlemen, our condolences to the whole Ainsworth family, as well as to Stewart’s friends.
