J.D. POTIÉ
SHAWVILLE Jan. 19, 2020
The parking lot at the Shawville Fairgrounds was packed on Sunday, as over 100 people from the . . .
region and beyond gathered to celebrate popular local auctioneer Revel Stewart on his 80th birthday.
Drawing plenty of people from far and near to attend, the party was an opportunity for Stewart’s closest friends, family members and auction enthusiasts to enjoy the day with an iconic figure in the region.
Stewart’s sister, Margaret Wickens, kicked off the event with a word of welcome where she thanke,d everyone for helping her celebrate her little brother’s 80th birthday.
Stewart’s nephew, Brent, proceeded by giving a prayer before everybody rose from their seats, as Marlaine Palmer strolled through the room wearing a kilt while playing “Scotland the Brave” on her bagpipes.
Throughout the rest of the party, attendees satisfied their appetites and socialized while Ottawa Valley musician Rick Leben entertained them by performing a number of tunes on his keyboard near the hall’s entrance.
Inside the fully-packed hall, groups of people socialized at around a dozen different tables while others greeted the man of the hour and congratulated him on his milestone.
On the left side of the room, attendees deposited their gifts beside a large vintage picture of Stewart, which stood on a table topped with all sorts of mementos, including old pictures, a brown gavel with his name engraved on it and his cane.
Over to the right side, a buffet style spread was set up on several tables pushed together in a U-shape, which featured a wide variety of tasty treats like turkey, smoked ham as well as a cake reading “Happy 80th Birthday Revel.”
Looking at the large number of people who joined him on his special day, Stewart said he felt humbled and appreciative knowing just how many people have continually supported him over the years.
“I didn’t know I had that many [friends],” he said. “It’s always nice to see them … I haven’t gotten to see them all yet.”
Stewart became an auctioneer in 1973 after his close friend Ken Eckford – a well-known auctioneer in the valley at the time – passed away from a heart attack in December of the previous year.
Starting on his own out of the gate, Stewart said that he doesn’t believe he would’ve become the auctioneer that he is today without the guidance of his old pal Eckford.
“He was certainly behind me to give me his blessings and he was an awfully kind man,” he said.
Having presided over all kinds of auctions over the last four-plus decades, Stewart recalled Shawville’s New Year’s Day livestock auctions as the most memorable ones because of how much value and interest they generated.
“We used to get a lot of really good pedigree sales back then,” he said.
Now with over 40 years of experience in the auction game, Stewart said he hasn’t looked into retiring, but said his work-load has been lighter. However, he still enjoys every minute of what he does.
“I don’t work as hard as I did,” he said. “But we still have a lot of fun.”
Having now lived for 80 years, Stewart said he feels very grateful to still be in good health.
Along with the countless memories he’s made over that time, more than anything, he said that he will always cherish the great relationships he fostered with people from all walks of life.
“I’ve always liked people,” he said. “You can see the group that we have today, they’re always great people … they’re always at parties and good things going. It’s really good.”
As far as future plans, Stewart said he’s looking forward to his next auction on Feb. 8 in Cobden, Ont. as well as other ones coming in the spring. Besides that, he said he’s going to go with the flow and enjoy life.
“I always just go day by day and have a good time,” he said.
