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John Robert “Bob” Hewat was born in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada on May 23rd, 1924 and passed away on August 11, 2024. He was the son of the late John Andrew and Myrtle Winnifred Messecar Hewat.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Yvonne Lail Hewat; his daughter, Susan Hewat Parker; and his second wife, Mary Walton Hewat.
Bob is survived by his sons John R. Hewat, Jr and wife, Tania of Morganton; Bill Hewat and wife, Angie, of Goshen, Arkansas; his son-in law, Gary Parker, of Fuquay-Varina, NC; and his brother Harold Hewat of Hickory. In addition, he is survived by grandchildren Lauren McLamb (Brian), and Katie Walker (Waylon) both from the Raleigh area; Bailey Buchanan (Trevor) from Morganton; Will Hewat of Charleston, SC; Emma Hewat of Charlotte, NC; and Gracie Hewat of Clarksville, AR. Pop also is a great-grandfather to Raylee and Case Buchanan; Will and Maggie Walker; and Brayden, Lena and Ella Parker.
Bob taught his sons the value of hard work and frugality through leading by example. His life during the Great Depression fashioned an unparalleled work ethic that coursed his entire life. Bob was a US Army veteran of World War II and served in the Middle Eastern Theater, on the Persian Corridor, protecting ally supply lines destined to the fight on the Eastern Front. Bob taught High School at Gamewell, Valdese and Freedom High Schools and refereed high school sports during his teaching tenure. Of particular interest, Bob was known for his love of the Blue Ridge Parkway where he served over 50 years as a seasonal park ranger and naturalist. Smokey, as he was lovingly called, met many friends, and provided help for many park visitors over his career. After his retirement from teaching, he was known to get in his truck and drive across the country visiting any national park, monument, preserve, or historic site. One of the highlights of his Parkway career was tracking the construction of the Lynn Cove Viaduct around Grandfather Mountain. He was a devout member of the First Presbyterian Church of Morganton.
John Robert Hewat’s life is a reminder that humility, honesty, and frugality are traits that remain incredibly important today. In his 100 years on this Earth, Bob saw many changes. However, his wholesomeness, wit, and chivalry never wavered. He was truly one of the last of the Greatest Generation. To know Bob was to love him, and those who love him understand what a privilege that was.
The memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, August 15, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Lyndsay Beaulieu officiating. The family will greet friends following the service.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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I met Mr. Hewat many years when I had him as a teacher at Valdese High School. It was a privilege to get to know him and while I was employed in the school system I also became acquainted with Mary. They were 2 of my favorite people and I still think of them fondly. I will keep you in my prayers during this difficult time. Wow, 100 years! He had some awesome stories to tell. Debbie Pons Britt
I had Mr. Hewat as a seventh and eight grade teacher at Drexel Elementry School in 1959 and 1960, it doesn't exist any more It was there that he met his second wife Mary who also taught there. I visit him at his home in Morganton the last time about 20 years ago. To his family I am sorry for your lost. I will keep you in my prayer. He was more than a teacher he was friend and will miss him.
Sorry to hear about bobs passing I worked him for a many of years he was a great person and a great friend.
He was my ICT teacher at Valdese around 67 to 68 I graduated in 68 he was a great guy don't know when he became a park ranger but when he and my daughter were up on park way one day I saw he dressed up in his ranger uniform and we talked a little while I introduced him to my daughter sometimes in the 80s he wasn't just a teacher he was a friend
Sending our prayers and condolences from Arkansas to the family. Much love to Bill, Angie, Will, Emma & Gracie.
John, Bill, and extended family. A most fitting posted photo of Bob in the uniform he loved to wear and was seen in for many decades. Bob had a good run and touched so many lives. This was especially true on the Blue Ridge Parkway and in the classroom. Peace and blessings to all of you!!
A beautiful life, a beautiful legacy! Mr. Hewat will forever be remembered by me and my husband Robert as a kind, congenial, nature loving soul. He left an impact on both of us. My Dad, Charles Moeller, thought the world of "Bob." They forged a friendship through a shared love of the mountains, the trails, and the beauty God blessed us with. We are sending sincere condolences. Heaven gained a great man. I hope he and Daddy can re- connect and explore the "trails" of heaven.
Extending deepest sympathy to the entire family in your loss of Bob. He was a kind and wonderful person. The beautifully written obituary accurately described him and his well-lived life along with the qualities that he passed down by example to John and Bill.
John and Family, So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.