This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Peacefully at home, on Saturday September 10, 2022, the death occurred of Raymond “Lorne” Stewart of Cobourg Ontario, age 79 years. Lorne was born on April 11,1943, in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, to the late Helen (MacDonald) and Raymond Stewart.
Growing up on the farm in Glengarry, PEI, Lorne was taught the value and importance of family, friends, hard work and his Catholic faith. He carried these values with him throughout his life which served him well as he left the island to pursue his dreams.
As a young man, Lorne lived and worked his way across Western Canada, eventually settling in Cobourg, Ontario, where he and Connie raised their wonderful family. Lorne took great pride in being a lifelong, self-employed, entrepreneur, who never forgot where he came from. Lorne’s entrepreneurial legacy will live on through his three sons who joined him in the family business. Combining family and business was a natural for Lorne and this partnership not only inspired him, but also brought him much joy throughout retirement and his recent illness. Lorne’s passion for his trucking businesses were second only to the love and pride he had for his family, and in particular his three sons; who were not only his business partners, but also his best friends.
Lorne loved sports; especially hockey and CFL football. He could often be found at the rink and served as the President of the Cobourg Cougars Jr.A hockey club for many years. He was proud of his attendance at 52 CFL Grey Cup games and was honored when his name was added to the CFL Grey Cup Fan Base last year. Lorne loved people, music and fellowship; whether at local pubs listening to musicians, or hosting a great party at his house; there was nothing Lorne enjoyed more than people coming together. Lorne loved traveling, and saw much of the world with his wife, Connie, his sons, and his many friends. Regardless of where life took Lorne, his heart was never far from his beloved Prince Edward Island; where he and Connie spent their summers for over 25 years at their cottage in Red Point. When at the cottage Lorne loved to host his friends and family with steak, lobster and an ample supply of libations! More than once Connie had to ask Lorne “when are you putting the steaks on?”
Lorne was a kind, generous and humble man who touched the lives of so many friends and family. He embodied the philosophy that you should never look down on others unless it’s to offer a helping hand up. Lorne was selfless in his acts of generosity as he journeyed through life. He truly enjoyed meeting and speaking with people from all walks of life and learning from them. Lorne had an incredible respect for humanity which was present in everything he did; he was a true gentleman.
Lorne will be deeply missed by his sons;Ray (Petra) Stewart of Cobourg, Ont., Chad (Danielle) Stewart of Cobourg, Ont., and Allan (Sara) Stewart of Cobourg, Ont., and special niece Jillian Dixon (Morris) of Vancouver, B.C. Lorne was the loving Grampy to his grandchildren; Declan, Kennedy, Connor, Cohen, and Aanna. He was the cherished big brother of Kathleen Stewart, Port Coquitlam, B.C., Blair (Donna) Stewart, Charlottetown, P.E.I., Basil (Gail) Stewart, Summerside, P.E.I., Doris Stewart, Charlottetown, P.E.I., and Stephen (Dawn) Stewart, Glengarry, P.E.I. Lorne will be sadly missed by his sister-in-law Lynn Ann Dixon, Souris, P.E.I., brother-in-law George Roach, Cobourg, Ont., as well as his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Lorne was predeceased by his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Connie Stewart, his brother-in-law Edgar Dixon and his brother Allan Stewart. Family and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church, 379 Division Street, Cobourg, Ontario on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at 10:00 AM followed by a burial at St. Michael’s Cemetery- Cobourg, Ontario. A Celebration of Life will take place at the Best Western Hotel - Cobourg, Ontario from Wednesday, September 21, 2022, from 5:00PM – 8:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada would be greatly appreciated.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
Ray, Allan , Chad and families, Please accept my sincere condolences on your Dad's passing.You are so blessed to have a father so special and caring. I used to see him at five o'clock mass on Saturdays, always a nod and a smile. Sorry I missed the service as I am spending a few weeks in P E I. Linda
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
I am sorry you have not heard from me earlier but we just returned from holiday overseas. I will really miss your Dad. We always chatted at church ......... and I was always close to your Dad and Ray because of the many years your trucking company did work for Weetabix when I was managing the Weetabix Warehouse and Shipping. I loved working with your Dad because "his word was his bond". and I could trust your Dad (and Ray) to always do the right thing ......... and think outside the box (if necessary). I loved that your Dad was from PEI with a little "PEI accent". I believe your Dad was Irish Catholic .......... as so am I ((Stewart may be Scottish but I am assuming it is Irish)). Your Dad and I both loved our religion but I think your Dad was closer to God than I was. You could not get a kinder, more honest and humble man than your Dad and that is why I liked working with him .......... and calling him my friend. I will really miss seeing your Dad but I know his three sons will carry on his legacy and represent the "Stewart name" proudly. The Stewart boys will always be friends of the GALLAGHERs ........ thus if you need anything call us. Lorne will be in my prayers. Greg Gallagher
Sorry to hear of Lorne,s death remembering you all in our prayers.
Sorry for your loss. Great man he will be missed.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
My condolences to the Stewart family and to all of Lornes friends. Lorne was a true gentleman and will be missed deeply. I will never forget the way he took me under his wing after I lost my grandfather as if I was one of his own. He never had to but that was the way Lorne lived. If everyone loved as much as Lorne the world would be a much better place.
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Thinking of you at this very difficult time. Ben and Suzanne Foster
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
Ray, Allan & Chad, our condolenses to you and your families. A lot of great memories with your Dad. He will be missed. Rest in peace Lorne.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
Thinking of all you at this sad time. Prayers for all your families.
Condolences to all the family, RIP Lorne
Blair & Donna And all of the Stewart family, An unbelievable loss. Out thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
Sending our sincere condolences to Blair, Donna and the entire Stewart clan. Thinking of you this week as you gather together to remember and celebrate Lorne. Love and prayers, Dawn-Marie, Michael, Evan & Ryan Jamieson
Our hearts Our Prayers are with you.
Lorne was a true gentleman and will be dearly missed - our sincere sympathy to Ray, Chad, Alan and families RIP
Our sincere Condolences To the Stewart Family,
Jane and I would like to send our sincere condolences to the entire family on Lornes passing. Lorne was a great friend and sidekick .His humor and quick wit always made me smile. OLD Buddy I missed you this past weekend in Charlottetown at the shellfish festival; this would have been 10 years! I ate enough oysters for the both us!! We will miss you. Ron and Jane
Deepest sympathy to the Stewart family. Lorne was a great friend to my brothers Warren & John and all the Stewart boys visited at the Cousins house in Campbellton, PE. Lorne was a lovely man and will be greatly missed. Sincerely Trevor & Rosalie
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
Basil/Gail /Allan Very sorry to hear of Lorne's passing. Our deepest sympathies and condolences at this time. God Bless Jeff /Cara Squires and family
On behalf of Theresa and I, we would like to send our condolences to the Stewart family, may Lorne rest in peace.
My memory of Lorne will always be of a man who loved his wife and boys above all else. He was very kind and generous and always brightened my day when he’d come into the Oasis and we’d sit and chat and share a glass of wine. A true gentle soul. We will miss you friend.
Ray, Chad, Allan (and families) we send our deepest condolences at this time. Lorne was one of a kind. He was kind, generous and thoughtful. We are so glad we got to share a small part of his life. May he rest in peace with Connie.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
We will miss Lorne beyond words, just as we are missing Connie/ Countless memories of “road trips” to places like Dawson City, Alaska ,Newfoundland, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver - and , of course, Souris , PEI where the hospitality , love , generosity and pure joy of living displayed by the Stewarts made us feel welcome and comfortable . Cathy and I became friends through our children Alan and Sara who fell in love , married and gave us our shared , cherished granddaughter Aanna , who is a magical blend of Scottish, Irish, Danish, Finnish , French-Canadian and perhaps a bit of “mystery stew”. Our friendship went on to involve many Grey Cup games for me with Lorne and trips to Las Vegas and PEI for Cathy with Connie. Our trips together were full of laughter , music and , always, love and respect for each other’s views . Rest In Peace Lorne/ Yours was a Life well- lived .
Ray, Chad, Allan and families. Our sincere condolences on the loss of your dear Dad. He was such a gentleman and will be truly missed. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. Barry and Deb
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
I offer my sincere condolences to the Stewart clan. I am afraid I did not know Lorne (or Connie) personally, but in reading the bio, I can only wish I had. Others I know in the community speak highly of your family. May peace be with you.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
Ray, Chad, Al and Family – We are so very sorry for your loss. Lorne was an amazing person who sincerely cared about others before himself. Lorne often opened his home and heart to those who needed either. He would give you the shirt off his back if you asked. Despite the heartbreaking last couple of months, celebrate their legacy and take solace knowing Lorne and Connie are together again. Love, Carly & Rob
very saddened to read lorne obituary Summerside paper yesterday. Lorne was a very gregarious/sociable person and yes he never forgot where he came from.When he visiter pei he would always visit take the time to visit his kinfolk and neighbours.To all my Glengarry cousins you are being remembered
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
we extend our condolence on the passing of lorne. been a long time since we went to glengarry school
To Chad and family. Sorry to hear of your dads passing. My heart goes out to you. Praying for you all during this very difficult time. ❤️🙏🏻
Kathleen, Blair, Basil, Doris, Stephen, We want to express our deepest sympathy to you on the death of your dear brother, Lorne. Lorne was a kind and caring person and even though I have not seen him in a few years, I felt saddened when I read of his passing in the paper this morning. May you all receive comfort from our loving God. Eileen & K Stewart Charlottetown, PEI
Al, Chad, Ray, and families…we are so very sorry for your loss. Lorne will be missed by so many. Sending hugs.
My sincere condolences to Chad, Ray and the whole Stewart family. I hope the wonderful memories you have made together with your father give you comfort through this pain.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
To Ray, Chad and Allan - sorry to read of your Dad's passing. RIP Lorne. Thinking of you at this time.
Ray, Chad, Allan (and families). We can’t tell you how sorry we are for your great loss. Lorne was an amazing man. Honest, driven, intellectual, funny, respectful, and most of all, loving! We are here for all of you. Absolutely, anything you need. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom and dad, who are resting peacefully together once again. Xoxo.
Out thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
Boys I am so very sorry for your loss. You boys did your Dad proud . God Bless .
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
Our sympathy to all of the family. We are from PEI and My Lawoffice was McLellan Brennan HRGA which was continued by my daughter Lindsay and her husband FIL. We have known Basil for many years who is still the Mayor of Summerside. Coincidentally our son Morgan McLellan and his wife Casey live in Coburg Ontario with their family. He is a heavy equipment mechanic in Ontario. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Bloyce and Erith McLellan.
My condolences Chad to you n your family for your loss..thoughts n prayers are with you 🙏 😔
To all of Lorne's family, please accept our sympathy and prayers for the passing of your dear father/brother / my cousin, Lorne. He will be certainly be missed. Love from Brenda and Francis
Ray, Chad, Allan and families, we are so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. You folks have been through so much in the past months. Now is the time for remembrance of your wonderful parents. They were so enjoyable to be around. Our many years together at the Arenas around Ontario always bring back fond memories of your family. It is a sad time but you guys can take solace in knowing that they are in a better place now. May they both rest in peace!
Ray, Chad, Allan, and families: my heart is with you , in this difficult time. You have all defined "family" over the years, and the community in Cobourg and PEI are certainly remembering you all, in our hearts. My children and I always felt welcome at the cottage and in your home in Cobourg. And I hope your wonderful memories will help your sorrow in the coming months. Lorne was an exceptional man and he and Connie were a true couple...full of happiness and fun . Bless you all. Respectfully, Caroline
For those of us who shared the priveledge of knowing Lorne, he will be sorrowfully missed. Should our troubled world have more like him, we would surely be in a better space. Deepest condolences.
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Lorne was a great man, very generous and kind. I only knew him through my work but he always treated me with respect and kindness.
Paul and I are sending our sincere condolences to Ray, Chad, Al and their families on the loss of Lorne, their wonderful Dad and Granddad, and to lose him so soon after Connie must be heartbreaking. You will have your many memories to help you all through the grief. Paul will miss his chats with Lorne at the Cougar games. Blesses to all. Paul and Debbie
Our Deepest Sympathy to Connie and Family and to Lorne's Brothers and Sisters and their families. He was a great man
Dear Ray, Chad, Allan and families. We were so very saddened to hear of Lorne's passing. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Our sympathies and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
I had the opportunity to meet Lorne and Connie many years ago when Andre and I made a trip back to Coburg to see this special placed he always spoke so highly of. I could easily tell that Connie and Lorne had welcomed Andre into their home like he was there own. I was glad I was able to meet them as they had such an impact on Andre- they were definitely the best of the best. My sincere condolences to you all, Kendra
Ray Chad Al So sorry guys We will all miss him a lot RIP my friend.
Ray Chad Al So sorry giy
So very sorry to hear this news. Tom and I send our heartfelt condolences to the whole family during this very difficult time. We know you will savour those wonderful memories you have to share and remember your parents by.
Ray, Chad, Allan and family members. My heart is breaking for all of you, such a hard and heartbreaking summer, with the loss both your parents and your Uncle Edgar. Be gentle with yourself and each other, love Bev
My deepest condolences to the Stewart family
A good man our condolences to the Stewart family God Bless.
Chad so sorry to hear about your dad a great man
Lorne will always be remembered by all his cousins. We made many trips to Glengarry and Raymond’s family made many trips to West Point. Lots of great memories from the good old days. After Lorne moved to Ontario, he continued to come see Mom and Dad and I would often scoot across the field to enjoy their conversations and a good many laughs. Our sympathy to all his family from his cousin Betty and my hubby Albert.
Deepest condolences to the Stewart family.
Ray, Chad and Allan and families, so very sorry for your loss.💞
My deepest condolences to the Stewart family
Boys, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Him and your mum are together again. Deepest sympathy to you all.
My deepest condolences to the Stewart family at this time
My my Family to the Stewart Family, my deepest and most humblest condolences and may Lorne rest. John, Darlene, Anthony, Emily and Eleni.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
Ray,Chad,Allan and family. We are so sorry to read the news of your dad now passing. There will be an even bigger whole now for you all. Cherish the memories and all the times you shared together. Thinking of you all. Lean on each other. Denise and Rory Quigley
Lorne Stewart was a real friend, we lived side by side as we grew up; in fact we were born on the same day which presented many arguments over the years as to who was older. We walked miles plus to school every day, we played all games together especially baseball. He will be remembered in Glengarry as a kind, honest, friendly and considerate human——the kind of a person everyone strives to be. I want his boys to know that I consider Lorne as more of a brother than a friend and I am pleased to say he was a true friend. FD
Eric & I send our sincere condolences to the whole family on the loss of a wonderful father & grandfather. He certainly was a fixture around the Cobourg Community Arena. Thoughts & prayers are with you all.
To Ray Chad and Allen our thoughts and prayers are with you ,he was a great man always there for everyone . We all will miss him Dave and Chris Fulton
Ray, Chad, Al sorry to hear of Lorne's passing. You are fortunate to have family memories to last you a lifetime.
Our deepest condolences to the Stewart family. The McIvors
Dear Ray, Chad, Allan and your families. I am so sorry to learn of your Dad and Granddad's passing. He was a kind and thoughtful man. Always asked about my boys and how they were doing. It has been a very difficult summer for all of you. Take comfort in all your memories and know how proud he was of all of you.
My Sympathies to you all. I didn't know him but Friend of Basil.
So sorry to hear of Lorne’s passing. Lorne was certainly “one in a million”…very kind and generous to all. Our condolences to Rae, Allan and Chad & Families. Gerry & Andrea
Ray, Chad, Al so sorry for your loss, Your Dad was a kind and cheerful person. We wish you all the best.
Ray,Allen and Chad and family I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad as he was a wonderful man. Your all in my heart. May your dad Rest In Peace.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Society of Canada
Ray, Al, Chad it is hard to really express fully who your dad was; kind, funny, generous, passionate and a great mind for math. He was also known to eat literally everything, walk around with a Tim's cup of tea glued to his hand and offer some of the best east coast saying at just the right time. I loved him and respected him. Wherever you are Lorne, I hope you're doing the Newfie stomp with a pint in your hand.
Ray, Chad, Al and families so sorry to hear of Lorne's passing. Many fond memories of working together. Sincerest condolences.
We are so sorry to hear of Lorne's passing. How even more difficult after just losing Connie. Lorne was a kind and thoughtful person and we will always have fond memories of him from hockey days gone by. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
We want to send our condolences to your family , on the loss of both of your parents. Jimmy and Dawn Mccloskey Redpoint PEI
My sincere condolences to all of Lornes' family and his many friends. I didn't know Lorne very well but John spoke very highly of him . I'm sure they will be having a laugh or two now.Take care of each other♡
Lorne will be missed we had the privilege of going to the memorial cup in Peterborough Ontario years ago and Lorne and Connie And their boys had us over for a few meals And we had a great time Great people great family Your families in our prayers thank you And thanks to Basil for taking us
Sincere condolences to the Stewart family.
My condolences to the whole family and special to Danielle Stewart (Bradford when I met her 30 years ago). Big hug to your husband!!! Marta Eroles
R.I.P Lorne
R.I.P Lorne
Al,Ray ,Chad and crew, sorry to hear about the loss of Lorne and Connie in such a short period of time. Lorne and Connie were like parents to me for two years when I left the island as a 15 year kid to play for the cougars. It was a huge adjustment for me, but Lorne and Connie made it a whole lot easier with their island roots shining through. Had lots of laughs and good times under their roof especially at supper time, which would sometimes lead to Lorne and myself going to a local restaurant. To this day I still love to put a fresh cucumber in a bowl of vinegar, something I picked up off Lorne 23-24 years ago. There was a Newfie on the team when I was there also, he put vinegar on his hash browns at breakfast, I do the same to this day. The small things u pick up over the years that end up being a part of you. Have lots of cobourg and Lorne and Connie that I still look back on with lots of love. Had the kids down to basin head last year and jumped off the bridge, coldest water I’ve ever been in, what a fetch up! This is big loss for u guys, deepest condolences sent your way, hope to run into you guys down the road and reminisce Lorne and Connie the good old fashioned way!
We are having a hard time to believe that my brother Lorne is gone. Besides being my brother he was my close friend too. He was home to PEI just over a month ago and to my place in Summerside and when he shook my hand when he was leaving it was a sad day because of his health we both knew it would likely be his last visit. He visited our former home where we all grew up in Glengarry...he wanted to go there when he was home. He had lost his good wife Connie only a couple of months ago so it was a very difficult year for Lorne and his family . His sons Ray, Chad and Allan are strong and will continue on with his legacy of their NSSL Company. He worked so hard over the years in his business for his family and now he is resting peacefully and in no pain from the dreadful disease of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy . Rest easy Lorne, we love you! Brother Basil and Gail and our family in Summerside,PEI
I was one of the lucky ones to be blessed by his friendship. Truly a great man and family. It was sad news to hear of Connie and now Lorne, but glad they are together again. I know the boys will and have carried on the great Stewart tradition
Ray, Chad, Allan and families. We are saddened to hear of your dad’s passing so soon after your mom’s. They both are together again. Keep the good memories of them in your hearts & share them with your families.🙏💞
Lil and I were deeply saddened to hear of your father’s passing. Please accept our most heartfelt condolences. You will always cherish your memories of all the great times.
Thinking of you Chad and Danielle and your entire family 💕
OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU ALL AT THIS TIME .MANY FAMILY MEMORIES ARE CLOSE TO YOUR HEARTS
Chad and D. So sorry to hear of Lornes passing. What spectacular legacy he leaves behind. Ours thoughts are with during this difficult time. Gigs & Cathy
So sorry to hear of your fathers passing. You guys have had such a rough year. Sending all our love from PEI.
Dear Ray, Chad, Allan and families. I have wonderful memories of both your Mom and Dad. John enjoyed his time working with Lorne during the Cougar years. Your parents were fun!! Our thoughts are with you. Chad, I sent you a fb message when I heard about your Mom, not sure if you received it. They are together…….
Dear Ray, Chad, Al and families, I wish I had the words to let you know how devastated we are about Lornie’s passing. He was such a caring, generous, compassionate, genuine man and friend. You boys and Connie were his life and by extension your wonderful families. Our days of partying on Westwood and Beatty will be forever etched in our memories as some of the best times ever. He will be missed greatly by so many. RIP dear dear friend.
What a wonderful man. It is impossible to say or think anything but good things about Lorne Stewart. One only look at the diversity of the folks and friends he made. Our family goes back a long way, including the PEI roots, with Lorne, Connie, and the boys (and Jillian!). Besides being a marvelous yet humble host, he truly made all around him feel appreciated and better in his presence. What special memories remain. And his mentorship and entrepreneurial story is one of persistence and quiet success that Ray, Al, and Chad carry successfully forward. My thoughts and condolences from Anne and I and the entire Barrett family. May he RIP with dear Connie and all those he loved before him!
Dennis and I will always cherish the many memories we have of spending great times with Connie and Lorne. Our hearts go out to Ray, Chad, Allan and their families for loosing their Mom and Dad in such a short period of time. Our happiest memories of The Stewart’s are the wonderful Christmas Eves that we shared with all of you. Sending you all our deepest sympathies, Dennis and Marcy Whelan
Jane Ann & I will certainly miss you. Are deepest sympathy to your family
Our deepest condolences to Ray,Chad & Allan and family at this difficult time.Such a nice man
two great people will be missed Connie and Lorne by family and community for what they stood for a men
Please accept our condolences on the passing of your father. We know it was expected but there will still be an ache with family memories. May they bring comfort to you in the future. Sincerely Anne and Dave
Soooo sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. We are unable to be with you Sept 21 as we are away from Cobourg till Sept 30 but our thoughts are always with you!!
Soooo sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. We are unable to be with you Sept 21 as we are away from Cobourg till Sept 30 but our thoughts are always with you!!
Chad and family You have my sorrows at thus difficult time