Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Dr. Harrold Dunning Steward

3 September 1917 – 29 May 2015

Dr. Harrold Dunning Steward was born on 3 September 1917 at Quorn, South Australia, the son of John Lewis George and Gweneth Elfrada Mary Dunning. Although born a George, his birth was registered under the surname Steward, with a cross-reference to George, reflecting his mother's remarriage to Baden William Steward following the death of his father in 1919. Baden became the father figure to Harrold and his sister, Clarice.

Harrold spent his early years in Quorn before the family later settled in Adelaide. On 21 March 1942, he married Gwenda Ruth Beiler at the Church of Christ, Brooklyn Park. Gwenda was the daughter of William Charles Fritz Beiler and Bertha Clara (Fischer) Beiler.

Together they shared more than 70 years of marriage and raised seven children:

Ruth
John
Judith
Miriam
Lis
Cil
Philip (deceased)
Their family eventually grew to include 17 grandchildren, their partners, and 11 great-grandchildren.

With the outbreak of the Second World War, Harrold enlisted in the Australian Army on 4 December 1940 at Adelaide. Before enlisting he worked as a bank clerk. His mother, Gweneth Elfreda May Steward, was initially recorded as his next of kin, later amended to his wife, Gwenda, following their marriage.

Serving as Private SX10546, Harrold was posted to Australian Army medical units, including the 9th Australian General Hospital and associated hospital and reinforcement units. He served throughout much of the war before being discharged on 6 April 1945 after more than four years of service. His wartime contribution is commemorated on the Adelaide Savings Bank Second World War Honour Roll.

Following the war, Harrold studied dentistry and established a long and respected career as Dr. Harrold Dunning Steward. He became well known for his gentle manner, professional skill and dedication to generations of patients.

Gwenda passed away on 19 December 2012, after more than seven decades of marriage. Harrold remained devoted to his family and Christian faith during the final years of his life.

He passed away peacefully on 29 May 2015, aged 97 years, at Oaklands Park Lodge, South Australia. His family expressed their sincere appreciation to Dr. Colin Harrison and the staff of Oaklands Park Lodge for the love and care they provided during his final years.

A Thanksgiving Service celebrating his life was held on 5 June 2015 at the Edwardstown Baptist Church, St Mary's, before a private cremation at Centennial Park Cemetery.

His family concluded his death notice with the simple words:

"At home with the Lord."

Dr. Harrold Dunning Steward is remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather; a respected dentist; a Second World War veteran; and a man whose Christian faith, kindness and service to others left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Timeline

3 September 1917 – Born at Quorn, South Australia.
4 December 1940 – Enlisted in the Australian Army (SX10546).
21 March 1942 – Married Gwenda Ruth Beiler.
6 April 1945 – Discharged from the Australian Army.
Post-war – Qualified and practised as a dentist.
19 December 2012 – Death of his wife, Gwenda.
29 May 2015 – Passed away peacefully at Oaklands Park Lodge, aged 97.
5 June 2015 – Thanksgiving Service held at Edwardstown Baptist Church, followed by a private cremation at Centennial Park.

Sources

South Australian Birth Registration: Harrold Dunning Steward, born 3 September 1917, Quorn (Book 5A, Page 362; cross-referenced to George).
South Australian Marriage Registration: Harrold Dunning Steward and Gwenda Ruth Beiler, 21 March 1942.
National Archives of Australia, Australian Army Service Record: SX10546 Harrold Dunning Steward.
Australian War Memorial, Second World War Nominal Roll.
Centralian Advocate, death and funeral notices, 1 June 2015.
Centennial Park Cemetery records.

Biography by Trevor Pyatt 20/07/2026