Letter To The Editor: Stu Story #9

[Wandering Eyes]

It's clear that Stuart Angus touched the lives of many. A one of a kind human being, I don't think he knew a stranger.

I met Stu in November of 2016, probably by complete happenstance, but like many others we met because of horses. I had finished working that summer at Presque Isle Downs and had decided to go back into healthcare. In the grand scheme of things, I had minimal knowledge and no idea what I was getting myself into when I came to Kentucky to work a November Keeneland Sale for Taylor Made. While it was a great experience, what I'm most thankful for from that time is Stu.

One of the other women working the sale introduced me to Stu. Actually she pointed him out and said something along the lines of “that's Stu, you should go to dinner with him. He's great and you'll have a good time.” I'll be honest, I was reluctant, but I'm so glad I went. (Of course we went to Giussepe's that night. Just the start to all the good food Stu would introduce me to over the years.)

If you'd have told me that night that nine years later, Stuart Angus would be one of my dearest friends, I probably would have laughed. But nine years later, I can't even begin to describe how much Stu means to me and how thankful I am to have had him in my life. Others have said it, but Stu really had a way of taking you under his wing. I'm not in the thoroughbred industry, but I wouldn't have landed in Kentucky, or be where I am today if it weren't for Stu.

What started as more or less a blind date turned into years of friendship and years of memories. I returned to PA after that November, but Stu and I never lost touch. I started nursing school and during that time, Stu was one of my biggest supporters and the person I could run to when life was too much. Time with Stu was good for the soul. He was always up for an adventure and a good time.

I ultimately moved to Kentucky and have had amazing opportunities as I've built my career here. Life has been a whirlwind and ever changing since that November in 2016, but the one constant for me was always Stu.

I wish I could pick just one memory, or one story to share that would encompass my time with Stu. It's impossible. I truly could go on and on, from the big adventures we had to the lazy days by the pool. Stu was more than just my friend, he was my person. Time could pass, but we could always pick right back up as if it hadn't.

There was just something about Stu. He was one of a kind. He had a way of believing in others, even when they didn't believe in themselves. He was someone you wanted to know and someone you wanted in your corner. To know him was to love him.

I will forever be thankful for my time with Stu. I only wish there was more.

Editor's note: Stuart Angus, a Senior Thoroughbred Advisor for Taylor Made, passed away Aug. 28 at the age of 60. His friends are encouraging those he touched to submit `Stu stories' to the TDN. Please email suefinley@thetdn.com  if you have a story to share.

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