Letter To The Editor: Stu Story #13

[Wandering Eyes]

I met Stuart in 1994 when we worked together for Ben P. Walden Jr. at Vinery. Stuart was the broodmare manager, and I was selling seasons to the Vinery stallions. Stuart managed the 150-plus broodmare band which  encompassed multiple farms. Stuart was also a farrier; he trimmed all the broodmares which added another layer of responsibility. I quickly learned that Stuart was a tireless hard worker with these responsibilities.

Over the years I followed Stuart's professional journey to Watercress, Payson Stud and Taylor Made admiring his accomplishments along the way. Stuart was a mentor to a lot of our young people in our industry as we have read this week. He was also a mentor to someone older. I would call Stuart and get his opinion on a value of a broodmare or a stallion for a mating. He was always willing to help and gave great advice. He never asked for anything in return and was always your biggest cheerleader to succeed.

This fall, when Stuart started treatments for his illness, he did it his way. When he started the clinical trial at Sarah Cannon Research Institute, he approached it like he did everything in his life. He worked hard to gather all the information he could about the treatment so he would better understand what was before him. He was determined to beat the odds. He wanted to spend as much time as he could with Drew, Alexa and his two grandchildren whom he dearly loved. He never complained, he never said “Why me”, he just buckled down and went to work to beat the odds.

It was a sad day when I received the call from Josie telling me that Stuart had passed. I shed more than a few tears because I had lost a dear friend. Stuart touched a lot of lives and made an impact on our industry and life. To honor Stuart's legacy, we should take a page out of his handbook, mentor others, be respectful, smile, laugh, enjoy good food and life. Remember to live the day we are in as there is no guarantee for tomorrow.

I love you, brother.

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