In preparing Stuart’s obituary I have drawn from the words of Judy Horton in her reflections on Stuart for the Australian Institute of Horticulture. Stuart was impressive as an industry leader. But beyond his many accolades, his strength, confidence and positivity were always clear, lifelong, enduring qualities.
Stuart spent his years as a young boy in Wattle Flat, New South Wales, where his father worked as a coachmaker and signwriter for Cobb and Co. It was here that Stuart was imbued with the wonderful, honest country persona that he carried with him for life. He was a man of purpose, the salt of the earth.
Having left school at 15, Stuart started work as an apprentice in fitting, machining and welding, and then, at 21, was encouraged by his employer…
