Stuart Paul Edwards (21 Jul 1969 - 8 Oct 2021)

RIP Stuart. Will miss you even with your annoying Welsh accent.
Blessings from Tadek & Verna xx

Rip stuart

The early years……

Stuart Paul Edwards, was born to Rita Susan Edwards (at the time) and Brian Victor Edwards, at 2 minutes to 3am, on Monday 21stJuly 1969, about 20 minutes before the men walked on the moon.

In those days you had no idea what sex the baby was going to be. As the midwife placed him in his mother’s arms, he looked up at her with his left eye still closed shut, he was giving a cheeky wink that said, “Here I am then, are you pleased to see me?’

Stuart was a quick learner in a 3-bed semi on a Tilehurst estate. He was walking at 10 months.
In 1974, when Stuart was four years and ten months old, hiswonderful and beautiful, not to mention talented sister arrived, 😊 me. He loved me, and was kind to me from the off.

The family moved to Shinfield in 1976, and then in 1977 we left for Saudi Arabia, where Dad was to start working for the American company Syanco, PSG (Peace Support Group). Stu idolized his Dad, and out In the desert landscape Brian got him his first motorbike, a Honda 50cc. Stu and his cousin Steviewho lived in the Americanized mobile home next door, with cousin Lisa, auntie Sue and uncle Bill,revved it up around the compound together before Stuart upgraded to a Yamaha Z80, and took part in the men’s races before the age of 11.

Stuart was gifted, and had a talent for all things. He was fearless. In one memory I remember Stuart had found a camel spider that had seemingly drowned in one of the pools, after fishing it out he went running back to the house to grab cutlery to dissect it. He saw me and excitedly said he had found something cool. When we got back to the pool the spider had dried out fully, and suddenly flipped over from its back onto its legs, and proceeded to head for cover. I legged it, Stuart did not.

Another example was a live Baboon that had been abandoned in the desert. It had made its way into the compound, and as everyone scarpered and hid behind their fly screened doors, there was Stu, baboon on his shoulders, happily wandering around as if it was totally natural to have a baboon pick bits out of your hair. He would have kept Bernie if he could. He always had this affinity with all animals, and wildlife.

Stu often commented to the family that he had the best childhood, watching endless cartoons of Tom and Jerry, Road Runner, and Bugs Bunny. Swimming in the pools, or camping at the Red Sea. Playing on the softball field while grabbing a hot dog or two. UK holidays with grandparents and caravans at Hayling Island, holidays abroad to places such as Egypt and Greece.

Some of it was also spent dodging his mother’s wooden spoon, she never caught him though. she wasn’t really trying to. She knew the thought of it was enough…his Dad however,did, and always preferred a slipper.

When Stu received the new game console Atari, and then years later the Commodore Vic 20, his future interest in all things IT and gaming were firmly secured.

He had to return to UK for education purposes, and as mum was leaving him standing at the gates of St Andrews boarding school, in her words, ‘the hardest thing I had ever had to do’. It was apparent that after a weekend visit, Stuart wasn’t happy. His tears at the thought of returning there was more than Rita could bear, so she proceeded to ask the head if he could be a day student rather than boarding. She was told that he couldn’t, so she asked for his possessions to be put in his trunk. She was taking him, and it home.

Stuart then attended The Forest School, in Winnersh. Looking for adventure a fifteen-year-old Stu and his mates broke into the school shed to relieve it of its digging tools, which they then used to dig up the allotment some of the pupils had been tending. They were after the potatoes, so also created an extensive barbecue area. Mr Grue the head of the forest school told Rita that his actions were the last straw, and Stuart had to be expelled.

Two boarding schools were sourced, one in Gloucester the other in Tewkesbury. After visiting both Stuart opted for Bredon College, Tewkesbury. It was an education, whereby he soon learned that cigarettes were more profitable to sell individually, as opposed to by the pack. His selling talent was formulated.

Although his parents divorced, both are still happily remarried, and his step parents Les and Lorraine grew to understand, love and appreciate Stuarts own unique way. He was so very funny, had no filter, and rightfully so, was never ashamed of that fact.

Stuart had about six driving lessons before passing his test first time. One night just before Christmas, he dodged a fox in the road, and smashed his car into a wall together with his forehead. He missed the fox. A replacement car suffered the same fate, and a few more after that, but he finally got the hang of it when a few years later he requested to borrow his mum’s car to attend an interview in High Wycombe. Although that was a little worrying, Rita said yes.

That was when he met Melanie, and true love helped both heand his driving, to settle down enormously.

For me personally, Stuart was my favourite person. We love you Stu……. Until we see that cheeky ‘light up the world’ grin of yours again, we will continue to celebrate you, and your life well lived.

You doughnut.

Hey Stuart,

From first meeting you at Melanie’s place in Wycombe I knew you were going to be an amazing guy to have in the family. You were confident, funny, honest, caring and would stick up for those around you if needed. Thank you so much for coming out to Cape Town for Grant and my wedding in 2020, it was an honour to have you there & meant so much to us both, with your passing I feel even more special that you made it.

Your time with my dear sister and your beautiful daughters was cut far too short, but I know you’ll watch over them and be in their hearts and thoughts until you meet again.

This picture was taken just before Grant and I went on our honeymoon, such a lovely time spent with you all ❤️

With love from Ben, Catherine, Felicity & Joseph x

RIP Stuart - You have been a good friend and neighbour - we had many chats about the kids, on fixing the world, car talk, car washing skill discussions and the drinks down the pub. You have a beautiful family to be very proud of. You will be missed by many.

Love to you all
Graham, Mon and Alex
XXX

RIP Stuart - you were a good friend and Neighbour. Loved our fix the world chats, car talk, car washing skills discussions and our drinks down the pub. You have a beautiful family and something to be very proud of. You will be greatly missed by many.

Love with you and the family
Graham, Monica and Alex

Dear Mel, Maddie and Izy - with lots of love from all the Stachs

I had the pleasure of working with Stuart for 3 years! Stuart was a fun loving all round smart guy! We stayed in touch and put the world to rights up until a few weeks ago! I will miss him but take comfort in replaying his voice and ideas in my mind. Alas I cant be there to send him off due to isolation but I will be thinking of him!

It's not often that work-colleagues become friends, but Stuart was one of those rare people that you can't help clicking with over twenty years ago. He will be missed.

My deepest condolences to you and your family./our family what a totally fantastic guy. Stuart you were an ultimate gift to us all

Tomorrow we celebrate your life my brother. I can’t tell you how much I miss you, but you already know. Forever in my heart. Love you xxxxxx