From Masterton to Eternity ... Fishing for eels, scrambling backyard fences up to Adelaide Rd from Rintoul St when half a crown got you on the grass in front of the Millard, cricket on a homemade pitch until it was too dark to see, or repeatedly showing the fastest heels in the region … your willpower and merriment stamped it all and never left. School reps, getting flogged by a tallish blond fella, you whispered to Bunter, “get him to float it leg”. Standing up you whipped bails. The out, Robertson, talked of his older brother, apparently becoming a handy midfield back. A colts trial, knackered by heat and a skinny little 18yo named Smith on 180, the marvellous grin inherited from Ross and Helen (she why you always presented immaculate), became that ‘thinking grimace’. “We’ll make it, just some other way”. Nothing you couldn’t do though, bar beating Munro at tennis, even wicket-keeping for Wellington. And no surprise in town when a schoolboy shot under the card, after all the Grey Wolf won the local open many times. Days later, within an inch of acing the par 4, you chuckled, “I need glasses”. Swinging to knock the gimme, a rare miss left a divot next to the hole. We tried repair, then the ‘grimace’. “We’ll have to report it to the manager”, a kind old Dutchman who enquired, “what’s a divot”, and we were free to go. The holiday jobs. Ross saw the future in golf and got you one throwing cement bags to build the wrists which later held the safest hands in rugby. And your generosity. “I’m bringing 4 Aussies over to the test”. Post match we climbed some stairs in the city. Suddenly we’re in the holy of holies. Speeches and anecdotes from greats like Dougan, Haden, Mourie, maybe Twig. What a night those Aussies still talk of. Our occasional calls, like a 90-minute brain-pick late February, always diverted to others, especially Sue and family. You were never about you. But deeply saddened, another boy from Masterton takes comfort knowing, ‘you made it … and how’.

Stu I have never meet you but you were such a wonderful person and gave sue such love and compaction you will be sadly missed R I P lots of love to the family Marie xx

It was a privilege to have known you, to have shared the Black Jersey along side you & to attend your tangi my friend. Your love shone through today. The smile of all smiles, the heart of all hearts & the values of all values were all real. You should feel proud of your whanau today & your friends who paid you the respect you deserved. You were a great man on & off the field. Arohanui ki te whanau. Moe mai ra Matua. 🙏🏼❤️

Stu, You were one of the world’s great humans. Always so interested and engaging. Thank you for the fond memories and may you rest in peace. Your memory lives on.

Goodbye my friend. I will miss the the catch-ups at the rugby functions. I guess you will now be playing on the wing for the "God Squad" and annoying the angels. My regards to family and friends. Shaun Lawless

It was with great sadness that I heard about Stu's death. It was always great to catch up with Stu at the All Black reunions. Fond memories of playing against Stu and playing Tests with him. Murray Watts AB #793

To the legend and, as we knew him, the Good Ship SS, it is so sad that our good ship has sailed its last journey. However, I will always treasure the years we worked together and never forget the stories and good times. You were irreplaceable and will be forever missed. Rest in peace, my friend Craig Denny, Pub Charity

In the late 1970’s I was transferred to Wellington as a graduate trainee at ICI NZ. Part of the deal was accomodation at the Grand Hotel. After a number of days, not knowing anyone in Wellington, Stu approached me at the hotel and asked if I needed help, or accomodation, or to meet a group of people. I moved in with Stu and his flatmates at the time in Grant Road; and through Stu’s kindness and generosity, I met a large number of his friends who remain my friends to this day. Apart from his obvious rugby skills, his sense of humour and caring nature were his standout attributes. RIP Stu.

Stu How privileged we all were to have shared the same changing room as you. Sue and all the family . Like you all We will miss your Man Taken far too young and with so many more. stories to tell. RIP Andy Leslie

It was a privilege to work with and consider Stu a mate! And not once did his legacy affect his treatment of others - always with a joke, a quip, a story and that sly childish grin! I never once felt unworthy in his presence, even though I probably was. R.I.P SSW

Stu, I will never forget the memories we made at Pub Charity and the friendship we formed. The quiz nights we held at pubs and the beers that flowed mixing with the locals. You brought so much Joy to the rural communities we visited that will be cherished by many people. I will never forget what you did for me in Queenstown when I ended up in hospital. You never left my side even when I told you I would be okay. I will miss you my good mate. Rest in Peace Stu and I will see you on the other side for a coffee. Love Matt