Stuart passed away peacefully at his home in Langley, Wash., at the age of 92. Stuart grew up in Reading, Mass., with his older brother Herbert and younger sister Jean.
After high school, he attended Bowdoin College, followed by The Parsons School of Design in New York City. Here he lived the life of his dreams as an artist. Then followed a two-year stint in the U.S. Navy, during which he proposed to the love of his life Marjorie “Woodsie” Jean Woods. They married Sept. 22, 1956 and spent a three-month honeymoon in Europe exploring the culture and art.
After settling into their new home in Wenham, Mass., Stu began a 25-year career working for his dad at H.W. MacLeod Co. in Boston. Outside of work, his artistic gifts were channeled into interior design and the home garden. He played tennis passionately and loved the ski slopes, on which many family vacations were spent.
In 1976, he created the Custom House Gallery in Salem, Mass., and began his beloved second career in the arts. Stu and Woodsie spent the next 20 years working side by side in the gallery until they retired and moved across the country to be closer to their only daughter. Woodsie died in 2011.
Surviving Stu are his daughter Meredith MacLeod, of Langley; sister-in-law Marlyn Woods, of Mariposa, Calif.; and nieces and nephews whom he adored. Stu will be remembered for his love of music, art, family, his welcoming smile and his kind and gracious heart.
Donations in Stu’s memory may be made to WhidbeyHealth Foundation (Hospice), 101 N. Main St., Coupeville, WA 98239