Obituary of Alexander Stuart
Alexander K. (Sandy) Stuart
C.M., B.A.Sc., P.Eng.
October 11, 1924 - December 20, 2014
Peacefully, in his 91st year, at his home at the Bradgate Arms, with family by his side.
Most beloved husband for 62 years of the late Mary Alice (Burton) Stuart (2011); dearest father of daughter Clayton Scott (Ian Scott, Callaway (Christopher Weaver, great-granddaughter Penelope), Harry and Susannah), son Alexander E. (Al) Stuart (Julie Wells, Kyle, William, David and Natalie), son James M.K. Stuart, and son Andrew T.B. Stuart (Lisa Stuart, Samantha and Edward (Ted)). Pre-deceased by his parents Alexander T. Stuart and Isobel (Caldwell) Stuart. Sandy will be remembered with love by his sister-in-law Anne C. Smith, brother-in-law C. Merrill Burton, and cousin Arden King.
A brilliant and accomplished man, ahead of his time, Sandy was a leader in the drive toward the worldwide implementation of clean energy in the form of hydrogen fuel. A well-known and respected businessman and entrepreneur, he founded, was President and then Chairman of The Electrolyser Corporation (later Stuart Energy Systems).
Sandy, a veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy serving as a Lieutenant during World War II, loved the sea. A consummate outdoorsman, he was passionate about wildlife and championed environmental causes long before it was fashionable. Some of his happiest times were spent at his farm near Thornbury, or fishing in Georgian Bay at his treasured Tadenac Hunting and Fishing Club. A cherished family man, Sandy was known affectionately as "Papa" by his grandchildren.
Among Sandy's many other accomplishments:
Chairman - Export Development Canada, a Crown Corporation;
Founding delegate for Canada and Chairman of the Hydrogen Committee at the International Energy
Agency, Paris;
Chairman - World Hydrogen Energy Conference, Canadian Hydrogen Association, Canadian Exporters' Association;
Vice-Chairman of the National Hydrogen Association in Washington, D.C.;
Lifetime Achievement Award - Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Assoc.;
Inductee - University of Toronto Engineering Alumnae Hall of Distinction;
Director - Ontario Centre for Excellence;
Chairman - Nature Conservancy of Canada;
Director, Co-founder - Long Point Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Fund;
Director - World Wildlife Fund Canada;
Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.
The family especially thanks the wonderful staff at St. Michael's Hospital and Bridgepoint Active Healthcare; and at The Bradgate Arms: Shiran Refai and Liliana Volnikova, and nurses Medy, Chris, Jenny, Jasmin, and Eric, and personal caregivers Christine, Lorna, Jean, Angel, MJ, Cathy and Grace for the tender and affectionate care they provided for Sandy. Our deep thanks to Dr. Sydney Smart for his compassionate care.
The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 8th. Funeral at CHRIST CHURCH DEER PARK, 1570 Yonge Street, Friday, January 9th at 2:00 p.m. Private interment.
In honour of Sandy's memory, the family would appreciate donations to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (www.natureconservancy.ca) or Bridgepoint Foundation (www.bridgepointhealth.ca). Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.
