TAYLOR, Dr Stuart. Passed away peacefully in Waikato Public Hospital on Friday, 16th September 2022. Aged 68 Years. Loved soulmate of Megan.
‘Will be greatly missed by all’
A private family farewell has taken place. All communications to The Taylor Family, c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800
Rosetown Funeral Home © 2025
16 Messages:
Dearest Megan…our bond goes back such a long way but life has always managed to keep us apart. We send you so much love at this sad time and think of you daily as you find a new way of living each day. Sending you the smell of Africa over the airwaves together with condolences from us both. Keith and Yvonne.
My darling little Sister,
My heart aches for you as you come to terms with your immense loss. In the dark moments, remember that Stu loved you so very much and what you shared was special beyond measure. You have been a rock to each other and I’d give anything to change things for you.
I’ll miss his company, his advice and his brotherly care. I’ll miss those long, lazy afternoons that turned into evenings playing cards, Scrabble or Cluedo, listening to his animated stories, enjoying his company and him sharing his knowledge. I’ll miss watching Mister Ed and hearing his chuckle, along with all the other Westerns and series he loved watching over again – Rawhide, Gunsmoke, Father Ted, Magnum PI to name a few. Those freezing nights out on the deck searching for interesting constellations and planets will always be treasured. I wish now I’d asked more questions, or better still, retained all that he explained. Christmases with him rekindled memories of childhood Christmases – I loved the excitement he brought to it, with full permission to enjoy it as we did when we were little. Birthdays were the same.
The tributes and e-mails people are sending have just confirmed that you found someone very special 20 years ago and I’m so grateful that they were such very full years, years that are brimming with memories, years in which you’ll always know that you shared the very best of times with each other.
I love you lots Meggie and will always love and miss your Stu, too.
Bevee
Thoughts of you at this time Megan. Fond memories of Stuart and his time at the then University of Natal. Hold tight to your memories. Love Jane
Thanks so much Jane for all your messages of support and memories, Meg
Dearest Megs, thank you for inviting us in to celebrate and farewell your absolute character of a man, what a tribute, what a life. You are well loved and cared for by all, our thoughts and prayers are with you on behalf of all your work mates. xx Siren
I found these words last night in a word doc written by Stuart himself and thought it would be nice to share here:
“I truly loved Africa; I was there for almost 20 years. The developed south of South Africa was fine but the northern rural areas that are fast disappearing were my favourites. If I had to go down to PMB, when I returned, a few days later, I’d turn right at Louis Trichardt and drive the final 150kms to the Venda Gate. It was truly exhilarating, white drivers would quickly disappear and the traditional mud huts of the Venda people began. I’d turn up my cassettes of Zimbabwe music, especially Leonard Dembo and open the windows. When I reached the Venda Gate, the gatekeepers, Winston and Oliver would dance out to meet me. Really, I’d sometimes cry a little, they were so welcoming and genuinely glad that I was back. As I was.”
And another:
“Although it is a cliché, there’s a smell of Africa, especially after rain. After darkness fell and the tourists had gone to bed, I’d sit outside with a glass of malt whisky or wine and some opera on the stereo. You could always hear the calls of lion or the trumpeting of elephant or the strange huffing of leopard. Magic time”
Love you, Meg
Our deepest condolences to you Meg. I wish we could have had more time to come up and see you and get to know Stuart more. We are praying for peace in your heart and may Stuart fly on angels wings. Much love Coral, Riaan, Tristan and Emma x
Our precious baby sister, our hearts are broken along with yours. We wish we could be there to hold you tight today, and to be able to say our final farewells to Stu, but we are with you in spirit with so much love. Look up at the stars with Stu’s telescope and you’ll see a new one twinkling at you, and drink a toast to a special man. Love you so very much. Nige and Merry.
Dear Megan. Condolences on your sad loss. I have happy memories of our days at the then University of Natal where many laughs were shared with the Scotsmen who at times was difficult to understand. Lots of love Jane
Dearest Megan. Special thoughts if you at this sad time. Many happy memories of the big Scotsmen who at times was difficult to understand. We shared many laughs in the good old days of the University of Natal. Hold tight to your memories Megan. Love Jane
Dearest Megan. Special thoughts if you at this sad time. Many happy memories of the happy Scotsmen who at times was difficult to understand. We shared many laughs in the good old days of the University of Natal. Hold tight to your memories Megan. Love Jane
Dearest Megan, you are in our thoughts and prayers at this extremely difficult and sad time. Sending all our love ❤ from Stuart, Debbie and family xx
I am so sorry to get the news of Stuart’s passing. I met him in 2017. I’d been on a long bus ride through the night from Johannesburg to Louis Trichardt and I was set to spend the next month in the Kruger park with a Scotsman I’d never met. He was there to pick me up, and despite being a bit disappointed I was a vegetarian we had a happy month full of little adventures, lots of parrots and ended with me dropping Stuart and two other rangers off at a local hospital because they had malaria. Back at the University we shared
many a joke about the quirks of living in South Africa. If he ever gave me a lift he’d almost drive onto the doorstep ‘because South Africans never walk anywhere!’ And on my 40th birthday he surprised me with a huge bag of English sweets. He was really kind as I wrote up my own PhD helping me with stats ideas and encouragement. Many a braai, sundowner, curry (because we missed them so much!) and cup of tea were shared. I shall remember Stuart as a kind, sociable and fun man; I’m so sorry he will miss far too many years and I send all my love and condolences to Meg.RIP Stuart.
My Darling & Precious Meg, my heart is breaking for you. Thinking of you so, so much at this time of sorrow. In our thoughts & Prayers. Wish we could be there to help you carry your load. Here for you Always and remembering all the Wonderful times with Stu. What a man. What a legend! Always so kind, caring & never a dull moment. Will always be remembered with fondness & love. RIP Stu amongst the Galaxies. We will be looking up at you! Lots of love, Pat, Garreth & Shan xx
Stuart Stuart was a very special man, one of a kind, unforgrttable and full of fun. Rest in peace my old friend, lots of love to Meghan.
Thanks so much Mike, Meg