Stuart English
OBITUARY
Stuart English was a kind, generous son, brother, brother-in-law, Uncle and friend. Stuart passed away peacefully in August after a brief illness. We will always celebrate his life and cherish our memories of him.
Stuart was born in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England on December 15, 1953. Sailing upon the S.S. United States, Stuart immigrated to Canada (via New York) in 1957 with his parents John and Josephine and his brothers Michael and Peter (in utero). In an act that came to define Stuart’s delightful sense of adventure, he wandered off to explore Lower Manhattan within minutes of landing at the Port of New York. To the consternation of his brother, Stuart was soon returned to his parents, grinning ear to ear, walking hand-in-hand with a New York City policeman. Fearing immediate deportation, the family scurried onto the train to Canada.
Burlington, Ontario, Canada was Stuart’s home for the next 6 years until 1963 when his father took a job in San Jose with General Electric. Except for a brief period in Los Angeles, Stuart remained a resident of the South Bay. He was a loyal fan of the Giants, 49ers, Warriors, Sharks, and Earthquakes. Stuart was a graduate of Samuel Ayer high school in Milpitas and graduated with honors with a degree in Advertising from San Jose State University. Soon after, Stuart joined the Public Relations Dept. at Media News Group (San Jose Mercury News), rising to become a Senior Account Executive. In addition, Stuart was the Creative Director at Dazai Advertising in San Jose.
Stuart claimed to get up every morning at 4:30. Maybe. But given his dedication to his work and his family and friends, and his many interests and hobbies, it might just be true – he was an avid cyclist, grew spectacular roses and bountiful tomatoes, loved to read, played guitar and painted, paddled competitively in the Bay Area Dragon Boat Races, and when he wasn’t doing these things he was likely polishing his cherished Miata. Stuart was also active philanthropically. He held positions with the San Jose Sports Authority and the Santa Clara County Crippled Children’s Society. He also served on the Board of Directors with Cinequest San Jose.
Stuart is survived by his brothers Michael and Peter, sisters-in-law Pam and Kathy, niece Kim Hanlon, and cousins Bruce Riley, Donna, Ray and Dale Stephens, Christine Simpson, and Helen Jones. A private memorial service will be held.