To me, by all accounts, Stuart was a giant among men. An interesting and an interested man. Extremely well-read, he was a wonderfully bright conversationalist, always leaving 'room' in any conversation (or whatever the endeavour!) for one to 'step up' and to 'put-ones-best-foot-forward' (and, oh yes, you'd better have your facts straight too because he'd call you on it!) I loved that about him.
Not having crossed paths with Stuart since the mid-60's and the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, it did my heart good to remake his acquaintance in the 1990s here in Vancouver. As my lieutenant in the Militia of the early 1960s, (I was an NCO then) Stu Munro of the Camerons Highlanders was, without doubt, a great leader. He knew when to praise (or not!) and, to many a young man then, his intuitiveness in this regard served to motivate and bring out the very best in all of us.
But now it was the 90s and Stuart was in his retirement years by that time and, ...had gone back to school, attending the University of British Columbia and studying English Literature. (Having followed 'Safety Forum by Stu Munro' in Rider Magazine for several years, I suggested in all seriousness that perhaps he was there teaching English Literature. But no, he was there as a student only. Well, it should be known that I, for one, would have given my right arm to have been in that classroom when he was there!)
More recently, I feel fortunate to have known a few wonderful days spent with him in his declining years; going out for lunch in my convertible, top down on the nicer days, and he seemed to be able to, magically, set aside his many physical aches and pains and enjoy the ride. He would cheerily conjure up memories of good days with his old Triumph TR3 (?) in Ottawa and share hilarious anecdotes (usually involving Derry O'Byrne). It was good to have him smile and to hear him laugh.
He will be missed.
Bill Hamilton
former Senior Instructor
British Columbia Safety Council
Motorcycle Safety
Vancouver, BC
PS: Ken Morgan: I do hope you are successful in getting Stuart recognized and into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
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Sad news.
Stuart was a fierce Scot, and "never married a Campbell" in all the facets of his life.
He experienced war at 15 years (he lied to get in) of age (in Italy) that would have crushed any mortal. He guarded Japanese war criminals at 19, learning, and studying their philosophies and religion.
He gave his knowledge, experiences and his energies, and especially his unique "joie de vive", to all around him, and all of these, without reservation, to me.
He has saved directly or indirectly tens of thousands of lives throughout the world by championing and initiating worldwide motorcycle rider education.
He was a true 180 IQ genius and a gifted writer (editor of "Mensa" and known as "Joseph E. Blogs" to the motorcycle world).
Dreams, communication, and irreverent humour were his sustenance.
He was truly one of a kind.
God will have his hands full.
Bob
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Ken:
Sad news indeed. Stuart was a mentor and father figure to me, as I lost my dad early in life. He was also my CO in the militia and that is why I got together with him in motorcycle rider ed. after we both mustered out and he was looking for volunteers ( I thought I had learned never to volunteer in the reserves).
He also was the one who introduced me to Vincents, and I still have a Black Shadow to this day.
I will try and set down a few words and will try to recall dates as best I can.
As you may know, there is now a Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame (CMHF). Though 500,000 Canadians have taken a Canada Safety Council motorcycle course few know of its genesis . More than 10,000 motorcyclists have acted as instructors in that program I doubt that many know of Stuart's contribution to motorcycle safety. I'm in the process of putting together a nomination for Stuart to be inducted into the CMHF.
As you and Pat were "there" at the beginning I'd very much appreciate it if you could see your way to writing a few words in a letter of support to the CMHF nominating committee. I have to have the nomination in, along with originals of supporting documentation, by March 31.
Thanks for letting me know and I hope you are well.
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Stuart and Rose-Marie in Montreal airport after driving me from Ottawa and flying to New York and then again via Montreal back to Finland 1980
Stuart made his motorcycle training testament:
When it all started, good old times:
Visiting to our scottish-canadien friend:
