At a recent gathering of friends to celebrate Stuart's life, I shared this (jokingly irreverent) ditty in fondest memory of Stuart..
Our dearest, most beloved Stuart
has left us with a broken heart.
But tonight, we must not be too sad
and relish the joys that we’ve all had
with someone we called our dearest friend,
whose life came to an untimely end.
So, let’s remember what made us laugh
to serve as a happy epitaph.
We treasure with love his crazy traits
that made him a rare and special mate.
To say that Stuart was a tad obsessed
you’d have to start with his pristine nest.
On his fridge – postcards from everywhere:
from Capri, Spain to Tiananmen Square.
And IN his fridge – nothing to be found! …
an egg, smoked salmon, some coffee grounds
An ardent fan of beloved Spurs,
on weekend mornings he’d yell and curse.
A “sharpener” in hand, his mood would change
based on the goal score of Harry Kane.
Then if Spurs won and he felt groovy
he’d switch on Turner Classic Movies.
On modern films he was never hooked
and buried himself in a sea of books.
Rizolli books were another quirk.
They’d arrive as gifts just like clockwork!
In things high-tech he was NOT able
and often told me where to stick my cable!
His Jag was a matter of eminent pride
in which his dates would luxuriously ride.
He’d pass MaraLago, say hi to Trump,
then head back home for a rampant hump!
In Palm Beach, our Stuart was king
and no pretty girl escaped a fling.
Often to La Perla he would stray
To pick up some exquisite lingerie.
Romantic, charming and debonair,
he’d entice them back to his wild lair.
His marriage to Barb was a thing spectacular
specially for one who’s a confirmed bachelor!
So how did Stuart expand his girth?
A booze and food gene he gained from birth.
His father taught him to drink at six
and gorged him on foie gras till he was sick.
We both saw food and had to try it,
then succumbed to endless, relentless diets!
We wagered on who could lose most weight;
But he never got to clear his slate!
These and more treasured memories we love.
And Stuart, as you look down on us from above,
We say: “We miss you, you’re in our hearts.
We can hardly bear to be apart”.
There’ll never be a friend like you
An Oxford-educated Episca-Jew!
So screw you for having predeceased,
But may you forever rest in peace.