Many of you will have met or knew of Stuart McDonald. Sadly Stuart passed away last weekend following a recent illness.I had known ‘Stuey’ for over 45 years, first as a member of Healesville Apex Club at both club and District level, and then because one had to leave when you reached 40 years of age, as a member of Healesville Rotary Club.
Stuart may have been small in stature but he was such a dynamic force in the community and organisations he was involved with, and will long be remembered for a host of lasting local community facilities and memories he leaves behind.
Stuart was a keen International traveler and representative for both Apex and Rotary and there will be many around the world who have fond memories of him and will be saddened by his loss. His work and leadership within Rotary Youth Exchange were amazing and so many young people can attribute part of their success in life to their involvement with Stuart. In the early days, our Apex Zone went from Melbourne to Bairnsdale, and just as he did in Rotary, Stuart would go anywhere to support a cause or promote projects as he did with Youth Exchange. The distance he had to travel to club or district events was never a burden or challenge for him.
I look back on ‘Stuey’ with love and admiration for his amazing commitment in all his endeavours for others, particularly young people. It was a pleasure to be able to call him a friend.
 He was certainly a beacon for the ideal of “Service Above Self”.