I was deeply saddened to hear of Stuart’s passing. He was someone of remarkable intellect who was widely respected, yet always personable and approachable. Stuart had a thoughtful and measured way of communicating and able to make his points clearly and effectively while remaining respectful and considerate of others.
Although I did not work alongside Stuart for long during his time at the CAA, he played an important role in my career within the organisation, being part of the decision to hire me after conducting my interview. From that first meeting, I had a profound respect for him, both for his extensive knowledge and for his genuine interest in data and the insights it could offer. That respect continued long after, even following his move away from the CAA, as we stayed in occasional contact due to his work as an AME and through data requests.
Hearing of his passing came as a great shock, particularly as I had worked with him on a project only shortly before Christmas. He will be remembered not only for his expertise, but also for his warm, engaging manner and his keen sense of humour, which made working with him both rewarding and enjoyable.