Dr.Ian Stuart, mighty rugby prop for Sale and Richmond RFC has passed away Jan 27th,2011

The following emails say it all about Ian. Enjoy

Ian Stuart He was what he was, but he played and loved the game. When one reflects about our era, we all had our successes and short comings. The great thing was we all shared our grievances after each game. His loss is ours. Rest his soul.

Dave Harwood

Members will be saddened to learn of the death on Thursday of Dr Ian Stewart after a protracted battle with cancer. Dr Ian Stewart: In Memoriam Members will be saddened to learn of the death on Thursday of Dr Ian Stewart after a protracted battle with cancer. With first class experience at Sale propping alongside Fran Cotton, Ian arrived at Heath in the mid 80s and, already in his 40s, propped mainly for the 2s. His uncompromising approach to the game in coaching the Colts alongside Alan Butcher saw them emerge as Sussex champions. He also contributed to senior coaching and, with Arthur Chopping, drove Heath’s development plan. After a long career in the pharmaceuticals industry, ending as MD of an international company, he was well equipped to do so. Latterly, his distinguished commercial career brought him a Chair in Management Studies in the States. Ian spent much time recently at his house in Portugal and continued to indulge his passion for rugby and for country and western. He may well be somewhere up there viewing today's game whilst strumming his guitar. I'm sure he'll also be voicing a strong opinion on what he sees. Our sympathies go to Mandy and the family. There will be a minute’s silence prior to today’s home game against Dover.

Alan Jenkins

I am sorry for chiming in late about Ian's departure, but my computer was down. So now I am glad that I can get this email out before the next rugby lunch. You want tough...I will tell you what tough is. Long ago, in the early 80's, I removed Ian's four impacted wisdom teeth on a Friday. On the next day he was out on the pitch playing for Richmond RFC. Needless to say, he was spitting out a little blood during the match. I asked him if he felt o.k. and he said he felt a lot faster now that his wisdom teeth were gone. I was always amazed by that display of whatever. He was both a hooligan playing a gentleman's game, as well as a gentleman playing a hooligan's game. The fact that he was a professor at the University of Richmond and a sucker puncher was always a humorous dichotomy. He always, affectionately, if he can be described that way referred to me as his hero. That endearment will be missed as much as his hedonistic style. But seriously, for a moment, all our sympathies go out to Mandy and their children. Like Monk Vaughn, another mold was broken that won't be refilled.

Woody Woolfolk

I have lots stories about Ian from working with him at A.H. Robins to teaching with him at UofR to playing rugby with him. He was always like a big brother to me; beating the crap out me all the time but never letting anybody else do the same. As you guys know, his skills teaching method was hands on, so when he told you he had something to show you that might improve your game you could only brace yourself. On the pitch, if you were having a hard time with an opponent, you had only to tell Ian. He would get that boyish smile, we've all seen, and be off and about to have a thoughtful discussion with the dude. It's usually didn't end up well for him. As I read through the comments and memories about our old friend, it is obvious to me, he will always be with us.

Cheers, Jon Hill

One week after getting 24 stitches in my chin, I somehow was talked into playing in a friendly scrimmage against a side that included Ian. At the end of a play, as I was getting up off a pile of people I saw Ian under me on the ground and smiling up at me as he punched me in my stitches. It never occurred to me to retaliate in any way. We both had a good laugh because that was just Ian being playful and I was somehow flattered to be included in his fun. I’ll miss that SOB but he will always be with us.

Danny Patterson

Ian was a good friend, both on & off the pitch. He was actually June's boss for several years at AH Robbins. Rough edges only begins to describe Ian--he was truly a fitting representative of "Reform School Rugby", for better or worse. He taught everyone he played with a lot--some of it legal, some of it not--but he always played with passion & I never knew him to quit. Some of you may know that he came very close to representing England. He played for Sale, propping with long-time England International Fran Cotton--imagine that front row..... Hard to believe you're gone, Ian. Godspeed.

Jim Pass

Joe Thomas was considered the dirtiest player in the VRU but Ian stole that title quickly. I personally considered it a pleasure to play with & against Ian. May he rest in peace.

Terry Byrd

To absent friends!! For Ian and the others who have gone before.

Joseph (Joe) C. Smith II

just the other night i had a call from one of ians close friends at the u of r. i rudely told him i did not want to hear it. i immediately excused myself and listened to the sad news. ian has been a true friend to me and a staunch supporter. he and his wonderful wife mandy visited me every time they came to richmond. pain he knew well but thank the lord his state renders none.

John Fleming

On Thu, Jan 27, 2011 at 11:41 PM, Cary Kennedy wrote:

My first introduction to Ian was in an opposing front row Richmond v Norfolk late 70's. All I really seem to remember was the back of Ian's head smashing into my face. God speed Ian. Regards to all,Cary