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It’s his smile they remember best - “infectious” and always present, Stuart Little’s smile will be missed by those he left behind when he lost his fight with cancer on Wednesday morning.
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The 22-year-old man passed away in Gunnedah District Hospital surrounded by friends and family.
Described as "everyone’s mate”, Stuart loved to be around people and was a familiar face in the pubs and clubs.
He completed his mechanic apprenticeship at Lawrence’s Garage and Brake Service over a five year period, then moved on to Peel Valley Machinery, and worked at the Gunnedah Golf Club at night.
Stuart’s former boss, Aaron Knight, said he was “the life” of Lawrence’s.
“I was lucky enough to get so much time with him,” he said.
Stuart was diagnosed with cancer in September 2014 and underwent brain surgery the following month, with pathology results revealing an aggressive form of cancer in the front half of his brain –Oblioglioma.
He underwent treatment but despite the very real risk of the cancer returning, Stuart was determined to push on with life, buying a house and adding to his bevy of beloved vehicles.
In January this year, an MRI revealed a spot on his frontal lobe. Over the coming months, Stuart’s condition deteriorated and just five weeks ago, Stuart was given only three months to live.
The young man’s friends and family rallied, showing their ongoing loyalty and support in his final weeks in palliative care.
“He just touched everyone,” family friend Kath Casey said.
“We call it the Stuey family now.”
Despite the severity of his condition, friends said Stuart maintained his sense of humour, playing practical jokes on the nursing staff who looked after him.
“He was just a great kid,” Kath said.
“He just got dealt the wrong cards.”
Tink Taylor said she met Stuart at a party about eight years ago, and he became one of her best friends.
“He was always there and when he was there, he would make you happy,” she said.
“He was always so positive.”
Tink said Stuart encouraged her to pursue her passion of tattooing, and could always be relied on. In a tribute on Facebook, she described Stuart as “the bravest, most loyal, strongest person I know” and said he had “changed [her] life forever”.
Stuart’s mother, Jo-Ann put together some words on behalf of her family.
“Stuart was an enigma who touched many people’s lives,” she said.
“Although he wasn’t afforded the chance to build on his ambitions, he was able to achieve them. He became a qualified auto mechanic and bought his own home.
“His family and friends will carry his legacy dearly.”
Stuart’s funeral will be held on Wednesday at 1pm at Edlen Chapel on Wandobah Road. A wake will follow at the Gunnedah Rugby Club.
