A Tribute
To a lost friend.
It’s March 1st and it’s been 10 months since we lost Stu, our dear friend and colleague.
The season is starting to change from winter to autumn. The daffodils and snowdrops are growing strong, the grass is a vibrant green and thick, the sun is bright and high in the sky.
Stu’s dad Frank bought us a tree to remember him by. The tree is a Japanese acer, which will produce red-leaves. There was a tree planting the other week, a nice place has been chosen in the garden behind Paula’s Bench. I can see it now through the window from the counter where I am sat.
My thoughts often stray to Stu during the working day. When I think of something good to talk to him about or a joke that I know he would like and even to turn to him for help and advice with a problem at work.
From the Crosby Herald
Tree tribute at JMU to a special son
Feb 24 2011 by Mark Johnson, Crosby Herald
FAMILY, friends and work colleagues appeared at a special tree planting ceremony which honoured a much-loved son.
Stuart Kirk was 43 when he died of a heart attack at his home on Newborough Avenue in Crosby in May last year.
On Friday tribute was paid to him with the planting of a Japanese acer tree and unveiling of a plaque.
The tree was positioned near his favourite spot at work where he would read his books in the summer months.
At John Moore’s University’s (JMU) Avril Roberts building a 20 minute ceremony took place, where Stuart’s dad Frank thanked the university for allowing the service to take place.
Frank, 70, said: “Stuart was a loving, gentle and an unassuming man.
“He loved his nieces and nephews to bits and he loved our grand children too.
“He lived at home with us and we loved him so much.
“The tree is a Japanese acer tree which will produce red-leaves and it will stand out against all of the green-coloured leafed trees.
“He was totally content with his life and he never had one day off work sick. He was loved so much.”
He added: “He know something about everything and he knew everything about computing.
“His knowledge and his memory was amazing.”
Stuart had worked at the learning resource at JMU centre for almost 25 years.
His Crosby life included attending Forefield Lane school and later Chesterfield High School. He graduated with a degree in computing from Wolverhampton University.
The 43-year-old suffered a heart attack while at home and he was discovered by his dad who had just got back from a trip to Scotland where he had been visiting his other son Graham, 35, with wife Andrea.
Maxine Melling, director of libraries and student support thanked the gathering for attending the celebration of Stuart’s life and she said: “His colleagues remember him with a great deal of happiness.
“He came from a special family. The tree is accepted with our love.”
Stuart’s friend and work colleague Ray Burns said: “Stuart was a fantastic person to work with. He loved reading books such as The Lord of the Rings, and Terry Pratchett, and he enjoyed watching DVDs – Leon was his favourite film.
“He also liked the Lord of The Rings movies.”
A plaque was also placed next to the tree and its inscription read: “In memory of our dear friend and colleague Stuart Kirk (Stu). A gentle and unassuming man who knew something about everything and everything about computing. 1966-2010.”
R77B 
