Stuart McElwain

Stuart is survived by his wife Nancy Mcelwain, his two daughters Kathleen McElwain, Kelly Pound, his brother Robert McElwain of Kansas, four grand children and 10 great grandchildren.

Stuart Was a truly great man. He was a man of god, an honorable man, Loving and kind. Stuart had humility and exceptional integrity. He was not prideful or arrogant but talented at everything he put his hand to. He led by example. He was a loyal servant of God. Stuart walked in the path and followed the example of Christ.

Stuart was a beacon of hope to many as he battled lymphoma cancer and beat the greatest expectations of the doctors. Diagnosed with stage four lymphoma and given only two years to live, he lived a full and great quality of life for 23 more years. He gave thanks to God, good doctors, a good attitude, a good wife, lots of prayers and in his zest for life. He fought the cancer all the way to the end.

Stuart’s greatest honor and accomplishment in life was to have loved one woman very well. He loved his wife Nancy deeply and passionately for 62 years. Stuart met the love of his life on the dance floor at Purdue university at a Newman club dance and danced to the song of love for the rest of his life. Stuart loved to dance, he learned in the Arthur Murray dance studios early on and his talents wooed the love of his life. He loved square dancing and served and danced with the boots and slippers square dance club. He round danced and clogged.

Stuart was the provider and protector of his family. He gently and lovingly raised nurtured and taught his daughters to be strong independent and resilient. His work ethic inspired many people throughout the years. Stuart served in the US Air Force in aircraft maintenance. He loved the aircraft he oversaw, the B-52’s and the F100’s were among his favorites. He served in Vietnam, Korea, and on US soil for a total of 20 years, he retired as a major. He served Merced county as a purchasing officer for another 20 years.

Stuart served the lord our God in quiet service. Stuart converted to Catholicism early in his adult life. He studied the gospels and searched in wisdom to find the truth of his faith. He served as a fourth degree knight in the knights of Columbus. Stuart was a proud member of the Kiwanis he also served by singing with the saint Patrick’s church choir, he served the Catholic Church, and his fellow man. He also served his community with his singing talents in the Merced collage chorale. He served on the color guard, and sang in the barbershop chorus.

He loved to give the gifts of his time, talents and resources. Stuart gave generously to many worthwhile charities.

Stuart was a builder, he built props for barbershop shows, porches, furniture, a grandfather clock, and several cars. He built a kit car, he did stained glass art, He was indeed a jack of many trades but as he would say, in his humble way, a master of none. At home and to many others he was “ Mr. fix it” His stacks of awards and accomplishments would suggest he was truly a master of many talents.

Stuart McElwain received an old timers award for having lived and served in Merced county for over 50 years. Stuart has impacted the lives of thousands of people in our community and thought of highly by all.

Stuart, You were deeply loved by all of those around you.