Stuart Dean Naismith

Stuart Dean Naismith of Port Dickinson Stuart Dean Naismith left this world at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, New York. He died a short yet heroic death from cancer complications on October 15, 2011. Stuart Naismith leaves a multitude of friends and loved one who will forever cherish his memory. He never said an unkind word to anyone. He often received notes and letters from previous students, years after the fact, thanking him for kindness and the positive impact that he’d had upon their lives. He helped an inordinate number of people in his lifetime. He was proud of his Scottish heritage and believed that this, in part, could be attributed to his never ending drive to stand up and work toward what he believed was right. He loved well and was well loved. His was a life well spent. Stuart was born January 19, 1927 in Sioux City, Iowa to Jack and Grace Naismith. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, James. He is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy who he married on March 12, 1952. From this day forth, Stuart never removed the wedding ring that Peggy placed upon his finger that day. Stuart is also survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Cheryl and Jack Ryder, Binghamton and Susan Naismith, Binghamton. He leaves behind three grandchildren, Jeff, Christine and Laura Ryder all of Binghamton, three nieces, Rachel (David) Naismith, Massachusetts, Annie (Tom) Naismith, Washington and Laurie Naismith, Washington as well as several cousins and in-laws. As a child, Stuart enjoyed camping and fly fishing with his grandfather, Dr. James Naismith. At the early age of 17 he left high school to enlist in the United States Navy. He served in the South Pacific on a sea plane tender whose purpose was to pick up injured and maimed servicemen. This experience had a profound impact in the development of one of his life’s greatest passions, the peace and justice work that he cared so fervently about. Stuart organized the local Veterans for Peace chapter. He spent a great amount of time speaking, writing, working and hoping for a world where humanity ceased to fight. He took part in many demonstrations against the Vietnam and Iraqi wars. Several years ago, Stu took part in a demonstration to protest the School of the Americas’ practice of training the US and foreign military in the “art” of how to administer pain and torture to captives. After WWII he acquired a degree in business from Syracuse University. Then moving to Chenango Bridge, he was the owner of “Stu’s Atlantic”. He was an honest mechanic and a kind boss and took night classes at Cortland State and Ithaca College receiving his elementary teaching certification. Stu began his career in education at Chenango Valley in the “Quonset Hut” at Port Dickinson School. Several years later, he moved to Chenango Bridge Elementary where he continued to teach sixth grade and later remedial reading. In the early 1970’s, he changed districts becoming principal at the John Harshaw School in the Chenango Forks districts. In his “retirement” he was in charge of the campus school at the Children’s Home of the Wyoming Conference. Stuart loved children and teaching. He spoke often of his love of teaching, his love of his students and the importance of treating all people despite their age or station in life with kindness and dignity. Stuart abhorred the current NYS education mandates requiring such an emphasis on testing that he termed it as “child abuse”. Stuart loved all types of music, dancing, books, poetry and had a oneness with animals. He was a member of Amnesty International, The Lyceum, The Memorial Society and a volunteer at Action for Older Persons. These are only several of the organizations that Stuart supported and believed in. He was an excellent craftsman. In his youth he became equated with the religious Society of Friends and always considered himself a “Friend”. Memorial services will be held 3:00 pm, Sunday, October 30, 2011 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 183 Riverside Drive, Binghamton with the Reverend Douglas Taylor officiating. If it pleases you kindly consider offering a random act of kindness to another person or animal in Stuart’s memory. Memorial contributions may be made to Veterans for Peace, c/o John Patterson, 184 Helen Street, Binghamton, NY 13905; the Humane Society, 2 Jackson Street, Binghamton, NY 13903 or the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech Street, Johnson City, NY 13790. Well done my fine and faithful servant!