Stuart Gant
August 19, 1953 ~ April 8, 2012
Stuart Dorsett Gant was born on August 19, 1953 in Minnesota; he was the youngest of Gwynlyn and Harry Gant's four children. Despite the fact that he was the youngest of all the children he proved to be the one who would out shine all the rest. Stuart was a very smart, outgoing, fun loving little boy who did not lack the thrill seeking mentality in any way. When he was ten years old he decided to climb to the top of the church's roof to retrieve his tennis ball and broke both of his legs; while that was a tragedy in itself; it proved that Stuart was a fighter who did not shy away from a challenge no matter how daunting it was. As Stuart grew older he longed for more and had a strong desire to broaden his horizons, and thus he jumped on the back of his Kawasaki Ninja Motorcycle and rode from Missouri to California as soon as he turned eighteen. Once he arrived in California he continued on with his college education and earned an Associate's Degree in Mathematics from Shasta Community College and then went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Information Science from University of California Santa Cruz. While he now was an educated college graduate working for McDonald Douglas he longed for someone to share his life with, and so he decided to put a personal ad in the Orange County Singles Register. This proved to be the most important decision in his life because that is how he found Robin, the mother of his children and, more importantly, his wife of 30 years. Stuart and Robin had their first date on February 14, 1981, Valentine's Day, and never left each other's side from that point on. They married on March 28, 1982 and started their family shortly after that. Stuart was an amazing father to four beautiful children. He first became a father at the age of 32 to a beautiful baby boy Justin Scott on July 6 1986. Following the birth of his first child he could not wait to have more children and soon followed his beautiful daughter Courtney Alyse on January 26, 1988 and shortly after his beautiful daughter Alexis Michelle on February 16, 1990. Though he and his wife chose to wait awhile before having his last beautiful baby boy, Brett Lee on June 25, 1998, Stuart did not lose any time waiting to make the most of his life. He loved to spend time with his family, vacation, and all around enjoy life. He loved to ride motorcycles, go to amusement parks, play with his kids, and in short experience new things. Stuart lived his life to the fullest extent he could, he loved his family in every sense of the word, and he did everything he possibly could to give his wife and four children everything they could have ever wanted. While his young life may have been cut short, and though he may have passed away on April 8, 2012 at the young age of 58, he will never stop living. Stuart is survived through his children: Justin, Courtney, Alexis, and Brett and his loving wife, Robin and through all of them he will continue to be the loving and guiding father, the caring and adoring husband, and most importantly the fantastic, intelligent and one-of-a-kind man that he was and will forever continue to be!
From Aunt Elaine. You and your family, Robin have my sympathy. I know Stuart will be missed. Love, Aunt Elaine
From Stuart’s cousin in Minnesota (Bruce, Elaine & Carl’s son) and his wife, we send our sympathy to you.
My sympathy to you all. I have wonderful memories of Stuart visiting my parent’s Minnesota farm one summer. Nothing was ever dull when Stuart was around! Stuart’s cousin, Martha Anderson Wiggam
Robin, Please accept our heartfull sympathy for the loss of Stuart. I extend love to your whole family. Donna Southwick (Aunt) and family
Stuart was one of my older cousins. I am Dale and Verla’s oldest, I think you know them. Dale is Gwyn’s youngest sib. I didn’t know Stuart well, they moved to Missouri when I was little. I do remember him visiting a few times in Mankato when I was older, he gave me a book for Christmas one year and I treasured it. The book was “The Prophet” and I’ve read it so many times. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
The Gant family has been an important part of our school for many years. Stuart’s dedication to being part of Brett’s education here was remarkable, and his frequent presence,smiling face, and generous attitude will be greatly missed. Your TVCS family is thinking of you!