Sid Stutz

Sid Stutz, age ninety-three, long-time resident of La Jolla, California, died just after sunset on New Year's Day, surrounded by his family singing his favorite songs.

It was appropriate that his final days should be spent at the tail end of the holiday season, as he was a man who loved people, food, and celebrations. When recounting a recent trip, or a visit with family and friends, he would almost always emphatically exclaim: "Oh, we had a fine meal!" which of course had far more to do with the quality of the stories, the laughter, and the shared experience than the actual cuisine, fine as it might have been.

Born in Alton, Illinois in 1932, the son of Ray and Lillian Stutz, Sid worked hard as a young man, whether bailing hay at local farms or as an eager and respected Boy Scout. He was the co-valedictorian of his high school in DePue, Illinois. In later years, this achievement became a recurring joke: he was quick to point out that he should have been the sole valedictorian, but, seeing as his father was the superintendent of schools at the time, he had to share the honor with another student to eliminate any thought of favoritism. (He swore that it didn't bother him, but his family did hear that joke many times...)

Sid's strong work ethic helped him excel at the University of Illinois, and after that, a law degree from Harvard University. After his time at Harvard, he joined the Navy; after retiring from active duty, Sid stayed in the reserves for over twenty years, eventually attaining the rank of Commander. At the University of Illinois, he had met and married Sally Davison, a brilliant woman with a strong work ethic herself, and they moved to San Diego, California, to start a family. David, Sara, Michael and Eric followed in succession, as did success in the field of law where Sid would eventually head multiple law firms and garner professional respect. An honor he was particularly proud of was being named the recipient of the Daniel T. Broderick Award for Civility and Professionalism in 1997 - civility and kindness were not to be cast aside.

Tragically, Sid's wife Sally died in 1979. He married again, to another amazing woman, Judith Strickland, and they added two more children to the brood, Adam and Kathryn. Sid and Judith were married for thirty-one years full of travel, laughter and excellent pie. In 2011, after a long battle with cancer, Judith passed away. A few years later, Paula McColl, another extraordinary woman, came onto the scene, leading to yet more shared years filled with friends, dinners, travel and art. These three women made Sid a much better man.

Sid's accomplishments in life make a very long and impressive list. A few highlights include his extraordinary philanthropic work as a member of, and eventual president of the board of directors of the Home of Guiding Hands, his unwavering support of Democratic candidates and causes over the years, and his fifty-seven-year tenure as a die-hard San Diego Padres fan. He attended both World Series that the Padres played in; it would have been nice of the organization to have actually won a series while Sid was alive.

Sid himself ranked his family as his biggest accomplishment. He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Lillian, his brother Doug and his beloved son Eric. He is survived by sister Mary Jo, his long-time partner Paula McColl, his children David (Becky), Sara (Joe), Mike (Laurel), Adam (Destinie) and Kathryn (Ian), and his greatest pride and joy, his grandchildren, Megan, Emily (Graeme), Felix, Callum, Connor, Culver and Margaret. Sid's extended family of nephews, nieces, cousins and good friends is far too wide to list here. But he loved them all and so enjoyed their company, all throughout his life.

If one sound could represent Sid, it would be laughter. Not just a knowing chuckle, but rather a foot stomping, air-gasping, full-throated peal of laughter. The sources of that laughter varied widely throughout his life, but the result was always the same. If you wish to honor him, share a good hearty laugh with someone you love. Sid would appreciate it, and you'll feel a whole lot better when you're through.