STUART McRAE

Stuart was one of my few professors who became a friend. Accelerated by a wild trip to Tikal in the early 70´s, he thoughtfully pulled me from a life of boredom into a life of learning and adventure. He invited the entire class to his home for parties and exemplified that being smart and educated did not have to result in boredom. RIP Stu.

Yep, one in a 10 million guy. First Anthro teacher I had and the very best. That was something like 1985, was before all his accomplishments in Anthropology. I didn't even know what he'd gone to do... but not surprised. John Wayne of Anthropology. RIP.

I knew Stuart from the First Methodist Church in Orlando, Florida. He was at our house many times and was such an inspiration to the young people. When I was getting married, Stuart came back and married me and my husband 45 years ago today, Dec. 13, 1969.

I didn't know Stuart McRae personally, but I took 3 Anthropology courses from 1992 - 1994 with him. To this day, I have never had a teacher who made me want to learn a subject more. He always had time for every one of his students, and made us feel like we were the the most important person in the room. I regret that I didn't get the opportunity to know him better. Just last Sunday a story about Chagnon and the Yanomamo was featured on CBS, and the first thing that came to my mind was...

Stuart,

For more than 30 years I have loved you. You, Moose and me at Crescent Beach ... and obsidian blades in Quirigua!

I dreamed of you your last week. I did not know you (so full of life and love) were even ill. I will forever regret not calling to say goodbye and tell you (although it was impossible) I would have done anything if I could have made you happy in my Wall Street Lawyer's life.

You were the best of so many of us and "larger than life" to all of us. ...

Stuart McRae was my uncle and I just learned of his passing. His sister, Anne McRae Darley was my mother. He was by far the coolest, most interesting person I have ever know and treasure the time I was able to spend with him. He will be missed by many.