Stuart B. Eynon

1922 - 2021

Stuart Bulger Eynon died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Sunday, January 17, 2021 at his Ashland home on land hed owned since 1952. He was 98. Stuart was born July 31, 1922 in Lynn, MA to Stuart and Ellen Eynon. The youngest of five and an Eagle Scout, he graduated from Lynn Classical High School in 1941. He attended Michigan State University on a football scholarship for a year then transferred to the University of New Hampshire (UNH) after a knee injury. He left UNH following his first year to serve in WWII, joining the Army Air Corps. Stationed in the Pacific, he was the ball turret gunner then flight engineer on a B-24 Liberator. He flew 43 missions with the 403rd Bombardment Squadron of the 43rd Bombardment Group (H). The 403rd was famous for being the only Squadron named Mareeba Butchers by Tokyo Rose for the accuracy and frequency of their bombing. He was discharged on November 20, 1945. To the end of his life, he was proud to reunite with remaining fellow members and families of the 43rd. After the War, Stuart traveled Alaskas Yukon River in a canoe, living off the land. He returned to UNH and graduated in 1949 with a degree in Forestry and lifelong friends, particularly from Kappa Sigma fraternity where he served as president. A devoted UNH alum, he returned regularly for reunions and football games. Stuart was a keen outdoorsman - salmon fishing in British Columbia, climbing in the White Mountains and leading his family and many dogs on camping trips through the steeps of the Appalachian Trail. He also skiedfirst down the streets and hills of Lynn, teaching himself from ski manuals, and later taking the snow train to Mt. Cranmore in North Conway, NH. In 1947, he earned his teaching certification from Hannes Schneider, the legendary father of skiing. Stuart went on to instruct for 35 years, most notably at Mittersill and Cannon Mountain in Franconia, NH where he worked weekends for decades with U.S. Ski Hall of Fame members Paul and Paula Valar. Stuart skied until he was nearly 97, traveling the world but returning most often to his favorite, Alta, UT. As he crafted his life so did he build - additions, barns, a garage apartment - a pool, a tennis court and gardens - just about anything he put his mind to, including a post-and-beam home when he was 80. He grew apples in his orchard and planted thousands of Christmas trees which he pruned by hand and sold until two years ago when he passed the job to his son-in-law, Robin. Stuart worked with precision, focus and a meticulous eye for detail. A reserved and humble man, he loved deeply, if unobtrusively. He spent more than 70 years with Heath Consultants Incorporated, helping it become the world leader in gas leak detection that it is today. He served as president, chairman and CEO of Heath Canada, and senior vice president of Heath U.S., emerging as the foremost expert in gas-related leakages and explosions. He retired from his day-to-day responsibilities in 1992 but consulted well into his 80s, investigating gas-related incidents throughout North America and the world. He remained an active member of the Heath board of directors until his death. Stuart was a true gentleman, a natural leader and mentor. Gracious and wise, he was a wonderful teacher and pursued everything he enjoyed with a persistent passion. He was a great story teller, an excellent listener, an avid reader and student of history. Engaged in the world, he stayed atop the news until the end of his life. He loved traditions and family, football and the many dogs that graced his life. Stuart was predeceased by his first wife Muriel in 1954, his second wife Mary (Mimi) in 1996, his sisters Katharine, Ruth and Evelyn and his brother David. He is survived by his wife of 22 years Wanda, daughter Cyndi (Robin) son Ted, stepson Michael (Lina), grandchildren Stuart Brent, Courtney, Alexandra, Emily and Erika. At the end of a big day of skiing Stuart would often say, "Turn off the lifts and turn on the snow." Stuart, the lifts of your life may be stopped but the snow goes on. A service befitting Stuart will be held at a future date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the UNH Foundation (the Stuart B. Eynon 49 Family Scholarship Fund - please note in memo line), 15 Strafford Ave., Durham, NH 03824, or the New England Ski Museum, 135 Tramway Drive, Franconia, NH 03580.