What was the most fun you ever had with Stuart?
To answer this month’s question: Honestly too many memories (a lot of foggy and drunken memories) to choose from. Alls that I will say is that I don’t think there has even been 1 time were I haven’t laughed a lot in Stuart’s presence, a true honest and genuine person whose energetic personality is infectious and makes you just want to have a good time and enjoy life.
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I believe that I sent a communication already ... but want to reach out again ... Stuart stayed and looked after my 2 pups for 3 weeks in May 2025...and folks on the street still ask about him .. He was loved by friends and strangers ... A Pure Soul ... ❤️
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Stu, you were the first person I met with such incredible energy, kindness, and curiosity. And you were so talkative! You always acted like you genuinely enjoyed speaking with people—even in French. But I still remember you once told me you just wanted to sleep because you were so exhausted from all the conversations. That moment showed me how much effort you made for others.
I admire you deeply. You taught me something important about life. You’ll always be in our hearts.
—Tomoya
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Dear Stuart,
It’s with a heavy heart that I just heard the news.
You were such a radiant soul, caring, always truly listening to others. I feel incredibly lucky to have crossed paths with you in Montreal and to have had an Irish friend like you. That really meant something special to me.
Your energy, your daily meditation practice, and your deep love for music are things that truly stayed with me. I’ll never forget that Halloween night , your costume, our karaoke adventure, and how you joined Roxanne and me for our first hockey game. You made that moment so fun and unforgettable.
You were a wonderful person, always sharing your good vibes with everyone around you. The world feels a little less bright without you in it.
My thoughts are with your family and all your loved ones. You’ll be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
RIP Stuart and thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Sandrine
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He was such a good person and friend, that was always there for you to talk, I remember having these late night big philosophical conversations with him or playing a scary videogame, that he was the only one in the room that didn't look afraid. He was a person that made different positive changes in his life in order to have a better lifestyle and he did. He was an example of good alimentation, meditation(amazing meditation skills) and a balanced life, with a great taste for music! Such an example of how a person can always work in finding his best version and lifestyle. Thank you Stuart for everything you taught us and for all the good moments
I'll always remember you, rest in peace🕊️
-Vicky
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Stuart in Near Blackout, an absolute pleasure playing in band with him. So many funny memories of playing gigs with lots of train cans or funny road trips.
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He was one of the kindest, funniest and downright nicest individuals that I have met. I have nothing but funny, hilarious and happy memories of Stuart. It was a pleasure to have known him and been in his presence, I am sure that many will deeply miss him.
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Although my time with Stu was Brief, the memories with him and the times we had in our band will always stand out as some of the best in my life, which made the news quite shocking to me.
You will be sorely missed. Anytime I listen to music, I will remember fondly how you wouldn’t like it because it isn’t Rush.
Rest easy pal. X
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The lasting impression I got whenever I was with Stuart was one of avid enthusiasm. The man brought a spark to every situation that was unstoppable. I first met Stu through playing in separate bands with some of his bandmates. His passion for underground and avant-garde music was what set him apart from the rest. The man could talk about the most bizarre, unheard of band from an almost inconceivable genre and make them sound like titans. He’d be so excited to experience new kinds of music in new venues. Watching bands with him was completely unpredictable — you never knew how he was going to respond to the music once he got lost in it. Sometimes it would be dancing, sometimes chanting, and sometimes you’d hear him call “Moshpit! Moshpit!” and know that you were in for a ride. I’ll never forget watching acts such as Meshuggah, Thank You Scientist, Lamb of God and many more with Stuart.
The fella had a great brain for bass, and naturally blasted out lines like it was second nature. He was great to watch on stage and his great backing vocals were an added bonus. I filled in for Stuart on a few gigs and knew I had very big shoes to fill.
The music scene will never heal from the loss of our friend Stuart Doonan. He will never be forgotten.
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2024, Harvey's Point, Lough Eske Road, Friary, Donegal, Ireland
Gareth and Anna’s wedding, memorable day.
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2024, Mullaghcarn, Omagh, UK
Wee walk up to the giant with ma and da and stuart
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It was an absolute pleasure being family with Stuart. Genuinely could not ask for more of a gent of a cousin. He was such a friendly, bubbly lad. He has a spirit which will never be matched and he undoubtably left his mark on everyone he met. I would love to have one more conversation about music with him or his life in Montreal and on his travels. As sad as the circumstances where it was great to see him again in March and i will forever be grateful that opportunity was had. Rest easy big lad, hope your pinting away up there ❤️🕊️
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I’m devastated to hear of Stuart’s passing. Where to even begin, other than by saying Stuart was one of a kind and will be missed dearly by so many! I have so many fond memories with Stuart growing up, a childhood best friend; a core part of the three amigos with Adam (Chunky) filling the other. Around the halls of Castlederg High School where it all started, skipping PE to go and practice our musical craft or in detention (Stuart and I were innocent, it was always Chunky!!) the three of us always stuck together. We spent many a weekend gigging in local pubs as part of Highway Radio, away flying, shooting and having the craic with Air Cadets. Stuart made these moments with his humour and an infectious laugh.
It’s been a few years since I’ve seen Stuart as life takes us in different directions. We were well overdue a catch-up, but Stuart, I’ll make a little promise that any time Jude, Adam and I meet we will have a shot of Stroh for you.
I send my deepest condolences and love to David, Carol, Stacey and Clara.
Stuart, rest easy pal!
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Oui Cheval! I was listening to your music last night and I looked up and seen you standing at my kitchen counter just as you were last year, laughing at how long it took me to realise that Oui Cheval was french for Yes Horse. A year later and that is still the only French I know. That weekend, we caught up on over a decade of life but conversation flowed as if we had seen each other every day of that decade. You had changed and grown so much from when we were young, had done so much in your life yet you were still the same guy, good natured, caring and there for others when they needed you.You were the first person I told that I had quit my job that was making me unhappy. I didn't tell you but you were inspirational in me taking that step and choosing to chase happiness in my life, both for myself and for those that I met. Because of you, I picked up a hitch hiker for the first time ever in the hopes that they would be as bubbly and fun as you. They turned out to be grumpy and not wanting to talk much but I'll still stop and pick up others in the future thanks to you. Thank you for being a part of my life. Reading what everyone else has said here, it truly was a great privilege to be part of your story and to have you be a part of mine. My thoughts are with your family, even though I was a little afraid of your dad when he told me that I was responsible for you not coming home drunk after your sidewinder gig in Sammy Wall's in Castlederg. Hope to see you in the next one bud!
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I was so so sorry to hear of the sad news of Stuart passing.My heart goes to his parents and family who must be in such shock.I had met Stuart on numerous occasions when I went to support my son in a band Stuart was playing in, Near Blackout I always tried to capture them performing on stage .It was obvious from his playing how much he loved his music and on various quick chats he discussed his dream of working in Montreal.He achieved both his dreams of performing music and going to live in Montreal.He has made so many friends along his short life and how lucky they all are to have him in their lives.Rest in peace dear Stuart.
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