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PORT TOWNSEND — Education pioneer, fund-raising wizard and community supporter Gael Stuart died Wednesday in Seattle. He was 82.
Port Townsend agencies, businesses and residents have been touched by Stuart’s benevolence and hard work. From the hospital to the schools to nonprofit organizations, Stuart provided leadership, faith and determination.
The former Port Townsend School District superintendent started programs for developmentally disabled children and instituted Head Start programs for preschoolers. He volunteered as the business manager for the downtown medical clinic. He helped save the Sisters of Providence Hospital, then worked to establish the Jefferson County Hospital District when the order could no longer run the hospital.
He raised funds for United Good Neighbors and Kiwanis for all of their causes.
A “celebration of life” memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. May 22 at the Port Townsend Elks Lodge, 555 Otto St., Port Townsend.
The full report appears in the Friday/Saturday Jefferson County edition of the Peninsula Daily News, on sale throughout the county. Or click onto “Subscribe” to obtain your copy by U.S. mail.