Stuart Burgess.
This tribute to Stuart is presented with love on the sixth-month anniversary of his passing by the Burgess family.
You never quite knew what to expect from Stuart. In a world that often tries to mold us into conformity, Stuart was as unique as the stars in the sky.
Stuart Phillip Jacobson was born Nov. 8, 1940, at Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles, California. He died Dec. 17, 2020, at home on San Juan Island, Washington. In the 80 years between those dates, he traveled his life’s path searching for adventure, purpose, understanding and love.
His mother, Barbara Lambert, was from Dundee, Scotland; his father, Thomas Wiik-Jacobson was a first-generation Norwegian. They lived in Manhattan Beach, California, the beginning of Stuart’s “beach boy” years. His brother John was born two years later.
World War II brought many challenges and the marriage suffered hardships. Barbara remarried, changing the boys’ last name to Burgess.
Contact with the Norwegian relatives was severed although Stuart always yearned to be with them. Years later, Stuart and John joyfully reconnected with the Norwegians–a momentous event which changed their lives and those of their loved ones forever.
Throughout his childhood, Stuart learned of his Scottish heritage from his colorful “Granny,” Aunt Hilda Wallace, Uncle George, and their family.
There were many post-World War II moves before the family settled in Baldwin Park, California, when he was ten years old. It was there that he made many wonderful friends who sustained him throughout his life.
After his high school graduation, Stuart attended Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California. In the fall of 1960, his adventurous spirit led him to Scotland and other European countries. He hitchhiked throughout Great Britain and Europe for 15 months, never taking a train or bus.
On his return home, he lived with friends in Laguna Beach, California, working as part of the original team at Wardy Surfboards. When he was not sanding boards at work, he was surfing his favorite beaches and playing soccer with the Coast Rangers Soccer Club in Newport Beach, California.
He married, became a father at 22 to his son, Cullen Grey Burgess and two years later, Tay Graham Burgess joined the family. Stuart adored his sons and they became a wonderful part of his life. He was a proud dad. Continue Reading
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