OULTON, Stuart Leys
Aged 73 years, passed away suddenly at home on May 21, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Judith Ann Oulton (Orser) and many relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Anne Oulton of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. Stuart grew up in Beloeil, Quebec but from toddler days spent those lazy, hazy days of summer in the family home in Tatamagouche, swimming off Patterson’s Wharf and enjoying the freedom that warm weather brings to Nova Scotia. He retired to his family home in 2012 on returning from Switzerland. Since then, he divided his time between Tatamagouche and Fredericton.
Stuart graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a bachelor of arts, spending much of his time in the Students’ Union building, honing his bridge skills. It was while he was a student that he met Judith, the love of his life. They met on the train from Montreal to Fredericton but he neglected to find out where she lived. Leaving no stone unturned, he tracked her down with the help of a kind telephone operator, who understood the importance of young love. For their first date they attended a Gordon Lightfoot concert. They fell in love and were married for 52 years. Stuart began his career working for the New Brunswick government as an analyst with the Department of Labour. He segued to computers and created a new department, Information Planning and Processing. His vision was to create flexible systems that provided people with the ability to manage their work efficiently. The idea of integrated information systems was very new then, but he recognized the potential of having links between computers and office systems to provide efficiencies needed to carry out business. He left government in 1990 and started a consulting career working in New Brunswick and Ontario before retiring to join Judith in Switzerland for the next 17 years.
Stuart loved the challenge of bending computers to his will and never gave up programming and coding games. He single-handedly designed and developed a new game, Double Solitaire. He was always pleased to help his less techie friends choose new computers or fix ailing ones.
Stuart loved life. In the 70s and 80s he was an avid duplicate bridge player. He attended tournaments throughout the Maritimes and in the United States. As an “all or none” kind of guy computers and gaming took a front seat to bridge for many years. He excelled at Field Runners and Freecell. In his later years, he once again devoted himself to bridge.
No matter what he did, Stuart was an enthusiast. He loved being aboard cruise ships, enjoyed travelling and flying drones around his back yard. He loved dogs and truly enjoyed neighbors and friends bringing their dogs for a visit. Stuart was a wonderful host, welcoming his many friends into his home. His champagne tasting events were legendary.
A private service will be held at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Northumberland Arts Council, Box 335, Tatamagouche, B0K 1V0; or by e-transfer to treasurer@thefraser.org; the African Action Network for Nurses (https://africactionetwork.com/) or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Coulter’s Funeral Home, Tatamagouche. Condolences at: www.mmcfunerals.com