Stuart Eldon Auld

Stuart spent his final weeks the way he spent his best, and on his terms—at home, surrounded by the people he loves and who love him; with conversations, laughter, ideas, art, music, shared food, visits from babies and dogs—and without fear or pain. He was 71.

Born in Galion, Ohio, Stuart was the third son of Marjorie (Dill), who taught him to sew, bake, and to see the world as large and full of possibility; and Richard Auld, who introduced him to carpentry and three-dimensional thinking.

He graduated from Galion High School at its academic and fine arts peak, benefiting from teachers and programs that would enrich his world immeasurably. He remained close with the many friends he made there throughout his life.

Stuart entered the theatre department at Ohio University in 1971 but left in his second year and worked at Yellowstone National Park and later in Jackson, Wyoming. He returned to Ohio to complete a degree in graphic design. After graduation, he moved back to Jackson, where he found a joyful niche, throwing costume parties and teaching disco dancing in addition to working as a painter and illustrator. Yellowstone National Park continued to fill his need for balance and quiet contemplation. After Jackson, Stuart spent a year in Salt Lake City working in publishing.

He moved to New Orleans in the late ‘70s, immersing himself in art, music, and theatre in a bustling apartment owned by the family who opened Preservation Hall. Creating elaborate window displays at the famed DH Holmes department store further integrated him into the breadth of creative talent that imbues this city with its magic.

Stuart met his partner Danny Toups in New Orleans, and the two operated a po-boy concession at Jazz Fest for years and then the Auld Sweet Olive Bed and Breakfast in Marigny. Both his cooking skill and innate hospitality were honed during this period. Stuart later joined Jazz Fest’s art department, painting both “ancestors” and sets, including the easter-egg-filled juke joint backdrop of the Blues Tent.

As a set builder/scenic painter for the film, TV and music industry from the early 90s until his retirement, Stuart split time between New Orleans and New York, his two favorite cities outside Venice and Barcelona, before returning permanently to New Orleans.

In recent years, he was best known as a key creative and organizational force behind the Ste. Anne parade, an opulent, dramatic, historic, organic and glittering Venetian-style Mardi Gras day walking Krewe. His 40th year with Ste. Anne was the Krewe’s 50th anniversary, and as captain, he designed and oversaw the creation of a lavish and visually stunning solid gold parade.

Stuart survived crushing losses, which reinforced the value and fragility of life, and the importance of living it well. He is predeceased by his partner, Danny, and his son Taylor, as well as his parents and his brother, Edd. He learned the transience of treasured possessions twice—in Hurricane Katrina and then a serious fire in Harlem.

Stuart is survived by his brother Tom, nephews Evan, Christopher and Andrew, and nieces Caitlin and Molly; the dear friends he made at every place he called home; and his best boy Chapi. He will be remembered through the body of work he leaves behind, including the joy and creativity of the Secret Société of Ste. Anne, who will carry him home on Mardi Gras morning.

In lieu of flowers, wear more purple, hold your people close, and as always, pay the band.