James Kydd Stewart Kirkaldy
Memorial Minute
Westport Monthly Meeting of Friends
July 3, 1928 – May 21, 2015
We find it challenging to encapsulate the depth of Stewart Kirkaldy’s beautiful Spirit into a few paragraphs. For decades, he devoted his life to the care and well-being of others as the medical doctor in the town of Westport, Massachusetts. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Stewart touched the lives of every generation. Stewart was also a Recorded Minister. Friends remember fondly his many Spirit-filled messages during worship and his meticulously prepared public talks on social justice issues. He was adventurous yet steady, passionate yet gentle, and the influence of his Spirit on Westport Friends is incalculable.
In his passing, we are comforted to think that Stewart is now reunited with his wife, Frankie, whom he loved and adored. For some of us, it is hard to separate our memory of Stewart from our memory of Frankie, and how invaluable she was in making him who he was.
Stewart and Frankie found their way to Westport by way of Nova Scotia. When Stewart learned that Westport was a town without a doctor, he relocated and began practicing medicine out of their home on Main Road in 1959. One night, Stewart found himself delivering a baby on their living room couch, prompting him to move his practice to a nearby building on Main Road which became known as the Westport Family Medicine Center.
Stewart discovered Quakerism at Westport Friends Meeting and often described it as, “the perfect religion for a man who likes to think for himself and do things his own way.” He was active in issues pertaining to peace and social justice, making bumper stickers and organizing peace vigils. Many of us remember supporting Stewart’s leading to place the “National Budget Banner” that hung between the trees in front of our meetinghouse. It showed how much more was spent on the military compared to healthcare and education. Stewart also witnessed to his opposition of the Iraq War by inviting townspeople to hold frequent vigils on his home property located in the center of the village. His desire to make a difference also led him to serve as a selectman in Westport for many years.
Most memorably, Stewart was the central figure at our annual Westport Friends Meeting Book Fair which he helped to start in 1962. Even after he moved to Vermont to be near his family, Stewart returned to Westport every July to blow the ceremonial whistle that officially opened the fair to the public. Known affectionately as the “running of the books,” it is hard to imagine this tradition continuing on without Stewart. The 2015 Annual Book Fair was dedicated in his honor.
It is impossible not to think of Stewart when spotting an Osprey gliding gracefully over the waterways of Westport. Stewart loved birds and was especially happy during the Ospreys’ return to Westport each year. He even wrote a poem entitled, “A Question for an Osprey,” which was read aloud at his memorial service on July 25, 2015. He also enjoyed reading, bicycling, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Stewart has left an indelible mark on those who knew him both personally and professionally, including the members and attendees of Westport Friends Meeting. Evidence of his years spent among Westport Friends is everywhere, from the roofs he helped patch, to the public displays on our property that drew attention to social justice issues around the world. The greatest mark Stewart left was on the hearts of those who knew him best; hearts that hold him in the Light with fondness and love, forever.
Approved, with revisions by Westport Monthly Meeting, April 24, 2016
__________________________
Memorial Minute for James Kydd Stewart Kirkaldy MD
Middlebury Monthly Meeting of Friends
James Kydd Stewart Kirkaldy, M.D. was a beloved member of Middlebury Friends Meeting of Middlebury, Vermont. Known always as Stewart, we first got to know him when he attended our Meeting during visits to his son Andrew’s family. Stewart and his wife Frankie moved to Vermont upon his retirement in 2005 and he quickly became active in many aspects of Meeting life, contributing wisdom, quiet humor, and a willingness to serve where he sensed the greatest need. Stewart died on May 21, 2015 after complications from a fall.
As a young adult Stewart could not find a suitable spiritual home. However, his good friend and mentor Dr. Frank Lepreau was a respected Member of the Westport, Massachusetts, Friends Meeting, and with gentle urging he got the Kirkaldy Family involved in Quakerism. Stewart found it highly congenial and in due time served as Clerk of the Westport Meeting, became a Recorded Quaker Minister, and brought great success to the annual book sale which helps fund the Meeting.
Stewart was born on July 3, 1928 in the town of March, England. Throughout his life he was proud to be known as a Scot since his parents, John and Rhoda Kydd Kirkaldy, were Scottish natives living in England. He attended prep school in Scotland followed by studies at the University of Edinburgh Medical School. Stewart met Frances (Frankie) Bowen while an intern at the Truesdale Hospital in Fall River, Massachusetts, and they were soon married. He served the community of Westport, Massachusetts, for forty-five years of active practice in General Medicine while he and Frankie raised two sons, Andrew and Peter. Stewart played important roles in local politics as well as with the Friends.
After retirement Stewart joined Middlebury Friends Meeting where he became active serving as Co-Clerk, Meeting Archivist, a member of the Committee on Outreach and Social Action, and offering moving messages during Meetings for Worship. Although a man grounded in science, Stewart’s ministries often revealed a gently mystical aspect to his character. He frequently alluded to the ineffable blessing he felt upon receiving a new liver at age 63, an event during which he was visited by the Light.
Stewart was a man of letters and the Spirit. He loved his family, including four grandchildren and a great-grandson. He greatly enjoyed friends, good conversation, observing and appreciating birds, and being engaged in the wider community. His weekly presence in our circle of worship is greatly missed.