Stuart Keith Harrold, known to most as Stu, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025, in Anacortes, Washington, surrounded by family. He was 67 years old.

Stu was born on January 21, 1958, in Los Angeles, California, to Arthur and Jane Harrold. His early years were spent in southern California, living in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Diego, with a short time in Oak Harbor, Washington, from 1963 to 1965 before his family made their permanent move back to Oak Harbor in 1972.

Stu was steady and grounded — a man of integrity, humility, and quiet strength. He was warm and friendly, with a deep intuition about people. Those who knew him best describe his calm steadiness, his subtle humor, and his gentle nature. His laughter and warm smile are among the first things people remember.

Stu married the love of his life, Diele, on March 28, 1981 - making their home in Anacortes. Their 44-year marriage was built on a foundation of deep friendship, mutual respect, and unwavering devotion. From the start, Stu knew she was the one for him and lovingly pursued her heart with patience and sincerity until their friendship blossomed into a lifelong partnership. They were not just husband and wife, but true partners and best friends — approaching everything side by side. Whether raising their children, running a business, dancing together, or embarking on adventures big and small, they supported and balanced one another perfectly. She would plan, and he would build — the perfect pair of dreamer and maker. Their love was evident to everyone who knew them, setting a strong example of faith, teamwork, and companionship that inspired their children and all who saw them together.

Stu was the proud father of five children: Danielle, Kirsten, Joshua, Seth, and Keisha. He had a remarkable ability to know each of his children as individuals — understanding their personalities, meeting them where they were, and giving each what they needed most. As a husband, father, and friend, Stu led with presence. He was a listener, a teacher, and a helper. He showed love through action — through time, through support, and through showing up.

Professionally, Stu was the owner of Anacortes Hardwood Floors, a craftsman known for his meticulous quality, artistry, and integrity. He specialized in hardwood floors, particularly rare and exotic woods, and loved challenging, creative projects. His custom inlays — whales, trees, borders, and intricate patterns — were works of art. Clients trusted him not only for his skill but for his kindness. Even years later, people would stop him in public to see how he was doing and to reminisce about the floors he had done for them — and he would light up, remembering every detail of their home and project. He loved his craft and took pride in every job.

Stu also loved sharing his knowledge of the trade. Over the years, he taught not only his own children, but many friends and employees who worked alongside him, passing down both technical skill and the importance of pride in one's work. He was patient, encouraging, and generous with his time — always finding a way to teach something useful or meaningful.

Outside of work, Stu was endlessly creative, resourceful, and playful. He could build anything, fix anything, and was almost instantly good at whatever he tried — from woodworking to sports. He was naturally talented and loved anything that brought people together — barbecues, parties, or friendly competitions. He loved music and dancing and was always part of the action at gatherings — behind the grill, setting up, playing games, or helping bring creative ideas to life. He encouraged his children to try new hobbies and was always ready to cheer them on. Among his many hobbies, one he especially loved was treasure hunting — from gold panning to using a metal detector. Stu had a mischievous sense of humor, full of teasing, sarcasm, and the occasional rubber-band ambush from a hidden corner. He was always ready for a hiking adventure or a spontaneous road trip and loved traveling to new places, learning new and interesting things, and visiting national parks and museums. When money was tight, he created adventures at home, turning the front yard into a campsite or crafting his own building blocks from scraps of wood so his kids could build a city. He was always finding ways to make things work and make life a little more fun.

In January 2014, Stu suffered a major stroke that changed his life, but he faced recovery with determination and quiet resilience. Through hard work and sheer will, he regained some of his independence and strength. Not only was he able to see all of his children get married, but he shared in those celebrations — walking down the aisle and dancing again. He got to know each of the spouses, witnessing each of his children begin their own families. Those moments were among his greatest joys and proudest achievements.

He loved being a grandpa — first to his grandson Carter before the stroke, and later to Ariadne, Wylder, and Eastyn. Despite physical challenges, he connected deeply with his grandchildren and loved watching their personalities develop. One of his happiest moments in recent years was visiting the Oregon Coast, where he was able to use a beach wheelchair and watch all four grandkids playing together in the surf.

In later years, even though travel was more challenging, he would still go if it meant spending time with family. He made several trips to Tennessee, Idaho, Louisiana, and Texas, visiting loved ones and exploring new places. Some trips he had the energy to adventure and explore; other times he simply wanted to stay home and visit. One way he found to connect after his speech became limited was by picking out a movie he thought someone would enjoy, hoping they'd sit and watch with him. He often chose kids' movies when his grandchildren were around, trying to help calm the chaos in his own gentle way. He also loved showing photo albums or his collection of rocks, minerals, and the gold he had panned. Stu showed love through time and presence, small gestures, and remembering what others cared about - quietly finding ways to make them feel seen.

Baptized on April 25th, 1974, Stu's faith as one of Jehovah's Witnesses was a central part of his life. His friends in faith from the local and surrounding congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses were an extension of his family, offering encouragement and fellowship that strengthened him through every stage of life. He found peace in the Bible's promise of a resurrection and the hope of being reunited with his loved ones — restored to his healthy, youthful self in the earthly paradise that Jehovah has promised. That hope sustained him, and it brings comfort to his family and friends who look forward to welcoming him again.

Stu is survived by his beloved wife Diele; his children Danielle (Bitsy) and Tryg Littlefield, Kirsten and Bryan Cox, Joshua and Chelsey Harrold, Seth and Natasha Harrold, and Keisha and Garrett Masaoka; his grandchildren Carter, Ariadne, Wylder, and Eastyn; his siblings Kalani, Keoki, Sterlynn, Shawn, Leilani, and Rachel; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Jane Harrold.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 7th at 4:00 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 2511 29th St, Anacortes, WA 98221, with a reception to follow at Skyline Beach Club, 6041 Sands Way, Anacortes, WA 98221.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to show up for someone you love — just as Stu always did.