Alexander K. Stuart and David Sanborn Scott (above)

Alexander K. Stuart – “A Life in Hydrogen”

The following obituary, courtesy of The International Association of Hydrogen Energy, was authored by Dr. David Sanborn Scott – a global expert in the emerging role of hydrogen in our society as well as author of “Smelling Land: The Hydrogen Defense Against Climate Catastrophy”

A Giant has left us: Alexander Stuart, thoughtful conservationist, accomplished engineer, businessman and especially devoted family man, bequeathed to all who knew him a wonderful legacy in both personal style and quality thought. Sandy peacefully departed our world in his 91st year, December 20, 2014

During WW II, Sandy served as Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Navy. He loved the sea and was a consummate outdoorsman. He was passionate about wildlife and championed environmental causes long before it was fashionable.

I first met Sandy when he visited me at the University of Toronto. I’d just returned from Ottawa where I’d met Dr. Phil Cockshut who had introduced me to the idea of hydrogen. I remember thinking on the flight home from Ottawa “this hydrogen idea is profound”—and that was why I’d taken the liberty of asking Sandy to visit and explain his views on hydrogen systems. Our conversation changed my career and, in turn, the careers of many others.

A respected businessman and entrepreneur, Sandy founded The Electrolyser Corporation (later Stuart Energy Systems). Among many contributions, Sandy served as: Chair, Canada’s Export Development Corporation; Chair, the Hydrogen Committee of the International Energy Agency; Chair, 1984 World Hydrogen Energy Conference; Vice-Chair, National Hydrogen Association (Washington, D. C.). He was honored often, including receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, and as an Inductee of the University of Toronto’s Engineering Alumnae Hall of Distinction.

Yet to me, perhaps what was most remarkable about Sandy is that while he sometimes suffered the slings and arrows from lesser people, as do many successful men, he ALWAYS responded as a true gentleman.

David Sanborn Scott
VP for North America, IAHE, USA
Author of “Smelling Land: The Hydrogen Defense Against Climate Catastrophy“

Positions and Achievements

Sandy on one of the worlds first hydrogen powered tractors, from his own farm.

Chairman – Export Development Canada (EDC), Two World Hydrogen Energy Conferences, Canadian Hydrogen Association, Canadian Exporters’ Association, Electrolyser Corporation (50 years), Nature Conservancy of Canada

Founding delegate for Canada and Chairman of the Hydrogen Committee at the International Energy Agency, Paris;

Vice-Chairman of the National Hydrogen Association in Washington, D.C.;

Lifetime Achievement Award – Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association;

Inductee – University of Toronto Engineering Alumnae Hall of Distinction;

Director – Ontario Centre for Excellence, World Wildlife Fund Canada;

Director – Co-founder – Long Point Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Fund;

Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, Order of Canada