Staff news

Stewart Adams (1946–2013)

Estates & Buildings colleagues David Brook and Peter Thomson remember Stewart Adams, servitor and uniformed staff member.

stewart adams

Stewart was a servitor at the University from 2001 until he retired in June 2013 after the summer graduation services.

Prior to joining the University he had been with the Civil Service for more than 34 years and saw working at Edinburgh as the start of his second career.

He was primarily based at Old College, and also at Charles Stewart House in Chambers Street, which has probably the biggest and heaviest mail load of any University building.

Stewart was a great character with a zest and enthusiasm for life, and he became an integral part of the uniformed staff.

He was a great source of support to all the staff in Charles Stewart House who came into contact with him over the years.

Nothing was too much trouble and his calm, reassuring presence gave everybody the confidence that they were in good hands.

Over the years Stewart also played a major role at ceremonial events such as graduation services, royal visits and University open days.

He always conducted himself professionally and his friendly and welcoming nature at graduations in particular added to the enjoyment and sense of occasion for students and their families on their special day.

Stewart’s funeral was held at Mortonhall Crematorium and the very large number of current and former staff in attendance showed how popular he had been at the University.

He is survived by his wife Betty and sons David and Chris.

Notes

David Brook is Estates & Buildings Support Services Operations Manager and Peter Thomson is Estates & Buildings Assistant Support Services Operations Manager (Cleaning & Portering - Central Area)