Memorial Trees
S
Sean & Jen McKean
July 20, 2025
Memorial trees planted for:
Dustin Stuhr
<p><p>Dustin Stuhr, a devoted musician, teacher, and inspiration to many, died on July 8th at</p><p>age 56.</p><p><br></p><p>Of his many accolades, Dustin will likely be remembered by most for his unwavering</p><p>commitment to unity among people. In teaching, in music, and with friends and family,</p><p>Dustin strove for commonality, for moral integrity, and to see each person for their best</p><p>qualities instead of their worst. To this end, it was humility that was Dustin’s defining</p><p>characteristic–so much so that his own children struggle to recall a time when he</p><p>disparaged another person. Despite a world in which greed and self-interest are</p><p>rewarded above all else, Dustin chose connection first.</p><p><br></p><p>Dustin was born in Eugene, Oregon, to Lee and Diane Stuhr on December 19th, 1968.</p><p>Following his graduation from the University of Oregon, Dustin taught Special</p><p>Education in Houston, Texas, where he met Michelle, his wife and future mother to his</p><p>three children. After moving to Ithaca, New York, Dustin taught English and social</p><p>studies at TST BOCES for 27 years before his retirement in 2024 following his diagnosis</p><p>with ALS.</p><p><br></p><p>Dustin lived with ALS for the past 16 months. Although the challenges of his disease</p><p>process were demoralizing and varied, the greater Ithaca community supported him and</p><p>his family every step of the way, and for this they are endlessly grateful. Last January,</p><p>musicians who have known and played with Dustin over the past 30 years of his music</p><p>career gathered to perform a tribute concert, featuring his original music from four</p><p>different bands. Of all his achievements, it is his talent as a songwriter that has likely</p><p>been witnessed by most; though, if you asked him he would probably have credited the</p><p>band.</p><p><br></p><p>Dustin is survived by his wife, Michelle; their three children, Elias, Savanna, and Wyatt;</p><p>his brother, David McKinley; and a lifetime of friends who have shown him and his</p><p>family a new definition for love at the end of his life.</p><p><br></p><p>A celebration of life will be held later this summer in his honor in Danby. If anyone is</p><p>thinking of him today the best thing you can do is go outside and look around because</p><p>that is what he liked to do best.</p></p>December 19, 1968 - July 8, 202512/19/196807/08/2025
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