Stuart Lardner Monro

Stuart Lardner Monro, 80, passed away in his Bellevue home on May 22, 2026, after months of battling cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife Kimberly Dawn Monro, step son Jacob James White, sister Cam Hill, brother in law John Hill and pampered cat Django.

He was a driven businessman, loyal husband, and lover of the finer things in life.

Stu’s formative years took him across the globe. Though born in Seattle on June 23, 1945, to parents Stuart Lardner Monro Sr and Roberta Canfield Monro, he spent much of his childhood in the dichotomy of post-war Tokyo. His home was host to visiting American dignitaries while he befriended cows in neighboring green pastures . He returned to Seattle and attended Lincoln High School. At eighteen, he joined the U.S. Army and served three years as a tank gunner in Germany, returning to the States with colorful tales of the Army basketball team and Munich beer halls.

Once back in Washington, Stu grew his ambition and love of cars into his career. First, selling cars in the Seattle area and then the Bay Area of California where he made many lifetime friends and purchased his beloved yellow Porsche. After his move back to Seattle, he founded his own auto brokerage, SLM Motors in 1982 and worked tirelessly for its success. For years, he would fly to California every week to source cars and send his inventory back up the coast to many local dealers. In 1997 he was able to open his own dealership, Overlake Motors in Bellevue. He retired from the car industry after 38 years.

Stu’s success was built on perseverance, charm, and above all, a curiosity about others. He was able to strike up a conversation with anyone and would befriend his seat mates on any mode of transportation - planes, buses, and cruises. He loved sharing in the luxuries of life with his wife and family, whether it was a road trip, a gourmet meal, a glass of scotch, or a Maui sunset. His wit, generosity, and hatred of fondue pots will be greatly missed.

Please join us for Stu’s Celebration of Life at Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Funeral Home on Thursday, June 11th at 1-5pm.