Fall 2026

Ruth and Michael Stuntz in the garden they’ve created to honor their late son Braxton. Their nonprofit supports causes close to Braxton’s heart. 102 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 6 SHORT CUTS GIVING BACK B raxton Stuntz packed a lot into his 18 years on Earth. A Carmel native, his dream was to become a surgeon, enrolling at University of San Diego at 17. He had many passions: languages, travel, helping others and photography. While earning a Boy Scout merit badge, he fell in love with photography. The spectacular images he created on his travels and around the Carmel area are on par with many professionals decades his senior. After his passing in 2019, his parents found- ed the Braxton Stuntz Foundation with the stated purpose of “Helping others with quiet strength.² Beneficiaries have included unhoused children and adults in Monterey County, the Monterey County Food Bank and many others. At their Carmel home, Braxton’s parents have created a magnificent garden in tribute to their son. A plaque reads “A seed once sown never dies.” “I feel a sense of purpose working here,” his mother Ruth says. “People from all over the world come to look at it.” With good reason. It’s a gorgeous work of horticulture, an obvious homage of love. Antiques are placed throughout, including the century old door from Braxton’s closet. Fittingly, there are several of his enlarged prints adorning the garden and grounds. For more information or to donate to Braxton Stuntz Foundation, visit www.braxtonstuntzfoundation.org. Carmel Family Tends a Loving Tr ibute Garden B Y M I CHA E L CHAT F I E LD Photo: Kelli Uldall