W. Gilman Obituary

Gilman, W. StewartBorn 1931 in Sioux City, Iowa, the direct descendent and namesake of a signator of the US constitution. He moved to Florida as a young man. Always an adventurer, he loved exploring Florida. A graduate of Vanderbilt University in 1953, he took a law degree at UofF. He was admitted to the Florida bar in 1956 and moved to Winter Park where he started his family and law career and served as a Winter Park city commissioner in the 1960s. In the 80s he built shopping centers throughout Florida. An avid pilot, it was joked that the reason he got into development was for an excuse to fly around the state. Stewart also loved boats, and spent many summers boating in the Caribbean with his family. After semi-retiring in the 90s he worked on numerous projects. In 2009 he married Barbara Whalen Kelly, and at age 79 wrote and published a novel "The Secrets of the Villages." Stewart is survived by his wife, children Pamela Sorenson, Joseph, Lesley Lounsbury, W. Stewart, Jr. and Nicole Warren, step-children Pamela Hauge, Tricia Stone and Kevin Kelly, 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Stewart will be remembered fondly by all who knew him, because he loved to have fun. A celebration of Stewart's life is planned at Winter Park Country Club on Sunday October 27th, from 1-4pm. Friends and family welcome.

Published by Orlando Sentinel from Oct. 23 to Oct. 24, 2013.
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so, you sit down at the bar and turn to Stew and he says "so what do you think,eh...eh...?" And then the fun begins; sports, local gossip and politics...no shortage of subjects. What a delight! We will miss you so much. Peggy & Michael Wolford

Michael Wolford

October 27, 2013

So you sit down at the bar and turn to Stew and he says "so what do you think? eh...eh?" And then the fun ride begins!

We will miss you so much friend and you will be in our hearts and thoughts forever. Much love. Peggy & Michael Wolford

Michael & Peggy wolford

October 27, 2013

Lesley and Family, we send our sincere condolences. Rosalie & Tom Riedel

October 26, 2013

To The Gilman Family, my sympathy is extended to each of you. Stewart has such presence and was always in the middle of any party. he was talented and to be admired for always being creative.His personality was so charismatic and remembering his many nights at Harper's and Two Flights Up...He did have fun. He was a dear friend to me helping me with a divorce and then after I met Bill Benton, it was great to know they were long time friends. Great guys with the manners, charm and the drive for success.and Stewart was a fine attorney and was always a gentleman. When Bil asked me to get married, he later told me that he and Stewart took a drive to look at some land and he asked him what he thought about him getting married to me. He said Stewart told him He would be happy with me.He trusted Stewarts opinion, and we were happy. As Mr Gilman himself performed the wedding ceremony for us at our dear friend's Fannie Hillman's home, it was a grand time for all.Bill and I went off to Cozumel and Stewart and the guests continued the party at the Orlando Country Club. We all had so many dear friends that we had such histories with, and Stuart was a rainmaker at all times. He loved his family and barbara,he found a soulmate in you. He was at Bill's service at All Saint's and all of that groups that were friends forever enjoyed their visits about the good times I would like to think he and Bill are having a scotch and know they lived life well. As I live in Naples now, I will think of all of u on Sat.and hope u get some comfort in knowing that he lived his life well and to the fullest and he loved you all.. Love to all, Suzie Hiers Benton

suzie Benton

October 26, 2013

Barbara,
We will miss Stewart. He is a special person. I am so glad that you and Stewart met each other. You both brought great happiness to each other and your many friends. Stewart will be missed. Love Jim King and Susan

Jim King

October 25, 2013

Our condolence's to Barbra and family,
Sandy and Danny Caldwell
Plant City,Fl.

October 25, 2013

LESLEY and family. In reading about your Dad and his adventures, I could not help but feel the verse below was for him.Daniel 12:13 But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.”
God Bless you and your family. Rosie and Ken Bentley.

Rosie and Ken Bentley

October 24, 2013

My most sincere sympathy to the family. I only was in "Big Stew's" company once or twice but I remember him as being very congenial and a most interesting conversationalist.
Kate Sheehan

October 24, 2013

With admiration and affection.

Sylvia Gilman

October 24, 2013

Stew was a great family man, loved and admired by many. I will remember him with great affection.
- Judi Cunniff Olsen

October 24, 2013

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Oct

27

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Winter Park Country Club

FL

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