F.W. "Mort" Guilford Jr.

GUILFORD, F.W. "MORT" JR., 83, passed away on September 14, 2011. Born in Albany, GA to Frank and Ruth Guilford, Mort rose from his humble beginnings, to being named one of the "most important people in creating the modern face of Coral Gables." Mort leaves behind a legacy of hard work, time-honored values, dedication to family, community and a strong commitment to philanthropy. After moving to Miami, Mort graduated from Ponce De Leon High School in 1946. He earned his business degree from the University of Miami and served in the Army, Criminal Investigation Command in Europe during the Korean War. While overseas, Mort earned a degree in criminology from the University of Vienna. After his return, Mort earned his juris doctorate from UM School of Law in 1956. A practicing attorney for more than 50 years, Mort was the "go to" land use and zoning attorney in Coral Gables and the surrounding areas, representing numerous high-profile corporate clients and individual homeowners. In addition to his law practice, Mort oversaw a successful property development company until his death. Throughout his life, Mort was committed to helping organizations and individuals in the South Florida community that needed his help. As Chairman of the Alma Jennings Foundation and though his own personal philanthropy, Mort supported numerous charitable and educational institutions including the University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Foundation, the Humane Society, and the Episcopal Charities of Southeast Florida. In addition to his financial support, Mort dedicated his time and talent to a number of community organizations, including the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce; the Junior Orange Bowl Committee; the Coral Gables Foundation; UM's President's Council, Citizens Board and the School of Business Administration's Board of Overseers; and various City of Coral Gables development, planning and enforcement boards. During his life Mort was honored with numerous awards including development awards for historic restoration, being named one of the "12 Good Men of Miami" and the prestigious UM Henry King Stanford Alumnus of the Year. More important to him than success in his professional career, was his family. Married in 1955 to Margaret Phipps, they had three sons, Michael (Cindy), Gregg (Becky) and Zeke (Gina). The boys fondly remember their first all-boys trip out West, weekends at Ocean Reef, the bi-annual "boys" trips (in a Winnebago) to Tallahassee to watch the UM/FSU game and many other adventures with "the old man". Mort met, fell in love with and married Barbara in 1987. Joining the family were Wendy and Scott (Kevin) Oberlink. Together, Mort and Barbara traveled the world (China, Vietnam, Italy, Mustique, Wyoming, etc.); enjoyed hosting gatherings, both intimate and grand, at their home; spoiled their "favored child" Rudolf Valentino II; and created many memories with their grandchildren: Kelsey, Lauren, Patrick, Jackson, Cameron, Emory, Rachel, Emma, Grayson and Graham which included trips to NYC; annual Fourth of July celebrations at Ocean Reef; sleep-overs; holiday gatherings; birthday celebrations and Mort's special Christmas Breakfast. Mort lived life to the fullest and will be greatly missed by his family and friends, too numerous to list. He truly appreciated the great care he received from his Doctors, Nurses, and Staff. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mort's memory to one of his favorite charities, those being the University of Miami, Humane Society, Jackson Memorial Foundation, American Cancer Society and the Vizcayans. A viewing will be held at the Stanfill Funeral Home, 10545 South Dixie Highway on Sunday, Sept.18 from 4-7 PM and a funeral mass will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 5690 N. Kendall Drive, Monday, Sept. 19 at 5 PM. View this Guest Book at www. MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.