JAMES BURL STIFF III

JAMES STIFF Obituary

STIFF, JAMES BURL III Burl Stiff was born in Ft. Worth, Texas on August 21, 1927. He died on May 20, 2011 at White Sands Health Center in La Jolla, Ca. He is survived by his niece Allene (Tina) Stiff of Scottsdale, AZ and Frances (Sparkle) Stiff of Encinitas, CA. From the moment he fell ill nine months ago, Judith Harris has been by his side. "He was a very dear friend and I was honored to be with him throughout his illness," said Harris. "Burl was family to me and my mother, Helen Copley. I don't remember celebrating a holiday or important event without Burl at the table," said David Copley. He had many friends in San Diego as well as in his second favorite city, New York. Robert Nahas, his friend of 40 years, said "When Burl came to town, we all had more fun. He knew the top shows, the top restaurants and he always made time to shop." Burl never wanted any recognition for his many good works in the city of San Diego. He was happy to work on Charity Balls with his good friends, former First Lady of California Gayle Wilson, Kay North and Linda Katz. He helped create a spectacular event for Mingei International Museum's 25th Anniversary Gala with his good friend Joyce Glazer. His last creation with Glazer was March 26, 2010 when he was presented The Media Style Award of which he so deserved, by the Fashion Group International. "First I had to persuade him to attend the event, then I had to persuade him to go on stage to accept the award rather than give a wave from his seat. When he went to the podium, he acknowledged David Copley for the many opportunities David provided him. His comments were so well received that he was rewarded with a standing ovation," said Glazer. Services are pending. Contributions can be made in the name of Burl Stiff to San Diego Humane Society, 5500 Gaines Street, San Diego, CA 92101 or to SDPLF/Pacific Beach Library, 820 E. Ave., San Diego, CA 92101. Anyone who knew Burl knew of his love of animals and the Visual Arts Department at the Pacific Beach Library.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on May 24, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES STIFF

9 Entries

Celia Rahe-Allee

June 23, 2011

I was feeling very homesick today for San Diego, and thought I would try to find the Union Tribunes website, and saw Mr. Stiff smiling at me! I immediately was taken back to my parents fiftieth anniversary at the U.S. Grant Hotel in 1996, where they had held their wedding reception. Mr. Stiff came with his photographer, and included that event in his column, and he could not have made my mother happier!I suspect his graciousness was extended to many, but I shall never forget how generous he was to my parents. I find it comforting to think they are all together now, having a grand time! Peace be to his family and many friends.

Sandra Small

June 21, 2011

I was a young photographer when I met Burl at a social event. He was very kind to me and we soon discovered we shared a love of jokes and stories. I will miss his wit and generous spirit!

Gail Conners

June 16, 2011

Where would San Diego fundraisers and philanthropists have been without the the good words and promotions of Burl Stiff. I enjoyed reading his columns and found him to be a kind and generous soul in person.

Stephanie Starks

June 5, 2011

He was always wonderful to my mother, Leonor Craig. His sense of humor was great. I have wonderful memories.

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Christian Garrett

May 31, 2011

Mr. Stiff often came into Broadway Florist in the 60's to send flowers to his many friends. He was always kind and gracious to me. I remember his fashion style, always looking very prestigious and well groomed. He made a lasting impression on an awkward young woman in her first paying job. Years ahead of me in every sense, Mr. Stiff took the time to acknowledge my efforts and give me encouragement. It is these moments in time that remind me to do the same when I work with young men and women. Always be kind spirited and inspirational like Mr. Stiff was to me so very long ago.

robert baumer

May 30, 2011

I met burl in the early seventies. My wife was active in the social scene at that time usually the old globe. I would see him at the city deli at 6th an Universict and he would remember me and I him and we would always share pleasantries. He was a nice and gracious man. I always read his articles.

Justin Boncore

May 24, 2011

Thank You ......God bless

Trish Barr

May 24, 2011

When I turned 40, Burl told me to start lying about my age (I didn't).
When things got really rough at the U-T, he told me to get out when I could (I did).
Burl was a dear friend and confidant, and I will miss him. But I will remember him as one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known. He was generous, kind, full of laughter and very handsome. He was always impeccably groomed, whether in a tux or jeans and a crisp white shirt. He had a wicked sense of humor, and did not tolerate those he considered idiots. He was a self-avowed Luddite, which I always found charming, and yet a Renaissance man, full of surprises. I hope he is in the Elysian Fields, with his poodles and Mary Martin and Bobby Short and all the other lights of his life.

May 24, 2011

Always the gentlemen. I worked with Burl for many years at the UT until my retirement in 2008. I remember his humour and love for his work. He was a friend and will be missed.

Eddie Krueger

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