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BORN
1931
DIED
2019
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Harold Stillwell Obituary
Asheville - Harold Daniel "Dan" Stillwell, 88, of Asheville, NC passed away peacefully Saturday, November 30, 2019, surrounded by family. He was born March 21, 1931, in Staten Island, New York, the son of Carl Willard Dudley Stillwell and Pauline Ruth Feldman Stillwell. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Edgar Feldman Stillwell.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean Lydia Esval Stillwell, two daughters Judy (Claude) Courbois and Laura (Charlie) Haag; and five grandchildren Caroline Courbois, Lindsey Haag, Calvin Courbois, Chloe Haag and Spencer Haag.
Dan earned his BS and MF degrees in Forestry from Duke University, where he was also a member of the men's gymnastic team. He went on to earn a PhD in Geography from Michigan State University. He taught Geography for 33 years, first at the University of Texas, then East Carolina University and finally Appalachian State University, specializing in natural hazards, biogeography, cartography and remote sensing. Dan was a true environmentalist and was fortunate that his professional endeavors overlapped with his personal passions.
Dan's life was rich with travel and adventure, making lifelong friends across the globe. His journeys included Russia, Brazil, Kenya, Thailand, Chile, New Zealand, Mexico and most of Europe, many of these trips enjoyed with his wife, Jean. He also traveled to all 50 states and was particularly fond of our national parks.
He will be remembered for his immense enthusiasm for the outdoors and ceaseless energy to share his love of nature. He hiked the trails of Western North Carolina whenever possible, and in his retirement he and his wife published a regional recreational map for others to enjoy the outdoors he so loved. During retirement, he and his wife also opened Blue Planet Map Company, in Boone NC. Other favorite activities he enjoyed include gardening, skiing, and singing barbershop.
Dan and Jean were active members of the Boone Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Boone, North Carolina.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. His family thanks his MAHEC physicians, Givens Health Center and Care Partners Hospice for the excellent care they provided.
Acknowledgements may be made at westerncarolinamortuary.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dan's memory may be made to Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy at SAHC Memorial Donation or Sierra Club at Sierra Club Memorial Donation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harold Stillwell
Sponsored by Western Carolina Mortuary Service, LLC - Asheville.
4 Entries
Barbara Speir
December 8, 2019
We had lunch with Jean and Dan only two months before he died and I remember that when a subject was brought up, Dan went and got one of his many tabbed books to share a photo or article. He was such a dear man and when I hugged him good bye, I never thought it would be the last time we would see him. Jean is one of my oldest and dearest friends and I feel so fortunate to have spent time with Dan and Jean at UNC reunions in Capel Hill, Boone and Asheville plus a wonderful week in Nuevo Vallarta. I send love to Jean and the girls. We will all miss Dan and his quiet and fun loving ways.
Barbara Speir.
Debbie Gunter
December 6, 2019
One of the many things about Dan that stands out to me was his unbridled passion for life and adventure. Yet beneath all that adventure was a gentle fun loving man with a twinkle in his eye. What a pleasure and gift to have known him. He will be missed. All my thoughts and prayers to Jean and the girls.
Claire Wierzbicki
December 5, 2019
Dan came into my life while singing in choir in Puerto Vallarta ! After "picking him up "and delivering him to Jean in Nuevo he changed our lives forever ! Both Vinni and I have been blessed to meet such a fabulous couple ! Dan, your smile and those dancing eyes will keep you in my heart forever. Claire Wierzbicki
Linda Frakes
December 3, 2019
Sincere condolences to Jean and family. Dan was a true soft spoken gentleman. I miss seeing you in Mexico.
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