SELBY SULLIVAN

SULLIVAN--Selby William.

Died on September 25, 2016 at 81 in Los Angeles, CA. He was born to Lois Blanche Selby and John Francis Sullivan in Houston, TX. Selby was a remarkable individual, known for his generosity, integrity, passion, loyalty, humor and intellect. He cared deeply for his wife, children and grandchildren and was a powerful presence within the several communities in which he lived. Selby received a Bachelor of Arts degree at Rice University. Before pursuing further education, he became co-owner and president of S & W Home Construction Company in Houston. He eventually attended the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University and received a law degree with honors at University of Texas Law School. Selby's first marriage was to Patricia Ann McGuire with whom he had two children, Selby Jr. and Tricia. He practiced law at Andrews, Kurth, Campbell & Jones in Houston from 1963-1972. Selby went to work as General Counsel of Florida Gas Company in Winter Park, FL. Within a year he was named President, shortly thereafter made Chief Executive Officer and ultimately elected Chairman. After merging Florida Gas with Continental Group Inc. in 1979, he served as Executive Vice-president and Chief Finance Officer for the company in New York. Later deciding to return to Florida, he became a partner at Maquire, Vooris & Wells Law Firm in Winter Park. He soon recognized the need for a second golf club in Orlando and along with several other key figures, created Interlachen Country Club. In 1984, Selby purchased Hubbard Construction Company. The business grew exponentially under Selby's leadership, which eventually led to the sale of Hubbard to the French company, Enterprise Jean Lefebvre. In addition to his business life, Selby was a director on the boards of Orlando Regional Hospital, Rollins College Graduate School of Business, University of Central Florida, Rice University, Sun Bank, and numerous other institutions. After selling Hubbard Construction Company, Selby headed west to the mountains of Colorado, first purchasing a ranch in Steamboat Springs before acquiring his much-loved Diamond S Ranch in Eagle. There he raised cattle, rode horses, enjoyed fly-fishing, skied, played golf and hiked the beautiful Rocky Mountains. In 1999, he and his wife, Diane, moved to Santa Barbara, CA where he resided happily until his death. He loved travel, music, fine food, good books, his three dogs and lively conversations with a multitude of friends. He had been a member of numerous golf clubs, including Blind Brook in Purchase, NY; Eagle Springs in Wolcott, CO; Los Angeles Country Club in California; The Quarry and The Reserve in the Palm Springs area and The Valley Club of Montecito in Santa Barbara, CA. He was president of Eldorado Country Club in Indian Wells, CA, and served on the boards of Country Club of the Rockies in Edwards, CO and Birnam Wood Golf Club in Montecito, CA. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Diane; his son, Selby Jr.; daughter- in-law, Cathy; grandson Matthew and grand-daughter Teagan Sullivan of Oviedo, FL, his daughter, Tricia Sullivan Swen, grandson, Rhyder and granddaughter, Lyra Swen of Houston, TX. He was predeceased by his brother, John Francis Sullivan, Jr. and Jack Sullivan, his son with his second wife, Sandra Lee Huey. At his request, no church services will be held.