Paul Coleman Gips

1929 - 2020

Paul Coleman Gips, 91, of Maitland, Florida, passed away on December 28, 2020. He was an only child born to parents Leon and Anne Gips in 1929 in Boston, Massachusetts. Paul grew up in Miami Beach, served as a sergeant in the Army Corp of Engineers in the Korean War, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Construction Engineering from the University of Florida. Shortly after graduating from college, Paul found his life-long career at H.J. High Construction Company where he worked as Vice President until his retirement.

Paul met Sandra Hornbuckle in 1956. They were married on October 23, 1957 in Jacksonville, Florida. Together they raised three children: Daniel Gips, Douglas Gips, and David Gips. Paul and Sandra divorced after nearly 20 years of marriage. Paul later married his current wife, Catherine Ensmeir in 1986.

Paul is survived by his three sons Daniel, Douglas, and David, his grandchildren Quincy, Jordan, and Lauren, his daughters-in-law Brenda and Martha, and his wife Catherine.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, and by his aunts Rosie Rosenbaum and Shirley Levine.

Paul was a loving father who took great pride in his sons. He was also immensely proud of how he changed the cityscape of central Florida while working for H.J. High Construction. Paul loved the outdoors and often took his family fishing and camping. Paul loved to travel, taking trips to New Orleans, Las Vegas, and the Bahamas as time permitted. He loved Europe, and more specifically Spain, where he spent many weeks after his retirement.

A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday December 31 at 11:00 AM at Palm Cemetery in Winter Park, Florida. In lieu of flowers the family suggest that you consider a donation to The Jewish Pavilion at www.jewishpavilion.org.