It is with profound sadness that I share with you the passing of the love of my life, George William Stillman, on November 7, 2017 in Weston, Florida, from complications of Parkinson’s and a stroke. It is also with exceptional joy that he is finally out of his constant pain and is home in the arms of Jesus.
George, 69, retired first in Oakdale, CA, then here in Weston, FL. Before that, he was the Director of Public Works for Stanislaus County, CA and prior to that, City Engineer and Director of Economic Development for the City of Fort Lauderdale, FL where we first met. Before that, he worked in Portland OR, Clarke County WA, and Kern County CA. He was a brilliant man who received both his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Engineering from UCLA, while working full-time, the latter in less than a year.
George loved the mountains, snow skiing in winter and hiking in summer. He enjoyed camping and we both loved the sneaky art of trout fishing. He was an excellent cook and an incredible baker, as many people will fondly recall. Chocolate chip cookies and blueberry pies floated from the oven like magic for him, and he never met a cobbler he didn’t like. He made wonderful ice cream, too, that was great with the cobblers and pies. I have the recipes, but his secret was patience and love. And chocolate.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lee and Ruth Stillman and his brother Gary Stillman. He leaves behind Erin (his loving wife of 22 years), sons David (Sandy) Stillman, and Niklaus Stillman and his much-adored grandchildren Colin and Alana Stillman. Also, he leaves his stepson Daniel Willingham, who loved him as a father, and the love was mutual. He is also survived by his brother Lee Raymond (Bonnie) Stillman, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
There will be two memorial services held for George: The first Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, December 16th at Sawgrass Community Church (located at First Church of God Hollywood, 201 N. 57th Avenue, Hollywood, FL 33021). It was at 10:30 a.m., with a small luncheon to follow. The second Celebration of Life will be held in Oakdale, CA at a later date. We will announce that when details have been finalized.
Parkinson’s Disease is cruel and unrelenting and the accompanying side syndromes and medication side effects are frightening and horrific. In lieu of any flowers or other gifts, please consider a memorial gift to the National Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org). They are currently investing in and coordinating some extraordinary research and ensuring its dissemination to all, researchers and clinicians alike, so the latest technology and information can be used for and given to today’s patients.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Dec. 20, 2017