Stewart Powell, 81, of Cedar Key, Fla., died peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, after a brief illness. He was born Robert Fister Weiskotten, Jr. on Oct. 27, 1929, in Detroit
Mich., to the late Robert and Claribel Weiskotten. Raised in Richmond Hill, NY and the son of a Lutheran minister, he spent idyllic summers with his grandparents in Greenville, Penn.. In 1952, he graduated from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio.
After working as an engineer in several states, he was transferred to Sweden in 1962 as an engineering consultant, ultimately living in London with hisfamily until 1971. He was able to travel throughout Europe extensively, and play some of his favorite golf courses. After his return to the states he spent the next decade in Wytheville, Va.,
owning a large, 1,300 acre farm raising Black Angus, growing corn and
enjoying Tennessee Walking horses. His house became well known in the area for it`s beautiful flowers, 4th of July picnics and mesmerizing magic shows. He was eventually called back into the business arena, serving as president of Pulaski Furniture and later, chief consultant to Paul Broyhill of
Broyhill Furniture.
In 1982, he purchased Alexander Answering Service in Evanston, Wyoming. Active in the community he served on the City Planning & Zoning Commission, Crime Stoppers Board of Directors, ran for City Council, and preformed in the annual Nutcracker play as one of the Russian Soldiers. He enjoyed the Wild West where he raised his youngest daughter before selling his communications business and retiring to Florida in 2002.
When Stewart found the quiet island of Cedar Key he was so happy and
relished in his retirement surrounded by `the best oysters he`d ever
tasted". Enjoying the ocean view with an afternoon beer on Dock Street wasone of his favorite past times and he quickly became known within the tight knit community and established many great friendships. A lifelong Brooklyn Dodgers fan, he enjoyed hosting croquet tournaments and card games. He loved reading, old movies, dark chocolate, a good joke, and will be remembered for being the host-with-the-most, and carrying on the European custom of good conversation over a late lingering dinner.
He is survived by 5 children Margaret Smith, Julie Merritt (Phil), Stacey
Allen (Richard), Tom Weiskotten (Jana), Mandy Cassiano (Eric), along with 10 beautiful grandchildren Meryl, Harper, Stephanie, Sebastian, Eda Clare, Noah, Emily, Caroline, Issac, & baby Mercy.
Stewart was preceded in death by his sister Julia Cho, and an infant
brother, Grove. A tribute of his life will be held in Cedar Key on November 13th from 1-3pm at the Island Hotel Courtyard, followed by interment at Shenango Cemetery in Greenville, PA. In lieu of flowers please raise a glass to ole` StewBob or make a charitable contribution in his honor to a charity of your choice. |
