(Editor's Note: Steve, thank you for passing on your written notes to me from your nice spoken tribute to Neil)
NEIL GILMER MEMORIAL 12/5/10
It's an honor to be here today to pay respects to Neil who would call today the "frozen tundra" he didn't miss after moving to Florida!
I first met Neil in 1990 upon joining Eaton in Southfield, MI. We quickly discovered we had each grown up in East Central IN- some 30-40 miles apart. In fact, my brother was at Butler University during the time Neil attended there.
Neil was a bedrock part of a great sales group which was very successful in the engine valve and lifter business for Eaton. He was a "go-to:" person for this group because of his extensive product and market knowledge and his unique strategic thinking ability which he was willing to share.
Upon our respective retirements in the late 1990's and upon his and Kay's move to Orlando, my wife Nancy and I spent more time with Neil and Kay- visiting, going boating, going to the Cape and other venues, especially eating out ! We were together on 9/11/01 and shared concern that evening for the safety of our nation. And we were together last March just before his unexpected diagnosis.
Neil and Kay introduced us to the Disney village of Celebration and assisted as we bought and furnished a small condo there. Neil became a watchman for our condo between our stays and we looked forward to our visits- and golf- over the years.
I was fortunate to have several rounds of golf with Neil and his great golfing neighbor and "brother", Tony Gonzalez. The friendship established between these two was great to see and be around. I can identify in a personal way with the kind words of Tony from last Sunday's memorial in Orland reprinted in Neil's website.
Neil appreciated golf courses where play was fast and a minimum of time was spent looking for lost balls in the water or the rough. He wasn't impressed with more complicated, manicured courses with lots of rough, waste areas or water- thats for hunting and fishing, not golfing!
It was during this time that Neil shared a Neilism with Nancy and I or our safety in Florida. "In any body of water, assume there is an alligator !"
As mentioned, we enjoyed getting together to eat at various venues. Of special liking was the Seasons 52 restaurant which ad a unique menu change every week of the year - thus the name. Nancy and I are pleased that a new Seasons 52 is being built in Indy. I'm sure we will frequent it often and will always remember Neil and Kay.
In late August, I was privileged to sped a week with Neil and Kay trying to help when it seemed like there as an event nearly every hour (24/7) and Kay was straining to keep up. My help was incidental to what I experienced ! I saw Kay as a most dedicated and tender care giver to Neil, her life's love. I also saw Neil as a tender and kind receiver of this love and care even when in dire circumstances and need. He handled his situation like the statesman hew was- with dignity !
I also saw the deep love, respect and support of Ellen and Dean. I saw the care and support of many medical people- Valarie, Rose, Carrie and many others affected by Neil's kind and thankful attitude. I saw the overwhelming concern and support of many neighbors and friends.
I not only saw all these happening but "felt" the deep love and concern in a special way. I was blessed for having been there!!
Steve and Nancy Z
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