Former Libertyville mayor Stiles dies
It happened as it often does in local politics, an articulate citizen interested in community issues gets asked to make a run for the village board.
In 1957, Gilbert "Gib" Stiles, a Harvard and Yale educated businessman, decided it was worth a try. He served for the next 24 years, the last eight as mayor, and cherished every minute.
"The job has been fun, at times tough, but I wouldn't exchange it for anything else in the world," he wrote in early 1981 in his decision not to seek re-election.
Stiles died Saturday in Tucson, Az., at the age of 86. He left Libertyville after finishing his term, splitting time between Colorado and Arizona, but is remembered years later for his leadership and long tenure in public office.
He had battled Alzheimer's disease the last few years, but never lost an inner core of honesty and wit.
"He told us just a couple of weeks ago, `You know, I've been lucky my whole life,' " recalled his daughter, Wendy Sweet. 'I have been lucky since the day before I was born.' "
Stiles ran a commercial refrigeration business in Maywood and then a water treatment company in Zion. His father, James F. Stiles Jr., was a former chairman of the board of Abbott Laboratories.
His business acumen served him well as a public official, presiding as mayor during a growth spurt of residential and commercial development in the village.
"He was very easy to work with, very efficient, very effective and got along well with people," said Allen Schertz, who served as village administrator from 1965 to 1991. "You only had to tell him something once and he had it."
Sweet said her father enjoyed collecting Zane Grey books and memorabilia, spending time with his family and its four-legged members and "anything chocolate."
A Navy veteran of World War II, Stiles is remembered as an intelligent businessman and financial whiz, as well as a devoted family man and respected member of the community. A park near Cass Avenue and Adler Drive was dedicated in his honor several years ago.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Josephine "Joie", in 1991. Survivors include his second wife, Irine; a son; two daughters; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren; three stepsons; six step grandchildren and 10 great step grandchildren.
Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1028 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, Az., 85006 or the Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2450 E. Ft. Lowell, Tucson, Az., 85719.
Vistoso Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.vistosomemorialchapel.com.