Charlton L. Stone

Stone Charlton ``Chat'' L. Stone, October 14, 1914 - January 16, 2002. A Memorial Service and celebration of Chat Stone's life will be held at Trinity By The Cove, 553 Galleon Drive, Naples, Florida (941-262-6581) on Saturday, January 19, 2002 at 11:00 AM. In place of flowers, please send charitable donations to Hope Hospice, 9470 Health Park Circle, Ft. Myers, Florida 33908. Chat was a devoted and doting husband and caring father, a respected professional insurance agent, underwriter and Fellow of the National Life Underwriters Association, and a talented and caring professional and personal advisor. His sense of personal and professional integrity was a model to those who knew him, and his knowledge and wisdom made him a mentor of those who had the fortune to work with him. Chat was a warm, affectionate, loving man whose pervasive charm, humor and sense of enthusiasm affected all of those around him, and brought pleasure to those who knew him and were his friends. The consummate salesman, Chat will be remembered as the man who brought meaning to the phrase, ``...selling ice cubes to Eskimos,'' and as someone who demonstrated this talent for the duration of his life. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota as a single child of a coal salesman, Chat learned the skill of persuasion from his father, and his talent for social charm from his mother. Putting his college degree in Business and Journalism together with these talents, Chat became one of the state's prominent leaders in the insurance industry. Considered for, but declining an appointment as Insurance Commissioner for the State of Minnesota, Chat and his wife of 60 years took early retirement to Southwest Florida to enjoy the pleasures of a fruitful career. An ardent, self-taught musician, Chat's admitted secret desire was to have continued with his college career as a musician, and become a ``big band'' leader. Chat's skills on the piano and ability to compose and play without being able to read sheet music, made him a welcome addition to any social event, and a delightful entertainer. His skills on the tennis court made him a favorite with those who wanted to win, and have a good time doing it. Chat was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, was active in Naples as a Hospital Volunteer, a member of The Naples Sailing and Yacht Club, Interlachen Country Club of Edina, Minnesota, the Minneapolis Athletic Club, Collier Athletic Club, and an outspoken supporter of the Republican Party. Chat leaves to recall with fondness the memories of his charm & humor, his son Timothy, his daughter Marilyn, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. Our celebration of his life and the Joy he has brought to us all will far overshadow the feeling of loss felt by his family and those who knew him. Chat's sense of joy for the world around him and the pleasures that he took from what was offered him and shared with others, will not be forgotten. We will all miss you, Chat.

Published on January 18, 2002