Stuart Milter

Stuart Perry Milter passed away suddenly Nov. 29, 2012, from a tragic accident at his home.

“In true Stuart tradition (time) this notice is late!”

Stuart was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, and lived there until he was 14. In 1964, Stu’s parents, Cilia and William moved the family to San Jose, Calif., to pursue the California dream. Stu worked his way through school at a bicycle shop. In 1968, the Milter family moved to Anaheim, Calif., where Stu graduated from high school. He later attended California State University for five years, studying sociology and other related humanities courses.

From 1973 to 1982, Stu was involved very successfully in retail and wholesale sales throughout the Pacific Northwest. In addition, he helped open and manage the In Shops in the Tacoma and Sea Tac Malls. From retail, Stu was recruited by Idaho Opal & Gem Corporation out of Pocatello, Idaho. He also represented other manufacturers’ lines, such as Stamper Black Hills Gold and New Style Directions. As the design consultant for their gold line, sales grew rapidly and Stu eventually divided the Northwest into three sales territories, hiring and training the new sales representatives along the way. Shortly after joining the world of wholesale, Stu realized he wanted to stay involved in the retail side of the business and purchased the oldest jewelry store in Dillon, Stamm Jewelers.

In the fall of 1985, Stu moved to Whitefish and soon opened Stuart Jewelers in the new Mountain Mall. As he followed the downtown development, it became clear that a move there would be best. He located and purchased the 105 Central Avenue location, which he operated for many years. He also opened Stuart Jewelers in the Kalispell Center Mall in 1988.

Now making the Flathead Valley his new home, he decided to sell the Dillon store. Stu always took great pride in his low employee turnover and appreciated their many contributions in helping him build a solid, reputable name in the jewelry business. In 2010, Stuart rejoined one of those faithful employees, Patt Clay, to open Patt’s Jewelry in Kalispell, remaining involved until his untimely death. Stu was an avid golfer, sailor and skier, and Harley and Corvette enthusiast.

His tardiness remains legendary, rarely showing up on time for any event, earning him the most appropriate nickname of “Turtle!”

His distinctive signature mustache was often soaked from tipping the sailboat, frozen from skiing the powder, flapping from the Harley or seen fluttering from his beloved vintage Corvette. We’ll all remember the charming smile that accompanied the “stache” as a result of his life’s adventures.

Stu was preceded in death by his mother Cilia, and father William Milter.

“Magoo” is survived by his brother, Harvey, sister-in-law, Linda, and their children, Sam, Joe, Matthew, Courtney and Alyssa, all of Alabama; brother, Gary of Oklahoma; and sister, Joanie, her husband Kim and their daughter Stacy, all of California. Stu also loved his adopted mother, “Momma Jo.” He is also survived by many other “inherited” nieces and nephews, as well as a multitude of friends and colleagues.

Stu will be loved and missed by many who knew him.