Donald Butler Griswold's Obituary
Donald Butler Griswold, 87, of Fort Myers, died August 23, 2016 at Gulf Coast Medical Center.A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, August 29, 2016 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. Burial will be at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery.Donald was born September 4, 1928 in Lacon, IL, the son of Alfred and Hilda (Ostermann) Butler Griswold. He married Vivian S.L. Law and she preceded him in death. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Management.He was a key figure in opening Caterpillar in the Far East Market beginning in 1965 and he thereafter helped to start up Caterpillar/Mitsubishi in Japan. He spent almost three decades living in Hong Kong as the Finance Manager for Caterpillar and the city became close to his heart. Hong Kong is where he met Vivian, the love of his life, and they lived there for many happy years together. He served as President of the American Club in Hong Kong several times. Donald was passionate about life. He was an explorer and loved to travel, spending time in Geneva, the Philippines, Japan and many more places. Donald was an avid golfer and was proud of his two holes-in-one.When he retired, he resided in his beloved home in Fiddlesticks Country Club for over twenty years where he spent many hours tending his garden and golfing. Donald was well-respected and his reputation preceded him. He always lived life to the fullest and was an exceptional man. He had dignity, charm, humor, and intelligence. Donald loved the arts and enjoyed opera and classical music. He loved people and made friends wherever he went, always leaving a lasting impression that made the room feel empty when he was gone. He will be greatly missed. He was a member of the Church of the Cross in Fort Myers.Surviving are his children, David Griswold and his wife Anne of Jacksonville, FL, Lori Ann Griswold Wagner and her husband Brian of Ruckersville, VA; grandchildren, David Griswold Jr., Douglas Griswold, Jessica Fitzpatrick and her husband Peter Fitzpatrick, Jeanette Worrell-Best, and her husband Jon Worrell; Great Grandchildren, McKenzie and Sydney Best.He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Helen Waldo.In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude’s Hospital.
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