Stirling William Kolb, Jr.
September 28, 2020
Following a brief illness, Stirling William “Bill” Kolb of Newberry passed peacefully on September 28, 2020, surrounded by loved ones.
Bill was born December 23, 1941 in Lockport, New York, to Stirling William and Doris Kolb. Growing up, Bill had two protective older sisters, Billie and Mary. He married Sandra Jenner in Syracuse, NY, in 1965. Bill earned his Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and a Masters from Jacksonville University.
Bill began his professional career as a history teacher at Irondequoit High School Rochester, NY. The majority of his adult life was spent in education, serving what is best described as a second family in the thousands of students that he had the opportunity to assist through higher education. Bill served some 25 years as Director of Admissions for the University of Florida and became one of the major figures in the admissions field regionally and nationally.
In retirement, Bill dedicated his time to the United World College Program recruiting students to the University of Florida. His time was spent not only in the recruiting process, but also in assisting students with travel to Gainesville and in setting up their living arrangements. These students often shared meals at the Kolb dinner table where they could share stories of their home countries. Bill was a mentor to everyone whose life he touched. We have heard so many stories from the individuals whose lives have been touched by their relationship with Bill.
Bill was an avid sports fan and loved following all Gator sports. As a multi-sport season ticket holder, he spent many hours watching his beloved Gators. He was also a lover of the ocean and beach air. It took him to St. Augustine often where he could be found down by the shore, in a chair, enjoying another of his passions, reading novels.
He will be remembered as a loving, compassionate, generous, and humble man by all who had the honor to know him. He had a deep love for his family, and the traits that he embodied will live on through his family and all those close to him.
Bill was preceded in death by his daughter Kristan Elizabeth Kolb. He is survived by his wife Sandra Kolb; his son Tom Kolb and wife Donna; grandchildren Sydney, McKayla, Stirling, Kennedy, Adam (Jessie), Brad (Keri), Cason (Hayley); and great grandchild Michael Bruce. There were many other close friends considered family too numerous to list that have provided much love and support through the years.
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I'm so sorry to hear the news of Bill's passing. He was such a special, kind man. He worked with my dad for years and then I had the privilege of working with him too. He was an amazing person and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Cindy King
It was an honor to work with Bill for over 22 years in the University of Florida Office of Admissions. He was a mentor and friend to so many in the field. He was a most respected leader at the state, national and international education associations. My heart goes out to the family. God bless him.
My heartfelt condolences to the Kolb Family. I am saddened to hear of your loss. Bill helped shape my professional career during his/my tenure in the UF Office of Admissions. He was a kind, fair and honest family man. I learned so much from him and am grateful that our paths crossed. May the Peace of God strengthen and comfort you during this difficult time.
To the grieving family,
Bill was a man that will be fondly remembered. He was an honest, sincere, and good man. Please know that his longsuffering has ended and he is now in the master's care. Though we may want him here, there can be no better place than in the sweet embrace of Jesus. "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4
With love,
Kimberly Staton
Bill was a very special person and close personal friend for Pat, me, and many, many others. I worked with Bill at UF and also parked cards with him for years at Trinity Methodist. We had a great time and Bill made running around a parking lot a of fun. Sandy and the entire family have our love and prayers. He was a life well lived!!! – Rob & Pat Denson
Bill was a very special person and close personal friend for Pat, me, and many, many others. I worked with Bill at UF and also parked cards with him for years at Trinity Methodist. We had a great time and Bill made running around a parking lot a of fun. Sandy and the entire family have our love and prayers. He was a life well lived!!! – Rob & Pat Denson
Bill was my friend for years at UF. He and I used to go to lunch every other week. Our agreement was that one of us would choose and then pay for both our lunches. This quickly evolved into a competition to find the cheapest possible place for lunch. We had many, many hours of great fun boasting about how our next choice was going to be so inexpensive. could never best Bill at choosing inexpensive restaurants because, as I told him repeatedly, he had a deep and thorough knowledge of Gainesville's cheap restaurants. Thinking of these hours, these lunches, and these interactions brings a smile to my face and tears to my eyes.
Bill had so many positive impacts on so many people. I know of no one held in such high respect by so many colleagues.
I missed him when he retired as Admissions Director and our lunches became much less frequent. He will be forever in my mind and thoughts when I walk by Criser Hall.
Hearing of Bill's passing was quite a blow. He was such a genuine person; a man with a heart of gold.
His steadiness in any storm made him an exceptional mentor to so many, myself included. My heartfelt condolences to the Kolb family. He will be missed.
Dan
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My mentor and my example both professionally and personally, he will be forever remembered. Thank you, Bill, for all of your support over the years. You have had such a positive influence on so many of us; the true measure of a life well-lived. Our prayers go out to Sandy and the family. May God comfort you all.
–Pat and Belinda Herring
We send our sincere condolences to Sandy, Tom and the entire Kolb family. Â I first met Bill at the Boys Club and we shared many hours coaching together and watching our sons through their early baseball carreers.
He was the one who kept me under control when the umpires made a bad call. He was a great role model for all the boys and parents by being cool and rational in all situations.  We often talk about our great shared vacations at Crescent Beach, and visits together around the Kolb’s pool. We will miss the times together with a great friend  and a greater man who was loved by all that had the good fortune of knowing him.
RIP with God, Bill.
Bill was one of the nicest people I have ever known and second-to-none as a baseball manager. knowing and spending time with him greatly enriched my life.
From about 1991 to 2009, I had the pleasure of joining Bill and 6 or 8 other baseball fanatics each week to play a tabletop baseball simulation game using players from seasons in the past. Bill’s Cubs had some good years and some not-so-good, but he was always a winner with a quick wit and a hearty laugh. Bill was also an inspiration for his incredible work at UF and the Davis Scholars program, his dedication to his family, and all of the other activities he was involved in. He was a great person.
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Having worked with him for many years, I always enjoyed Bill's sense of humor and his low-key, positive approach to his many endeavors. The university would not be what it is today without the work that Bill did. His work in admissions earned him national recognition, and his personal interest and nurturing of the Davis World Scholars program at UF went above and beyond. But most of all, I will miss the quiet moments of conversation and laughter with Bill. My condolences to his family; they have lost a treasure.
We are so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Â Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bill. What a joyful, inspiring man he was, with a great sense of humor. It was an honor to know him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.Â
So sorry about Bill.
I was on the Internet looking up former teachers today and was saddened to come across the notice of his Mr Kolb's passing. I would like to convey my
deepest sympathy.
I was fortunate to have Mr Kolb as a teacher when I was a freshman at Irondequoit High School in 1965, He was so pleasant natured and so insightful. For many students, like myself, he gave us our first in depth introduction to the American political events of the day. I remember Mr Kolb as being so kind hearted, highly respectful and never condescending to any student. He truly had a winning and charming way about him.
May his memory be a blessing.
I was lucky to be a close friend of Bill's for many years. We shared the Gators, the Chicago Cubs, and a love of our families. We did everything together. He was the top person in his field nationally, and was highly regarded by his colleagues and friends. It was a privilege to be his friend and I will miss him a great deal.