Obituary
Gordon “Don” Livingston Kiester Jr., age 71, passed away July 26, 2022, in Orange City, in the loving company of his two children, Jamie and David. He was originally diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2003, and told he only had 1-3 years to live.
“Donnie” was born on March 19, 1951 at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, FL, to Gordon and Mary Rae Kiester, and spent the majority of his adolescence in Winter Park, FL, with his older sister Ginger, younger sister Marilyn, and little brother Kenny. He spent his days playing in the orange groves, earning his Boy Scout merit badges, participating in yo-yo competitions, playing the saxophone, and competing on the swim team. It was then he was instilled with a deep sense of family, sense of right and wrong, and a knack for practical jokes.
Don graduated from the University of South Florida and later earned his law degree from Stetson University. He made Tampa Bay his home after college and started a family with Patricia Fridella in St. Petersburg, FL. “Dad” loved spending time with his family, taking them on trips both near and far. He relished providing experiences to his children and made sure they never went without. He held boat and fishing outings with the family especially close to his heart, as he did as he was a child growing up. Did you ever hear about that one that got away?
Always a hard worker, Don spent several years in private practice as a bankruptcy attorney before moving to the Florida Department of Revenue, where he retired in 2019 as Assistant General Counsel. He spent years battling the effects of his cancer and undergoing treatment, all while refusing to ever stop working lest he stop providing for his family. “You’ve got to keep on keepin’ on”, he would say.
Don was gentle and kind. He loved to laugh, and always strived to do the right thing. He was a natural provider, a protector, and guidance counselor. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, friend, and a caring attorney who was generous with his time and his talents. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Don was predeceased by his parents Mary Rae and Gordon L. Kiester, Sr., his brother Ken Kiester, and “soulmate” Patricia Fridella. He is survived by children, his daughter Jamie Kiester and son David Kiester, sisters Virginia (William) Rieth and Marilyn Kiester. He was a fun and loving uncle to Kristin and Katherine Rieth, Jennifer (Jon) Buff, Isabella and Fiona, and Amy (Parker) Marsh, and Parks and Luke.
A memorial service will be held at Winter Park Presbyterian Church on Saturday, August 13, at 10 a.m., in the sanctuary. The address is 400 S Lakemont Ave, Winter Park, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.
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