It's not often that two people with the same excitement for the arts, innate skill at golf and an almost embarrassingly generous philanthropic nature, meet, fall in love and share a storybook romance that lasts more than 60 years. But that is exactly the story of Walsh University donors Donald and Mildred Stein.
Their lives as a couple begins in 1940, when Mildred, on a break from studies at the University of Miami, and Donald, vacationing in the sunshine state with his parents, bumped into each other on a warm summer evening in Coral Gables. Sparks flew, and it wasn't long before the budding romance became an official union.
Although newly married with a young daughter (Karen), the Steins were forced to separate for four years as Donald was called to duty in World War II, serving as a captain in the Philippines. It was during this tumultuous period in American history that the Steins continued a daily exchange of love letters, documenting their romance and fulfilling a pact they made before Donald left.
After the war, the Steins returned to Canton, where Donald became president and owner of the National Iron and Metal Company. While the family grew (sons Jonathan, Loel and Andy joined sister Karen) Donald and Mildred became active participants in the community.
Both enjoyed the arts - watching and performing in theatre and civic opera productions - and were also enthusiastic supporters of the area museums, symphony and ballet. Their love of golf and Donald's co-founding of Arrowhead Country Club, found the couple posting impressive performances on the links for many years.
The Steins also enjoyed traveling, and they were always sure to return with a piece of art, jewelry or other memento from which to remember the many exotic locales visited.
Sharing their full life with others is truly the unifying theme to the Steins wonderful story, and they did so with the same passion they expressed for each other. In addition to their generous contributions to Walsh University, the couple supported many organizations and groups, including the Canton Rotary, American Red Cross, Canton YMCA, Temple Israel, Aultman Hospital, Ven Wezel Foundation, Florida West Coast Symphony and the Mote Aquarium & Marine Laboratory.