Eugene "Gene" Stunard, MAI, passed in peace Saturday, March 23, 2019 at the age of 86.  Loving husband of Joan since 1955.  Loving brother of the late Irene and Arthur (Art).  Beloved and devoted father of Laura (Jim) Kutill, the late Vicki (late James) Shepard and Walter (Shelley) Stunard.  Grandfather to James and Chris Kutill, Sydney Shephard and Wesley, Ryan and Riley Stunard, and the late Jamie Shephard.

Gene and wife Joan, also known in the Outer Drive East and Harbor Point communities as "Grandma and "Grandpa", first came to the neighborhood in 1974 when moving their family real estate business "Appraisal Research Counselors" into the 400 E Randolph building.  They watched the transition of Outer Drive East going from an apartment building to a condominium.   Gene appraised Harbor point off blueprints before the building was built and was one of the first purchasers.  The family has had the family business "Appraisal Research Counselors" for 50 years and have been residents in the New Eastside since 1974.

Gene was on the board and admittance committee many years for the Harbor Point Association.  He was a proud member of the community organization NEAR (New Eastside Area Residents) since its inception.

Gene and Joan raised 2 of their three children (Walter Stunard and late Vicki Shepherd) in the New Eastside and were known more for being "Grandma and Grandpa" of the twins.  At that time, raising children in the downtown was rare.  They now have their son Walter Stunard, wife Shelley and 4 grandchildren (Sydney Shepherd, Wes Stunard, Ryan Stunard and Riley Stunard) living in the New Eastside Neighborhood at Outer Drive East.

Gene enjoyed sailing out of Monroe Harbor and was a loyal member of the Columbia and Chicago Yacht Clubs.  He was a graduate of Marshall High School and the University of Illinois.  A member of the ROTC at both schools, Gene served as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army in Korea, after college graduation.  Beginning in 1968, Gene and Joan Stunard founded Appraisal Research Counselors, which grew into one of the most respected real estate valuation and consulting firms in Chicago.  The company, now as Integra Realty Resources – Chicago, continues their legacy today.   Respected early expert on condominium properties, Gene served as the President of the Chicago Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, Chapter and International President of the Lambda Alpha International land economics society, and is a member of the Chicago Association of Realtors hall of fame.  Gene was an experienced educator for the Appraisal Institute and served on many committees in support of the industry.  He always considered himself a teacher to the staff, but everyone knew he felt they all worked with him and not for him.

Per Gene's wishes a private service will take place.  However, please join us for a Celebration of Life on April 1, 2019 at Columbia Yacht Club, 111 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to causes he felt strongly about, The Hundred Club of Chicago , for the support of the families of fallen police and firefighters, or the Jamie Shephard memorial fund for junior sailing at Columbia Yacht Club.

For further information please call 312-421-0936.