Win passed away peacefully on Friday, February 20th at the age of 79. He was surrounded by his loved ones, including his devoted caretaker, Angela Turner. He was the son of the late Isabelle Taaffe and Edwin A. Stoutz. He is survived by his loving children Catherine (Kenny), McHardy (Mary) and Taaffe. He was preceded in death by his son Clif. He will be missed by his seven grandchildren: Liam, Mac, Sarah Cate Richie, and Kade Henderson; Reily and Mackie Stoutz; Emma Stoutz and his two sisters Sr. Carolyn Stoutz R.S.M. and Susan S. Karlin and former wife Michie McHardy Bissell. Win was a loving father to his four children and a generous friend to many.
A lifelong New Orleanian, Win graduated from St. Rita Grammar School, Jesuit High School, Georgetown University and Tulane Law School. He was a member of The New Orleans and The Louisiana Bar Associations. While attending Georgetown, he worked for Congressmen Russell Long and Hale Boggs. It was during that time he developed a love of politics. Win was elected to serve on the Louisiana State Democratic Central Committee and was a delegate to the 1968 National Democratic Convention in Chicago. In 1971 he got in the runoff for State Senate. He was active in city politics, supporting various candidates especially Mayor Dutch Morial. Win served as Mayor Morial’s City Notary during the Morial administrations.
A childhood love of toy cars led Win to his expertise in automotive law, representing and owning dealerships in Mississippi and Louisiana. He was also the attorney for the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission for five gubernatorial terms. Win also facilitated the purchase of the first African American operated dealership in New Orleans. This further love of automobiles led to a vast collection of antique cars, his favorites being a 1954 Kaiser Darrian and a Porsche Speedster. He was a member of the New Orleans Antique Car Club having served two terms as president.
Win enjoyed relaxing at his vacation home in Pass Christian, Mississippi with his children and grandchildren, and partaking in Cruisin’ the Coast.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Rita Catholic Church, 2729 Lowerline Street, on Saturday
February 27th. Visitation will start at 10:00 with mass to follow at 11:00.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Win’s generosity, we ask that donations may be made to a homeless shelter or a charity for people in need.
To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
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