My Grandpa Stan

This obituary came from the Washington State Everett Herald Newspaper:

Stanley passed away at home on September 9, 2009 after battling cancer. He was born on February 2, 1931 to Charles and Florence Adams in Everett where he resided his entire life.

Stan is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Debbie. He also leaves behind his children, daughter, Kim (Adams) Wylde; sons, Shawn and Mitchell Adams; and step-children, Steve Strabeck (Jo) and Kathie Waters (Mike). Stan was blessed with six grandchildren, Shawndra, Anthony, David, Ryan, Kelsey and Bevan; as well as three great-grandchildren, Avery, Colin and Stella. The "outlaws" were especially close to Stan: mother-in-law, Elaine; sister-in-law, Tammy Sampson (nephews Drew and Adam); and brother-in-law, Mitch Davis (Eileen; niece, Shelly and nephew, Joey).

Stanley was preceded in death by Gramma Haley, Gramma Florence, Gramma Babe, and, recently, his father-in-law, Bill Davis.

Stan was the "best shake sawyer around" where he worked for Miller Shingle Co. For many of his last working years, he also owned and operated his own saw mill. Because working for a saw mill can be hazardous he did lose a finger. He proudly displayed it, especially to the children when he teased them saying "an alligator bit it off", and delighting in their wide-eyed expressions.

First and foremost, Stan was a family man and loved the family gatherings over the years: birthday parties, Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July to name a few. He also loved the life of gambling until he wised up in his later years. Stan enjoyed a variety of careers early in his life such as mechanic in the Army at the age of 15 by way of an altered birth certificate, cab driver, commercial fisherman, and insurance sales.As per Stan's wishes, there will not be a service.

Donations in Stanley's name are appreciated and can be sent to Providence Hospice of Snohomish County.

A few of my fondest memories, of my time with my Grandpa Stan:

I remember as a little girl, staying over at my grandpas house on Christmas Eve. I remember feeling completely safe, comfortable and cozy; peeking out the window in the middle of the night expecting to see Santa and his sleigh fly by. When we woke up in the morning, we would have delicious food and open presents…one of my favorite days of the year as a little girl.

I remember the many many family get-togethers throughout the years and everyone devouring my grandpas AMAZING spaghetti. He would spend ALL day making his sauce. In our family, he was famous for his spaghetti; it was the best spaghetti you would ever taste!

Some little girls might have been frightened by a large, tattooed man with a missing finger, but he was MY grandpa! I was fascinated and intrigued by him. I would climb up in his lap and we would check out his tattoos together. I remember feeling very safe and protected in my grandpas lap.

Some years of my life were filled with my grandpa Stan and some years of my life were scattered with my grandpa Stan, but the memories that I have of him will stay with me forever. Grandpa Stan…You were an amazing man, I will love you and remember you always. Thank you for sharing with us, your time here on earth. Rest in Peace.