Stan Grace, beloved son, brother, husband, friend, and mentor, passed away peacefully at the age of 92. Born in 1933 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Tony and Viola Grace, Stan was raised in the picturesque surroundings of West Yellowstone, Montana, where he spent his formative years.
After completing high school, Stan enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country. Upon his return, he pursued higher education at Montana State University in Bozeman, where he laid the foundation for a successful and impactful career.
Stan’s early professional life was deeply rooted in the logging industry. He worked tirelessly in the field, taking on important leadership roles for several large-scale timber operations in the West Yellowstone area. The magnitude of what Stan meant to the men on the crews he managed was remarkable. His ability to lead confidently and fairly, while teaching and maintaining strong work ethics, made it clear as to why those operations were such a success.
In 1963, Stan married his loving wife, Betty. Together, they eventually made their home in Darby, Montana, where Stan continued his work in logging while also contributing to his community. His leadership extended beyond his immediate profession, as he served on the board of Montana Power, dedicating his time and expertise to addressing the region’s energy needs.
A key part of Stan’s legacy was his involvement with the Northwest Power Planning Council as one of the Montana representatives and chairman serving the people, fish, and wildlife for well over a decade. This leadership position brought him to Helena and allowed him to play a pivotal role in advancing regional energy collaboration. His commitment to the betterment of Montana’s energy infrastructure is just one more example of his dedication to public service.
In his retirement years, Stan enjoyed countless days casting flies into the many rivers and streams in Montana. His love for fishing led him into custom rod building. He was meticulous in his craft and built just under 100 custom fishing rods, the majority of which he gifted or donated to charities and auctions to help people raise money for various benefits and events. On many occasions, you would see him rowing his Clackacraft drift boat, the “B LOREE”, down the Missouri River. He loved taking friends and family members on fishing trips, and rarely would let anyone else row, as he simply enjoyed the satisfaction of being able to help people catch fish.
Stan is survived by his younger brother, Richard Grace, who resides in Texas, as well as nephews and nieces. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. Stan’s work, values, and enduring spirit will continue to inspire those who knew him.
A memorial gathering to honor his life will be held at a later date. In place of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Stan’s name to a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Jon and Bette Moe says
Stan and Betty were our neighbors for several years on Tizer Road. They were the best. Many good memories.
Nick Lulow says
I met Stan in 1997 when I was just out of high school and working for a local sporting goods store. Being it was my first job working with the public, I was nervous around most of the customers who came to me for advice in the fishing department. However, I remember how easy it was to talk with Stan. He never made me feel uncomfortable and was always good about sharing his fishing experiences with me.
When I quit my job at that store in November of 1999, I went to work at a local fly fishing store. Stan soon found me there and continued to stop by whenever he had time to talk about fishing. It wasn’t long before he became interested in building fly rods. After taking a class from a local instructor, Stan knew his interest in rod building would surely go further. He was meticulous in his craft, and really enjoyed the science and creativity of it all. By the time he decided his failing eyesight and dexterity wouldn’t allow him to continue, he had built just under 100 custom fishing rods, the majority of which he gifted or donated to charities and auctions to help people raise money for various benefits and events.
I’m proud to say that I wrote on each of those rods, carefully inscribing whatever information Stan wanted to display on the blanks. He would invite me over for supper as payment for each inscription. It wasn’t long before I felt like I was part of the family and attended many gatherings for birthdays and other special events.
Stan and I fished and hunted together for over a decade. In that time, we brought home many tasty meals worth of fish and game. I have fond memories of our days on the water and in the field, as so much of our time together was just spent discussing life in general. He was a great mentor and a dependable friend. His advice and guidance will continue to carry me through the joys and challenges that life has to offer well into my future here on this Earth.
I had the pleasure of knowing Stan for over half of my life. He was one of the greatest mentors, confidants, and friends I’ve ever had and ever will. If he was here with us today in person, he wouldn’t want us to share grief and sorrow. Instead, his desire would surely be to focus on the happy memories and joyful experiences shared over the years.