Philip B. Stanley

B: April 19, 1919 D: Nov. 7, 2008

Philip B. Stanley, 89, of Polson, MT. passed away on Friday, Nov. 7, 2008 at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson. Philip was born on April 19, 1919 in Kaifeng, Honan Province, China to Rupert & Helen Stanley. He spent the first 8 years in China before he and his parents moved back to New York City. Philip attended schools and graduated from Fieldston High School & attended Oberlan College in New York. Philip was a Quaker and he was a contentious objector during World War II. Philip was instrumental in petitioning to get the Civil Public Service started so that people could serve their country in the protection of life, land and resources as smoke jumpers. He served his country as a smoke jumper from 1942-1946. He continued working for the Forest Service as a photographer for a short time. He married Sylvia Goelitz on July 8, 1949 in Missoula, MT. His love for photography continued after and he started Stanley Color Lab in the old Wilma building in Missoula. He specialized in dye transfers & eventually that business moved to the Medical Dental Center building. He sold the business in the late 1960’s. He started working as a technical rep for a film service from Salt Lake City. Philip started Inland Charters boat rental in Polson. He went back to photography for a while working at 1-Hour Photo in the Southgate Mall in Missoula for approximately 5 years before completely retiring. He and Sylvia retired to Polson in 1990. Philip volunteered for 10 years at St. Joseph Hospital & enjoyed photography, sailing, swimming & repair work. His parents, a sister Betty Williams, two brothers- Rupert, precede him in death M. & James. He is survived by his wife Sylvia, a son- Steve Stanley of Polson, a daughter- Carol (Lonnie) Stockdale of Orting, WA, 3 grandchildren- Shari Erickson & Kaleb McCammant of Orting, WA and Nicole Stanley of Wasilla, Alaska, 3 great grandchildren Kyle, Kaden & Amy Lynn. A brother John of Florida also survives him. No services are planned at this time and cremation has taken place. A guset book may be signed and condolences sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

November 10, 2008
Gayle Hudgins
Dear Sylvia, I read of Phil's passing and wish to offer you and your family my sympathy and condolences. You may not remember me by my maiden name, but my former husband, Todd Cochran, and I spent many occasions in your company, along with Frank and Marge Pettinato. I always enjoyed visiting with you and Phil, as you had led such interesting lives. I am still in Missoula, teaching in the School of Pharmacy at the university; Todd is retired. Both of us have remarried and our children, Carrie and Ian, are grown and leading their own lives. Carrie is in Washington, DC, and Ian lives in Paris, France. I still see Margie occasionally and she seems to be doing very well. Again, I'm sorry to hear of Phil's death and I wish you the very best. Gayle Hudgins (Cochran)

Nov. 12, 2008
Missoula
Dear Sylvia and family, Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May all your good memories of Phil remain with you and bring a smile to your hearts. Sincerely, Joe and Vivian Brooke

11/18/2008
Betsy in Connecticut
Dearest Sylvia & family, My mind is flooded with memories of Phil. What an influence he has had on my life. I will always remember with great fondness our time working at CPI and 1 Hour Photo. He gave me a fantastic appreciation for the art of photography. I will also always remember the wonderful times we spent at the lake with you both. I still enjoy sailing, only now it is on the east coast. Sylvia, I know that you actually knew my mom and little brother Tom before I knew you. It's funny how small the world is and how people are brought together through sometimes strange avenues. It's been a few years since I have talked to Phil and even longer since we have actually seen one another. I can tell you that he was a very special man and I know he will be missed by many, many people. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and I wish you peace through this difficult time. Betsy Eggers (Kimmel)

11/23/2008
Missoula, Gooley
Dear Sylvia and family, Denny and I were so sorry to read of Phil's passing. We have many fond memories of times spent at Flathead Lake with your family in our younger years. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Please take care. Denny and Leann Gooley