I have so many wonderful memories of Stan, it’s almost impossible to decide which one would be the best to share. He wasn’t just a legend … he had a personality that was bigger than anyone I’ve ever met. Of all the best memories I’ll carry with me about him will be the day I was outside waiting for my friend to come out of the school so we could ride to our carpool spot together. Stan saw me waiting and came over to say hello and share a moment of collegiality in the warmth of Atlanta in the springtime. I commented on the coolness of his tie, a pink and purple bowtie that I thought my daughter would have appreciated. I said, “One day, I’d really like it if you’d teach me how to tie one of those.” He took his ultra-cool pink and purple tie off his neck and handed it to me. “Here: start with this…” and he showed me how to tie a bowtie. I took it off and tried to hand it back to him but he wouldn’t take it. “It’s yours; go home and practice.” and he beamed that smile that could light up the world.
No matter how far apart the years take us, you will always be with me in my heart. Thank you for so many great years of mentorship and quality conversations. I am who I am today because of you.