HOWARD E. STANSBURY, JR.

1913-1989

Howard E. Stansbury, an American Alpine Club member since 1965, died on May 11, 1989 while on a cruise in the Caribbean. He was born in Ronan, Montana, and lived most of his life in Seattle and on Mercer Island. Surviving him are his wife Patricia, his daughter Kathryn Brown and his sons Michael, Howard III, Richard and Charles Stansbury.

A memorial service was held at The Mountaineers clubhouse in Seattle on May 17, the day on which he would have become 76 years of age. He was a long-time and dedicated member of The Mountaineers. He was a graduate of its basic and intermediate climbing courses. For many years he was on the Climbing Committee, serving for some time as the chairman, and was an instructor in both the basic and intermediate climbing courses. He was the first business manager of The Mountaineers from 1968 until he retired in 1981. He was active in the book publishing of The Mountaineers and contributed significantly to its becoming a successful enterprise. After his retirement, he was honored in 1982 by The Mountaineers’ Service Award, given each year to the member who is deemed to have given the most outstanding service to the organization.

Howard ran a successful small business, the Stansbury Chemical Company. For ten years he was a member of the Mercer Island School Board, also serving a tour as president of that board. He was an outstanding Scout Master in his home community of Mercer Island for fifteen years. In his successful Scouting program, he counted more than 50 boys who became Eagle Scouts during his tenure. He was an avid outdoor leader, taking Boy Scouts into the wilderness and into the mountains as a major part of their Boy Scout experience.

Howard served as Chairman of the Cascade Section in 1977 and was a Councilor of the American Alpine Club from 1978 to 1981. He took great interest in the affairs of the Club. His untiring work and positive contributions have made a great difference to the community, to The Mountaineers and to the American Alpine Club.

John M. Davis