Richard Stanley "Stan" Owens, 86

Richard Stanley "Stan" Owens passed from this life, at home, in the arms of his family to the arms of his Lord, on March 2, 2014.

Stan was born August 12, 1927, to James Franklin Owens and Selina Mahalia Richardson Owens of North Platte, Neb. When he was five, the family moved to Bellflower, Calif. At Washington Elementary he began his love affair with music, playing in rhythm bands, taking voice classes, and singing in choral groups. Stan sang his first solo at age seven at the First Baptist Church of Bellflower, and met Rev. Ernest Hassleblad who made a lasting impression on his life, and became his mentor.

During high school, Stan's musical life blossomed. He sang in the a cappella choir, the Madrigal Singers, and the male quartet. He learned to play the baritone horn, french horn, trombone, tuba, and string bass. He organized an eight piece swing band and played at all the school dances.

In 1947, Stan joined the Air Force Reserve and was mobilized to Japan and then Korea. While stationed in Seoul he played with the Eighth Army Jazz Combo, and directed a choir made up of Korean ladies and American G.I.'s. He returned to Southern California in 1952 and started college. He also served as Minister of Music for several Baptist churches. In 1953, he met and married Joan Bickerstaff. They had four children: Pamela, Tamara, Randy and Daniel. They divorced in 1975.

Throughout his life, Stan's educational, professional and musical career was extensive:

He earned a B.A. in Music from Cal Baptist Seminary, Master of Religious Education Program at Cal Baptist Seminary, Master of Music Program from U of I, proficient on at least eight different instruments, taught music at public schools in Idaho and Washington for 25 years, directed music and Christian Ed programs in Baptist Churches for 55 years, directed civic choral groups in California, Idaho, Washington, and Korea, directed and played in various swing bands in California, Idaho, Washington, Arizona and Korea, and adjudicated at various musical competitions in Washington, Idaho and Arizona.

Stan retired in 1984 from the teaching profession. He moved to Coeur d'Alene where he kept busy playing professionally with groups such as the Ray Stone Swing Band on the floating stage at the Coeur d'Alene Resort. In 1991, Stan met and married the love of his life, Donna Robinett. During their golden years, they traveled extensively across the U.S., summering in Athol, ID and wintering in Yuma, AZ. During this final chapter, Stan directed the church choir, the Treble Clefs, and the Gentlemen of Note at the Sun Vista Resort in Yuma, AZ. He also played bass with the fourteen piece Yuma Big Band. In 2009 he retired again, at age 81. Stan and Donna sold their Arizona home in February 2013, and moved to Idaho to live full time. Stan spent his last year appreciating the quiet beauty of nature, lovingly cared for by his wife and friends.

Stan is survived by his wife, Donna; sister, Fern Russell; children: Pamela, Tamara, Randy and Daniel; stepsons, Craig and Brad Robinett; 12 grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and a multitude of loving family and friends. A private celebration of Stan's life will be held on March 8. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice of North Idaho.