Stanley Everett King, 86, of Great Falls, MT passed away surrounded by his family at home on June 2, 2024. A Celebration of life will be held at the 3-D International in Black Eagle on Friday June 21st, 2024, at 4pm. Please bring pictures and stories with you to share.
Stan was born on June 4, 1937, in Great Falls, he was the only child of George and Venezuela (Cooper) King. Though born in Great Falls, the family lived in Kevin, MT, where Stan attended local schools, graduating from Sunburst High School in 1951.In 1955, Stan enlisted into the United States Marine Corp, He was awarded the Rifle Expert Medal as well as the Good Conduct Medal and was discharged Honorably in 1959.
After Stan returned from his Military Service, he met and married Carol Boughton; the couple shared two daughters before ultimately divorcing. Stan went into the field of carpentry after the Military. He was a skilled carpenter and practiced his art in the many different aspects of carpentry. He also gained so much joy from his participation in the Ski Patrol and other various skiing activities; Stan learned to ski at an early age. In 1962, he joined the Great Falls Ski Patrol (GFSP), a part of the National Ski Patrol (NSPS) at King’s Hill (Showdown) Montana. It became his passion in life, and he was all in. Stan was an instructor for Outdoor Emergency Care, Toboggan transport, Avalanche 1&2, Mountain Rescue and Ski Skills.
Stan has served terms as our Patrol Director and T&T Advisor. He was also Division (Northern) and Regional Director, and Section Chief over the years; Stan also spent many years as a Pro Patroller at Showdown. He received the Division Mark Behan Award; he was recognized as outstanding Patroller and was the first recipient of the Mike Bell long term service award. In 1988, after travelling and training, Stan and 4 other GFSPers, patrolled at the Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, the next year they patrolled at the International Winter Special Olympics.
He received his NSPS National Appointment (#3810) in 1971, one of the first on the GFSP. He was awarded a Purple Merit Star for saving a life, 2 Blue Merit Stars for helping save a life, and many Yellow Merit stars for his service.
It’s no coincidence that Stan started Ski Patrolling in 1962, and the 2024 ski season was his 62nd year patrolling. The “Ridge” run was renamed King’s Ridge after him. See the “Bell” at the top of Showdown and give it a ring or 2 for Stan.
He was preceded in death by his parents George and Venezuela King; aunt Blanch Hoff; grandparents King and Cooper.
He is survived by his daughters Kathy Cobb of Great Falls and Kimberly King; along with his 3 grandchildren.
The family requests donations to be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital or to the Great Falls Ski Patrol. To share condolences with the family, please visit www.croxfordfuneralhome.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stanley Everett King, please visit our floral store.
