OBITUARY BY TOM NEEDHAM (6/8/99) STANLEY GORDON NEEDHAM January 20, 1923....June 8, 1999 Stanley Gordon Needham, Stan, was born January 20, 1923 in Boone County Iowa, he was the eighth child born to Arthur Gordon Needham and Laura Isabelle Standley Needham. Stan grew up in Iowa working on the family farm. He broke his back in an auto accident around age 16. This kept him from military duty during the second world war, though he did recover from the injury and had full mobility. After the war when his help was no longer needed on the farm, Stan traveled extensively, covering the United States; travel was one of his passions. Stan married Frances Louise Pilcher in 1948. To this marriage were born three children. Christine, Tom and Kathy. Stan and Louise were in Riverton, Wyoming during 1948 and the winter of 49, they moved to Jackson by 1950. Stan worked road construction in Jackson, Yellowstone and the surrounding area. He worked for Burr Robbins and the Independent Oil Company which at that time was located on the North end of Cache street. Stan began working for Bob McGee in the old Blue Bird Cafe, which next became McGee’s Cafe, Charolette’s, and finally the Wrangler, which Stan and Norris Rodda owned and operated from 1961 until 1965.This was located on the South Side of the Town Square. Stan first worked for McGee as a dishwasher, but since McGee sometimes liked to take off for a game of chance in one of the local card games, Stan soon transitioned to Fry Cook, eventually he became a very accomplished Chef. He still found time to enjoy the things which attracted him to Jackson, among which was the Trout Fishing, both summer and winter. He also enjoyed hunting and photography. Did I mention Stan loves to travel, he would drive to the warmer climates in the winter and return north in the spring, kind of like the birds. Though this slowed down considerably once he had a family, he would still take off for shorter trips in the winter months with his friends when he could. In 1961 Stan and Louise dissolved their marriage. Stan Remarried Betty Lou Michel in 1962. To this marriage were born two children, Laura and Mike. Stan at this time was in the restaurant business which he enjoyed. It provided a good income for his family and allowed a little time for fishing and hunting. By the way did I mention Stan loves to travel? Each spring, the restaurant would be closed, (Jackson used to have an off season) and Stan would take off with some of his friends for a week or two to Mexico, to thaw out. Do to changing circumstances by 1965 the restaurant was sold and Stan had taken a job with Frontier Airlines at the Jackson Hole Airport. Though the pay was only $450.00 per month to start, which was substantially less than Stan was used to earning. He worked hard to learn the new tasks which were required of him, such as typing, reading weather, and taking weather observations which were given to the pilot’s of the arriving and departing flights. He already had good people skills, he liked to talk to the flying passengers. Frontier Airlines became a new family to Stan, it also provided him with another means to travel, did I mention he likes to travel? According to one of Stan’s dear friends from Frontier, Jake Lamkins, speaking to another former Frontier Pilot. "If you flew into JAC from 1968 til his retirement in 1985, you probably ran into Stan. He was the one with the ‘last of the bigtime moustaches’ and the embodiment of western hospitality, charm and friendship. He never met a stranger in his life. Of course, he didn’t really retire. He just started doing lots of other things including delivering luggage for the new airlines in JAC. Stan’s 76 now." Stan never did retire, he transitioned from employment with Frontier, to employment with John Stainbrook, delivering late arrived luggage. Stan went on to become self employed in this endeavor. He liked driving, and the luggage deliveries not only provided income it allowed him to drive and travel outside the valley. Stan also kept active irrigating and raising hay on a parcel of land he owned near Pinedale. Getting firewood, fishing on Jackson Lake, were also done during the summer months. Burning the firewood and snow removal kept him busy during the winter months, between bag deliveries. He was also known for his game processing, smoked fish, salami and jerky. Not to mention his knack for making fine wine. Stan has four grandchildren, Toni, Ben, Tanya and Sam. Each one of these grandchildren have been touched by Stan in many wonderful ways. Whether if it be by watching a Cubs game with him, learning to fish & hunt or finding his "hidden cookies". He always shared and was generous with them. He was looking forward with much excitement to the arrival this August of his fifth grandchild, he will most certainly be there in spirit to welcome the newest arrival. Stan was made a Mason at the age of twenty-two at Rhodes Lodge 303 in Ogden Iowa, he finished his degree work in Jackson Lodge 48, where he has been a member since 1958. Stan’s affiliation with Masonry was entering fifty-four years. He joined the Scottish Rite Consistory in Sheridan, Wyoming, as well as the Kalif Shrine Temple. He was also a member in the Jackson Hole Shrine Club. Stan very much believed and personified the hidden truths which he had been shown. Stan was also a member and Past Exalted Ruler of Jackson Lodge 1713 B.P.O.E, he enjoyed the ritual work at the Elks, lodge and the many good friends and brothers with whom he was able to associate. Stan’s journey here on earth has come to it’s end, and from his nerveless grasp have dropped the working tools of this life, but he has left his legacy, in his family and many friends. He has now made the transition from life here on earth and is traveling again, did I mention he loves to travel? This time he is traveling with The Great Architect Of The Universe in that "Undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns." Stan is survived by his wife, Betty. Daughters, Chris, Kathy, and Laura. His sons, Tom and Mike. His sisters, Edna, Lucille, and Gladys and brother, Ross. Also his four grand children, Toni, Ben, Tanya and Sam. Two Great Grand children, Tiffany Michelle and Christopher Allen Mabe. (6/8/99)