Birth date: Feb 22, 1965 Death date: Apr 5, 2018
Stanley Merlin Horstmanshoff Born February 22, 1965 Freed April 5, 2018 Stanley – Beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Stan was a lover of life and he deeply loved his big family. He was always helping the neighbors Read Obituary
Every year or so I google Stan's name in hope I can contact him when I'm back in SLC. I was saddened to have just learned of his passing last year. We met in the 80's and became good friends. He was a gentle, caring man, one of those people you feel fortunate to have crossed paths with. I'm sorry we lost contact Stan, but I will cherish the memories I hold of you. I hope you transitioned well and are enjoying this new phase of your enternity. Continue to burn bright.
I met Stan many years ago from his visit to New Zealand back in 1991. We got along very well and became good friends. He eventually persuaded me to try working in America so I went to Saltlake in Sept 2001 for a holiday. To my surprise Stan asked me to bring a suit which I thought was weird to bring on holiday. Anyway that was because he organized an interview with the Executive Chef of the Grand America hotel.
After a very long interview I was successful and waited until my Visa was approved then went to the U.S.
Stan was my very good friend and I will miss him...we got well and had a amazing knowledge and view of life.
When I have the chance I will visit you in Salt Lake again....
Your good friend Tony from New Zealand
I'll never forget you kindness and gentleness, and power... That ride up the canyon on the back of your motorcycle... Your ability to love everyone, to love life... And show us hope to be better human beings.
Stan was an amazing person. He had the ability to light up the room with his positive attitude... He will be greatly missed.
I went to NCED in Norman, OK with Stan and sat with him for three weeks. We called each other "Brother" whenever we saw each other at work or school. Always funny with great sense of humor. The last time we met, Stan showed me how to exercise with the Spinner Gyroscopic Power Ball. Sorry to see a brother go this early. I know he belongs to a better place than this world and he is going there. RIP, Stan, my brother.
Stan introduced me to rollerblading on city sidewalks in downtown Salt Lake rather than just in a rink. Our new destination became the Walker Building, which is a spiral parking garage. We would take the elevator to the top, press the 'down' button, then start skating down. The elevator would be waiting for us when we got to the bottom. Stan was a wizard skater, incredibly good at it.
Once, as we approached the door to the outside, I saw a big, bright green preying mantis by the door. There was no way it could survive in the city. I picked it up and cupped it in my hands. When we got to my car, Stan reached in my pocket, got my car keys and put them in the ignition. I got in with the preying mantis still cupped in my hands, Stan closed the door, and I let the mantis loose. It crawled onto my shoulder. When I got home, I set it out into my abundant garden.
That was about 15 years ago. Ever since, my garden has had preying mantises in it, all descended from that first one. Every summer, one or more of them will come to me, flying at me from the tomato beds or showing up where I'm doing some weeding. It's like they want to say 'Hello, and thanks for the prey." I always think of Stan when that happens.
I'd already noticed a bunch of mantis egg cases under the fence eves, and in various protected spots in my back yard. After I learned about Stan's death yesterday, I went out and visited the egg cases and thought about him.
I loved Stan. He was best man at my wedding to Jeff DeJong. He would go to Classic skating with my family every Friday, babysit my kids & hang out and talk for hours. He was always available if any of us needed anything. I loved his laugh, his smile and his generosity. I'm sure he and Jeff are up in the heavenly skies beating on their drums and having a good time. I will miss you my friend....Love Alison
Stan and the rest of the Hosmanhoff family have always been like family to me my heart goes out to you at this time all though I know there are no words for this occasion. Love and Peace and comfort to you. Love Jim Brunson
Dear Horstmanshoff Family,
Stan always had a smile and great enthusiasm whenever I saw him. I know he will be greatly missed. It was my privilege to be acquainted -- I always let him know how highly I thought of his entire family. May each of you find peace and comfort, especially during this difficult time, and may the happy memories you created with Stan stay in your hearts forever.
Aloha,
Pania Heimuli
