STAN NEEDHAM 1968 - 1985 STATION AGENT, SENIOR STATION AGENT JAC Dear Jake, I wanted to inform you that my father Stan, had a massive stroke on Tuesday, June 1. He had gone into the hospital here in Jackson, to have a non life threatening surgical procedure to repair a hernia. He went through the operation fine and came out of recovery, he was moved to his room on the floor. Approximately 30 minutes later he arrested. He was resuscitated, but not conscious, he was maintained on a resuscitator or respirator but failed to improve. A CAT scan done early Wednesday showed a massive stroke, after some 80 hours he was breathing on his own and maintaining blood pressure. Another CAT scan showed the damage to almost the entire right side of the brain, the right frontal lobe, and swelling had pushed into the left hemisphere as well. The prognosis was that he would very likely never come out of the coma, and that if by chance he did, that he would be an invalid without memory or recognition. Knowing he would never choose this type of existence, it was the decision of the entire family, to not attempt any further life saving measures, but to provide only the minimal support to keep him as comfortable as possible so that he does not suffer and linger, there is no way as I write this, that I have any way of knowing if that will be a few hours or a few days. I pray for his sake it is quick. This event was totally unexpected and we will miss him beyond words. He was delighted you had remembered him, and I know he valued your friendship and the memories you and he shared. I am very sorry to have to be the one to deliver this news to you, but I believe you were among his best friends and he would want you to know. Sincerely, -Tom Needham (6/6/99) Posted at the FL online club I just got word from his son, Tom, that Stan Needham, longtime Senior Agent in Jackson Hole had a massive stroke a few days ago and is off life support now. The end may come any time. 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. You can send a note of sympathy to the family at TNeedham1@compuserve.com Thanks, -Jake Lamkins (6/6/99) Jake wrote of your situation; please accept our sincere condolences. Frontier Airlines will always be family here. -Rick Broome (6/7/99) Thanks Jake. I remember Stan very well. I used to go to JAC quite often when I was in CPR and BIL. Lets hope and pray for the best. -Al Krauter (6/7/99) Thank you for the word on Stan Needham. He and I were friends. I built a house in Jackson Hole in the early 1980's and lived there part time. Stan is a good friend to me and my family as well. We also traveled together doing the Frontier Airiness Ski Shows for a couple years. Stan always well represented Jackson Hole in those days as I am sure he does now. I should also mention that Stan is a world class winemakeras well. I often think of when Stan flew to Salt Lake and he, Howard Schatz and I went to see the premier of the movie Rocky in Salt Lake. As you can see, I am in Stan's corner along with his family. My prayers and thoughts are with Stan and his family, he is a wonderful person. -G. Dan McCauley (6/7/99) Thanks for sending this.... I'm a friend of Tom and Stan and was trying to figure out how to send it for you to disseminate..... It's very sad for me. When I was at FAL (January 1978 to the bitter end) I looked forward to seeing Stan every time I went to Jackson Hole. I had a Jeep pickup with a camper on it and spent a lot of time commuting to my favorite fishin' holes in Wyoming and Montana on the jumpseat. The first summer I left my Jeep in Jackson I asked Stan if I could leave it in the "employee parking lot". I expected the standard "No way!" response. Stan asked me to park it back in the far corner so it was out of the way and gave me some type of "official sticker" so it wouldn't be towed away. I was senior enough to be able to fly f/o on the 737 for a few Jackson layovers. I would drive to the Snow King and register for my room and drive to my favorite fishin' hole. I had a "secret" place where I could park next to the Gros Ventre river and sleep with the window open listening to the water all night long. Before sunrise I would make myself some coffee and drive into town for a hot shower and "suit up" for my flight to Denver. I still "live" up north in a motor home all summer and can't seem to get enough of it? Best Wishes, -Al Beardsley (6/7/99) That was the first I have heard of Stan having a stroke. I will get an update and let everyone know. Thanks for letting me know. -Ken Wientjes (6/7/99) I just talked to his wife and they are going to run another cat scan on Stan but it don't look good at all. I guess he had such a massive stroke that the brain damage is very extensive. At this point it looks like he is pretty close to passing away. Betty is going to call me if there is any changes. -Ken Wientjes (6/7/99) Here's a Stan Needham story. Let's hear yours. Stan was famous for his snoring. You had to hear it to believe it. He'd say, "Hell, I ain't bad now. You shoulda heard me before I got my nose drilled out." He and I did a lot of traveling over the years: Australia, Tahiti, Vienna, Belize, Norway, & Hawaii. I always made sure I had enough of the local "tonic" to ensure that I could sleep through the racket. Once though his snoring proved a godsend. I was spending a few days at Jackson with Stan and visiting old friends. Stan insisted I stay at his house where he had a spare bed in the basement amongst all his guns, winemaking equipment, wine racks, smokers & smoked meat, skiing stuff, and what he called "collections". It worked great until one night Stan called it a night and went home before I was ready to leave the Cowboy Bar. His house was only a few blocks from the Square but when I left the Cowboy I was in bad need of a navigator and couldn't find his house. Finally I stopped and listened real hard. I could hear his snoring about 2 blocks over and just followed it to his house. -Jake Lamkins (6/7/99) I'll miss Stan Stan was a class act. I'll never forget his humor and generosity during my years at JAC/WYS. He will be a tough act to follow and will be missed by many. I was with FL from 1970-1986 and worked in a lot of small stations like MDW/GRI/EAR/HSI/LAR/CYS/JAC/WYS/CPR. -Jerry Carlson (6/8/99) Jake, Dad passed away this morning at 0835 very peacefully. He did not regain consciousness. I feel glad that at least this passed quickly for him. It was very difficult to see him and know that he was not coming back. I have always been close to my father, though we did not always see eye to eye. I had a great deal of love and respect for him which I know he knew. As I felt from him. The services are set for this Friday at 11:00 am at the Elks Lodge, followed by a Masonic Grave side service and burial at the South Park Cemetery, South West of Jackson. I did not want someone who never knew Dad to write his obituary, so last night I sat down and wrote out a couple of pages as best I knew how. I liked what you had stated in your e-mail about him and used it giving you the full credit for the kind statement. I am going to try and attach that with this letter. Please let me know if you get it. I appreciate your being there for all of us even if the distance precludes your physical presence. Sincerely, -Tom Needham (6/8/99) How can I ever thank you for sharing the events of this past week with me? I have walked with Stan daily re-living memories of our friendship. There are dozens of untold stories from our years of working & traveling together; from the time he sicced an angry old lady on me who tried to hit me with an umbrella to the time we had so much hell getting out of Hungary that when we finally got into Austria, Stan turned to me on the train and exclaimed, "Damnit, Jake, don't ever bring me to another one of these commie countries". Your obituary is wonderful and I want to use it on the webpage I'm building for Stan. It would be placed in the Frontier Obituary website, URL below. I'll let you know when it's ready. People used to ask me how long I knew Stan. I'd say, "HA! I knew Stan before he had a moustache!" Did he still have it after all these years? You know, I'm the one who caused him to grow it in the first place. When I met him the Summer of 1970 I had one and used to kid him that he was "just another pretty face" without one. "You wait'll next Summer and I'll show you what a real moustache looks like", he retorted. He did too!!! Stan was a fatalist. "When it's time, it's time", he'd say when the subject of death came up. He was a fiend for getting our flights out on time, so I believe Stan left "right on time": a phrase he used often as a flight left the gate at Jackson. My heart is with you all during this time. -Jake Lamkins - E-Mail to Tom Needham, Stan's oldest son, (6/9/99) I am sure you heard that Stan's funeral is Fri morning at the Elks club. This is the passing of one fine old gentleman. Stan and I had our differences over the years but he always had my respect. In later years he was always a really great friend. I know all you will be here in thought. -Ken Wientjes (6/9/99) Dear Tom; Just wanted to let you know that we are both thinking of you and your family at this time of your loss. It is so hard to lose your parents. Mine have been gone now for 3 & 6 years. It is not an easy time. I have known your father since 1965 when he still had the Wrangler Cafe on the square. He had a good full life and everyone loved him. I remember the last time I was in Jackson I ran into him at the airport and he was still delivering luggage. He told me that he had put over 200,000 miles on his car and it was still going strong. He was a proud and honorable man and we will all miss him. Bob and I left Jackson a year and a half ago and are now living in Grand Junction Colorado. We don't miss the snow and cold winters, but we do miss our friends and aquaintances. We will hold you and your family up in our prayers during this time. God Bless -Nancy & Bob Loyd (6/9/99) I was one of the lucky ones to know Stan. I didn't just "meet" Stan.... I loved him! I'll miss him. Best Wishes, -Al Beardsley (6/10/99) Dear Tom, I was so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. Stan was considered a good friend of all the Frontier pilots. He was always there to meet the airplane and have a friendly word for the crew. Our prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Best Wishes, -Gary Turner, FAL 1973-1986 (6/10/99) I received the news this morning about Stan's condition. I first met Stan in 1978 when I was flying the CV580 into JAC. He was always there to help, greet, or do whatever was needed with robust spirit and western hospitality. In my many, many trips through JAC it was always good to visit with Stan and to catch up with what was going on in the Hole. I know that this is a difficult time for Stan and his family, I hope and pray that he will not suffer and his family will have the strength to endure. Sincerely, -Clay Harvey, FAL Jan 78-Aug 86 (6/10/99) I have FWD some letters and my responses from Clay Harvey, Nancy & Bob Lloyd, Gary Turner, and Billy Walker. Sorry for cluttering your mail box. I thought you might like to include them on the web site you were doing. I finally had time today to look at the Web site....... Jake I do not know what to say. I want to express my deepest gratitude to you for doing this. I cannot begin to tell you what that means to me personally. Thank you, somehow seems way inadequate. Much of what I read and saw brought back so many very good memories for me some of which I may not ever have remembered without something such as the web site to jog the memories. It was especially nice to share that with my kids today. Tanya is now twenty-one, Sam will be twenty the end of July. They have been very fortunate indeed to growup knowing their Grandpa. He was always there for them. I wish I had looked at the site yesterday, I would have used, I might have used your poem on the "In Memory OF" cards. I will send one to you. Tanya, has asked if she may borrow that to read tomorrow at his service? I believe it should be so. I have also found that in looking at the web site, and being able to see the things people have expressed, has been very helpful in accepting what has happened. I have laughed and I have cried, both of which I believe are healthy and necessary. As I had express to Bob and Nancy Lloyd, I never knew if sending a card or message of condolence ever did anyone any good. I now know from first hand experience, it does. It helps us to understand, accept, and go on. It is a validation that our own beliefs of the person who has died are real. You have definitely made his passing easier for all of here especially me, to deal with, I am in your debt. Very truly yours, -Tom Needham (6/10/99) Thank you for those kind words, Tom. My efforts with the site and the messages have helped me cope with my loss too. Send any other messages you get and I'll incorporate them into the site. I have been digging thru long neglected albums and found some shots of me & Stan in Ireland (one of our best trips) and the one to Hungary (which he never let me live down - what an experience getting out of there - but it made Vienna wonderful). I'll work on getting them & others into the site. If you have a scanner, send me some of your photos. -Jake Lamkins (6/10/99) Hi Tom, Please accept Cheryl's and my condolences. We will cherish some fond memories of your ol' Dad. He is one of the unforgettable characters I have been fortunate to have known. I am sure Bob Zimmer will be there for the services, please pass along our warmest regards to him too. He sure liked Stan. Sounds like you are still flying for UPS. What equipment? I reckon you are flying captain after all this time. Hope all is going well and that your great memories of Stan overpower the sadness of his flight West. Our prayer for Stan is that he always has smooth air, warm soft tailwinds and a bright star to steer by on his final flight. Sincaeronautically, -Billy Walker (6/9/99) Tom Needham wrote: Billy, Thank you so much for kind thoughts and prayers. They are sincerely appreciated and I will make certain the rest of the family knows you have expressed them. My dad has often spoken of you, and I certainly remember you as well. I was recently reminded of many fine people at Frontier when I read Tex Searle's book. Dad passed away this morning around 0835, very peaceful. While this was very sudden and unexpected. I am so very glad he did not suffer and linger in death. He was very healthy and active and looking forward to many more active years, when he was taken. But I know he would prefer to go quickly rather than have to endure some of the indignities the aging process sometimes deals us. Funeral Services are this Friday, at 11:00 at the Elks Lodge here in Jackson, followed by a Masonic Grave side service in the Southpark Cemetery. The service's should be fairly brief in keeping with his wishes. He did not like funerals and certainly not long ones. Who does? Ver likely have a little Dixie Land Music, it is our preference his friends remember him as he was in life. I run across of few of your old flying buddies from time to time at UPS, good bunch of guys. I know my dad always missed the good friends he had at Frontier. I know he considered them part of his family. -Tom Needham (6/9/99) Clay, Dad passed away peacefully, at 0835 on the 8th. He did not appear to have any suffering throughout the period. I am very glad for that, he was very healthy and active right up to the day he drove to the hospital on June 1, for a minor surgery for a hernia repair. I guess it is like he said "when it's time, it's time". Services are tomorrow at the Elks Lodge in Jackson, followed by a Masonic Grave Side service in South Park. I don't know if you recall me hanging out at the station in JAC, but I do recall your name and I sincerely -Tom Needham (6/10/99) Nancy & Bob; I sincerely wish to thank you for the kind and thoughtful letter. I will most certainly share that with the other family members. I used to wonder if it ever really made a difference when I would express condolences to someone. Since I had not lost anyone so close to me I had nothing to measure it by. Let me tell you from my heart, it does make a very significant difference. It is very comforting to know that others remember him and had such good feelings about my Dad. I have always been very proud of my father as I believe most of us are, we look up to them for guidance and reassurance as we make our way along lifes path. Even as a grown man with my children now grown, I would still consult my Dad and seek his advise. That did not mean I always agreed or followed it, or that it was always right. But it was always there for the asking. That among many other things I will miss. However the memories I have and the experiences I have shared with him over the years are something I will always have, even death and the transition beyond cannot take those things. Again, thank you. If you get back this way, please do not be strangers, you are always welcome. Sincerely, -Tom Needham (6/9/99) Gary, Thanks so much. Several former Frontier folks have been in touch, and it is very moving and thoughtful. Perhaps you recall Jake Lamkins, another Frontier Agent. Jake has set a website for Dad, I am very moved by what he has there. If you have an interest, it is: http://members.tripod.com/~FYV/StanNeedham.htm1 Thanks again, I hope all is well with you. Sincerely, -Tom Needham (6/10/99) To Tom Needham Yes, of course, it would please me if you used the poem. It came to me when you said he had died at 0835 I thought of that Summer in 1970 when I first met Stan. I was coming in from being Senior Agent in St. Louis and had 4 more years seniority than Stan so when Don Jorgenson, the manager, made the temporary Summer Seniors he picked Stan & me. Don told me I could have the morning or afternoon shift. I picked the afternoon shift, so Stan got the morning shift. That evening (this is my first day at work in JAC) Stan & I got together at RJ's(?) bar to eat some peanuts & drink some beer. I thanked him for showing me the operation at work, helping me find a place to rent for the summer, introducing me to half the town (always as his friend Jake) and making me feel like an "insider" from the start. We began a conversation that would cover the world discussing every idea and topic imaginable. I remember once stuck in a hotel bar in British Honduras in the damndest monsoon ever. The place had the greatest chinese food and dynamite drinks. We talked for hours about trilobites and fish fossils. "Dammit, Jake, you're the only guy I ever met who knew what a trilobite was?" he said. Ah, but I've strayed....during that first conversation, that night in May, 1970 - my first ever in Jackson Hole, Stan said, " Ya know, I'm glad you took the afternoon shift 'cause I like the mornings. It's my favorite time of the day." So, when you said he died at 0835 last Tuesday, I knew Stan "flew west" when he was ready..... at his favorite time of the day. I will tell you something else that has been on my mind ever since you e-mailed me about Stan's stroke. Months ago, you recall, you got an e-mail "out of the blue" from me asking if you were related to Stan. I had found your address on the Internet with a people finder. Something prompted me that night to go searching. When you responded that you were his son, I was so relieved. In my heart of hearts, maybe even subconsciously, I felt now I had someone to tell me when something happened to Stan. For such a great conversationalist, he was a lousy writer and the infrequent notes I got from him were just that. I knew what your email was about before I ever opened it to read. It was like I had been waiting for it to come. None of this "sharing of the grief" we've been able to do this past week would have been possible had I not gone searching for Needhams in Wyoming that night months ago. As Stan and I discussed numerous times and mostly agreed upon - this world and life are full of things the piddling human race will never understand. -Jake Lamkins (6/11/99) Jake, "Stan's Poem", was read by my daughter today at the service: it was verynice, thanks. Also, I may have offended the sensibilities of some, but I figured it was worth it, today. Dad had commented once after attending one of his friends funerals, he didn't think it would ever be over, and how dreary the hymns had been, "By God, when I go, I want Dixieland played!" Well, in honoring that request, he had, "The Best of Pete Fountain", Dixieland was being played from 10:00 A.M. until the start of the service at 11:00, at the conclusion of the service as he left, he went out with Pete Fountain's "My Blue Heaven", I talked to a few friends afterward, they all liked it. I guess it was a win after all. :) Several from Frontier attended, everything went off right on time, and as they laid him to rest, one of the last things placed in with him by his grand daughter,.......his old red & white Frontier ball cap. -Tom Needham (6/12/99) You did the right thing, Tom! That's wonderful that you had the Dixieland Jazz at the funeral. Lord, I know how he loved it. I love it too. We once sat all afternoon at some place in Hawaii, of all places, listening to what Stan called "real jazz" (Dixieland) and sipping on exotic tropical drinks. Another memorable time! -Jake Lamkins (6/12/99) Was just dinking around on the internet and happened to notice a link to a memorial for Stan Needham. Sure enough it was THE Stan that I had known as a client and friend when I cared for the family pets back in the 80's. Always eager to help, and even delivered our lost baggage of hawaiian pineapples to our doorstep at Ruth Hawkins place in southpark. Sorry to hear of his passing, though I know he lived a full life. Seems he always had some fresh salami and cheese around the place whenever we would have occasion to stop by. I have my own practice now in Whitefish, Montana, and even have Jack Konitz come from time to time to do relief work for me. My wife Rox is still working for the department of the interior. Her main focus in no longer elk, but endangered species like the bull trout, and west slope cutthroat. Hope everyone is well. We received a letter from Ruth this past Christmas, but she didn't mention too much else about the valley. Take care. -Hugh Rogers, Whitefish, Montana (2/22/01) I was aware of Stan's death through Shirley Schackelford who I still see a few times a year. I am not the least surprised to hear of "Stan's return." He was a great man and a good friend with lessons of lasting impact on my life and many others. -Jim Kyte (4/21/03) I was saddened when Stan died and I could not make the funeral but Gary Pinson paid my respects. -Bob Higley (6/15/03) Jake, Thanks for sharing the update, I just now looked at it with my new wife. I like the changes. But I have to tell you, it seemed really hard to remain composed as I re-read some of the correspondence. Not bad by any means, but hard none the less. It seems I frequently have reminders of my Dad, some of the former Frontier Pilots I work with at UPS will say something or reference some event, and even when they do not, he seems more a part of my life today than I am able to put into words. I still have occasional dreams where I have relived some earlier experiences with him and sometimes I have come awake and have to think for a minute, that he has passed. There is not a day that goes by I don't have some reason to remember him. Even my own children frequently speak of him. Again thank you for your work on his website and thank you for being his best friend. -Tom Needham (9/20/03) That reminds me of stories Stan told me about what the JAC natives did in the winter for entertainment. Like sliding down Teton Pass at night on sleds and/or pieces of cardboard - full of adult beverages, of course, Or packing a bag of alka seltzer and ex-lax sandwiches and going up to Yellowstone to feed the bears. -Jake Lamkins (10/9/05) I have to believe that the stories Stan told about feeding the bears exlax was true as he always told it the same way. When he was camping up on Jackson Lake they would wear red shirts and go up to the tourists that had caught fish and pretend they were game & fish biologists and take their fish for study. He was a colorful old Jackson native. I sure miss the old turd. How are things down in AR? I am about the head for SD to go pheasant hunting. -Ken Wientjes (10/10/05) PERSONNEL CHANGES Stanley Needham from station agent to senior station agent JAC. From Jul 1970 Arrow-Jet News -Jake Lamkins (5/20/06) Started out 11/28/72 in CDR with A.G. (George) Smith as manager and the other agent there was Paul Kreitman. Had Beach 99 for starts, then on the the Twin Otter. Great station to learn in but not much for entertainment. Then on to SLC with Duane Phelps as manager and Don Anderton as assistant manager. That was a good all around experience. Good people all. You probably knew John Klonizos who was the union rep there. Also worked there with Paul Ferris, Enoch Sorenson, Gary Pinson, and a bunch of VERY good looking flight attendants. Still keep in contact with Carol Stillman (Pickett). After that it was on to JAC with Fred Elliot as manager and Stan as senior, with Ken Wientjes, Tom Enger, Tom Waserthuer (Sic), Dave Morris and the lovely Liz (Stella Szaboda) Clark. Ended up in DEN with the best people ever. Miss em all everday. -Ron Abfalter (7/14/06) The first two pics are at the Heidlelburg restuarant up on Teton Pass at my sisters wedding. She married Rick McCoy's son Doug. Believe it or not they are still married. Go figure. Left to right Unknown, You, Stan, my ex Kathy, Ken Weintjes, Meri Weintjes. The third pic is a Frontier ground mech,( I think his name was Don Merrick) and myself in the raft that Jim Booth and I jointly owned. Lots of beers were consumed in that thing on the Snake River. The last pic is of Gary Pinson taken in SLC in winter of 1974. If I come across anymore little gems I'll be sure and pass em on to you. -Ron Abfalter (2/9/08) Posted at the FL Club: Subject: Updated memorial webpage STAN NEEDHAM 1968 - 1985 STATION AGENT, SENIOR STATION AGENT JAC http://FAL-1.tripod.com/Stan_Needham.html Several items added and webpage updated. -Jake Lamkins (6/8/10) Thanks Jake; I appreciate you taking time to do this and for keeping me informed. Hope life is treating you good and all is well. Take care, -Tom Needham (6/9/10) Facebook posting after CV340 pic posted: " I remember that boarding area. I was in JAC the summers of 1973-1975. I remember Stan Needham and the crew. Those were some great times..." "Stan was a great guy. Tony McNosky and I helped him roof his house one time. We had a BBQ afterward and his dog ate every pound of the hamburger meat while we were inside getting beers. I'll never forget that." -John Taylor (8/8/10) Tony was another great guy - I was at his wedding in NJ which Stan (best man) and other FLolks attended. Stan had an OLD Chrysler Imperial which he always drove REAL slow. It was a beaut, too. One day he and I made a tour of the beer-selling establisments south of JAC. Enroute back to town, Stan is cruising along about 40 mph. "Damnation, Stan, will this car even do 60?" Stan eased it up to 60 and we immediately got a siren and a pullover. Naturally, the cop knew Stan and didn't give him a ticket but left with the comment, "That's the fastest I ever saw you go, Stan." Stan never let me live down the fact that I got him pulled over. -Jake Lamkins (8/8/10) Stan!!! What a wonderful friend. We used to go mushroom pickin and he cooked them sooo good. What a Chef he was. -Ron Herring (7/12/15