Aaron Stanford, known to many in Oak Harbor as “Stan,” passed away peacefully July 30, 2009, due to complications of pneumonia. He was born Nov. 13, 1934, in Wheeler, Texas.

Stan served his country with distinction and pride for 28 years in the U.S. Navy and then started a second career with the Boeing Company in Mukilteo as an electronics technician, retiring in 1997.

Aaron and wife Hilda, who passed away in 2006, relocated with the Navy to Oak Harbor in 1962 where they raised three sons: David Stanford, now of Seattle, Duayne Stanford, who passed away in March of this year and Gerald Stanford, who is with the U.S. Army at Fort Rucker, Ala.

Although his life path took him away from his beloved Texas, Aaron remained a true Texas gentleman until the day he died. On numerous occasions he would entertain friends and family with southernisms that would bring a chuckle and a smile to those around; his easygoing style and kindness along with his mischievous side will be missed by all who knew him.

Aaron’s family wishes to thank the numerous caregivers at Regency on Whidbey and the Life Care Center of Skagit County for the excellent care and kindness Aaron received in recent years.

A celebration of Aaron’s life will be held at the CPO Club at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 2 to 6 p.m. A private family burial will take place at Maple Leaf Cemetery. The family suggests donations may be made in Aaron’s name to the kidney dialysis center in Sedro-Woolley. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, where family and friends may visit www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a register and leave messages for the immediate family.