Stanley Eric Kazmierczak was surrounded by overwhelming love from his friends and family as he passed peacefully on October 20th.

Born in Santa Monica, CA his family moved to San Jose when Stan was a young boy. Stan was the only son of Frank and Mary Kazmierczak, and had two sisters: his older sister (Julie) and his younger sister (Becky). The Kazmierczak house was filled with laughter - be it board game nights, skiing, camping, or the kids just generally goofing around. Some of the most cherished memories were vacations driving all over, especially their cross-country trip to Washington D.C. in the family's station wagon, and Mary's tradition of taking an annual family portrait.

Growing up, Stan was very close to his family - especially his mother who passed away at an early age from cancer. His father remarried a close family friend, Lerelle Rice. The kids from both families grew up together and became a supportive, loving family that Stan was always quick to pass bear hugs around.

Stan's sisters were very important to him and he always looked out for them; he was equally quick to hassle them when he thought he was right. One of the Kaz family traits is discussing driving and the best way to get from point A to point B. They all could spend an hour on talking about just one route. In their 20s, Julie and Stan bought a house and live together for a few years cementing their close relationship. Even when Julie's family moved out of state they talked often and shared interests in business and fighting over taxes.

When they were young, Julie tried to referee Stan and Becky antics, but she often was safer by just getting out of way. Stan and Becky always lived close to one another. Stan would often kid Becky about the rivalry of their kids' schools. Stan was generous and caring to Becky, even going so far as loaning her money to make sure she was able to get her first house. One of Stan and Becky favorite outings (especially the year they were both laid off at the same time) would often be to have breakfast at Aldo's in Santa Cruz, both themselves or with their kids and Bella, Stan's dog.

Stan always appreciate good food, especially his sister, Sherri's, cooking. Stan and Sherri had a special bond they shared for business, which they could discuss at length. Stan's warmest moments were having family dinners at Sherri's house where Stan would have everyone laughing. Stan would also make it a point to talk to each of his nieces and nephew individually.

From a young age, Stan showed tremendous athletic ability. Stan's father proudly coached him in Little League baseball, and encouraged Stan to try tennis and basketball. It was in high school when Stan's basketball abilities really shined as he became one of his school's star players.

However, the part of basketball that Stan probably appreciated the most were the friendships forged through the game with Bret, Ken, Rob, Doug, Bret, and Bruce . Having met in high school and college, basketball was the game that brought these friends together. In high school, Stan was best friends with Bret Guenther and Ken Souza. In Stan's senior year, these three friends took Prospect's Basketball team to CCS - with Stan as the team captain. After high school, Stan attended West Valley Junior College.

As a student there, Stan met four more close friends: Rob Marrow, Doug McAlpine, Bret Fidler, and Bruce Funk. He met Rob and Doug while working at a nearby restaurant called Victoria Station, and Bret and Bruce while playing college basketball. Stan graduated from West Valley Junior College with a scholarship in basketball to Eastern New Mexico University. Stan played there for one year, then transferred to San Jose University where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Stan wholeheartedly appreciated these lifelong friendships. For over 40 years, these friends met to play countless basketball games together, and eventually transitioned to playing golf as they grew older. There was nothing but laughter when these men were together whether they were watching a game on TV, playing in a tournament, or participating in a fundraiser. One of their favorite jokes was their nickname for Stan: Chopper - for the whoosh whoosh sound Stan's club would make when he threw it. Stan was an incredibly devoted friend who could always be counted on, and the camaraderie between these friends was genuine and heartfelt.

Stan enjoyed a highly successful career of nearly four decades in finance in the Silicon Valley. He lead finance for Verilink, Digital Link, VINA Technologies, Speedera Networks, AOptix Corporation, Vungle, with his final position at WorldPantry.com. Stan was responsible for the Initial Public Offering (IPO) for Digital Link taking them public in 1994 when Stan was only 33 years-old.

Throughout his career, Stan offered leadership, developed strategy, participated in and executed corporate funding, investor relations, mergers and acquisitions, and a host of other skills within the executive teams of several high-growth organizations. A testament to his success was the impact he had on his companies throughout his career. For example, he led corporate fundraising efforts that secured nearly $250 million in investment funding for an organizations he was part of.

He developed many relationships over his decades working in Silicon Valley, and was universally liked, respected, and praised by his partners and co-workers. Stan was an individual of great dedication, integrity, and respect for others; a shrewd negotiator and an excellent leader. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of working alongside him.

Stan was dedicated to his family. In 1995, Stan married Christy Morton at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga. The couple purchased a home in Saratoga as well where they raised their two sons: Michael (19) and Gregory (17). Stan always said, "the best things happen in the rain." This happened during their wedding and each time they found out they were pregnant with their sons. Christy and Stan were married for 20 years, and stayed very close after the divorce, often doing events with her and the boys.

Stan's pride and joy were his two sons: Michael and Gregory. Stan coached them in basketball, soccer, and baseball when they were younger - and never missed a Saratoga High School football game when Michael and Gregory were later playing in high school. In particular, a wildlife safari in South Africa was a memory he forever cherished sharing with his sons.

Stan was a family man who loved taking Michael and Gregory to professional games, playing Xbox games together, or coaching them in sports. As the boys grew older, they also shared Stan's appetite for his sister's homemade apple pies. Becky would bake them every Thanksgiving, and would eventually have to bake a pie for each Kazmierczak boy - which became a running joke around the Thanksgiving table. Each son inherited traits from Stan: his gentle heart, height, sense of humor, athleticism - but most importantly, an appreciation for meaningful friendships.

In 2006, Stan was diagnosed with chronic lymphatic leukemia. Stan is affectionately remembered for always having a plan for his treatments. When he shared the news with family and friends, he was confident he would beat this disease. His attitude was very courageous and optimistic as he received a variety of groundbreaking treatments from Stanford University, and hospitals in Ohio and Washington. In particular, Christy's Dad (Dr. Morton) connected Stan with Dr. Byrd in Ohio. Dr. Byrd is responsible for helping Stan comfortably live in remission for seven years, which his family is forever grateful for.

Stan found love again with his partner, Hilda McAdams, in the fall of 2016. Hilda was incredibly impressed by how good Stan was to her - and so sweet. Stan, in return, was dedicated to Hilda. Once he loved someone, it was forever and deeply - which made Hilda a remarkable and loving addition to Stan's life.

Stan was a loving, funny, and loyal husband, father, friend, uncle, and partner. Stan is survived by his sons (Michael and Gregory), and their mother (Christy Kazmierczak), his sisters Julie (Roger) Cox, Becky (Tim) Farley, and Sherri (Joel) Bakos, and his partner Hilda McAdams. He was also the "favorite uncle" of many nieces and nephews - including Kat, Jake, Jannae, Jenny, and Ally. Stan had many cousins - including Ron who he was especially close to. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, co-workers, and anyone who was lucky enough to call him a friend. We will all miss his humor, his courage, and his smile.

There has been an outpouring of wonderful stories that friends and extended family have relayed to his immediate family. We want to take this opportunity to thank you with all our hearts. It was also been very helpful in getting through this difficult time. Please feel free to leave a story about you and your relationship with Stan on the Guest Book.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life event 11:00 AM Thursday, November 9, 2017 at La Rinconada Country Club 14595 Clearview Drive Los Gatos.