Stan Weisel

1927 - 2020

Stan Weisel

Stan Weisel passed into a new plane of existence on Wednesday, January 29. He was a scholar, humanitarian, philanthropist, and self-made man. Stan was born on April 4, 1927 in Rochester, New York, and he moved to Los Angeles in 1928. He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1945 and was drafted into the army a few months later. When the war ended, he attended UCLA and put his sight on teaching.

Stan taught Jr. High School math and sciences, and when the opportunity arose, he taught math at East L.A. College. He moved to Ventura County in 1982 when he retired from teaching, and has called the City of Ventura home for the past 35 years. He was a walker and a talker, golf and tennis player, duplicate bridge teacher, and lover of music and dance. Most of all, his inquiring and curious mind propelled his exploration for knowledge and wisdom.

His motto was to "pay it forward" and he did so by helping those in need. His gift to Ventura College for the Phoenix program is notable and every year scholarships are given to women returning to school whose lives were interrupted by "life". The library at Ventura College (LRC) is dedicated to him and his gift there continues to generate scholarships every year. In 2015 Stan spoke to a gathering of students and donors:

"I want people to know how important, how satisfying, how joy-filled it is to give, to really help others. Most people would love to make other people happy…education is the great equalizer. It gives everyone a chance, no matter their story or background. I have a message to give to the Phoenix Scholars in this room tonight. A Phoenix Scholarship is a push to help give you the education in the area that's best for you to better your life and the lives of others around you. This scholarship gift is given to you so that eventually you can give your treasure away to help others like you. And you will take my place and the place of other donors in this room to make the world a better place, one life at a time. Thank you for the opportunity to experience the joy of giving and helping others."

Stan continues to live through his love and generosity that forever linger in our hearts and minds. We are each better for having known him, and we will miss his quick wit and joyful good humor.

A Celebration of his life will be held at the Poinsettia Pavilion on Foothill in Ventura on April 4th, his birthday. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Phoenix Scholarship Program at Ventura College or Assisted Hospice of Ventura.