Obituary of Stanley Lee Elbie

SEMPER FI Sergeant Major Stan Elbie, U.S. Marine Corps was transferred on January 17, 2018 to the Headquarters of the Commandant of the Universe to guard the streets of Heaven. His amazing life story began in Kirkland, Washington where he was born on September 10, 1931. Growing up with the burden of losing both parents at an early age made him tough and determined. Starting out in the logging industry as a whistlepunk, he quickly realized that was not his calling. He then joined the U.S. Marines in 1948 where he found his niche in life. The camaraderie led him to remain a Marine almost three decades on active duty. He proudly served with the land, sea and air branches of the U.S. Marine Corps. Stan was a natural and a true Marine. In his career, he acquired an assortment of eighteen medals and awards. "Now, that is what makes the uniform jacket heavy" he remarked. He served on the Light Cruiser USS Springfield CL66 where he was initiated a Shellback and was part of the equator crossing ceremony, the USS Valley Forge CV45 and last but not least, the USS Boxer CV21 where he had the honor of working as an orderly for Admiral John F. Hoskins. He also worked under General Victor H. Krulack, known as "Brute" and General James N. Mattis, referred to as "Mad Dog." One of his very proud moments was serving under Chesty Puller, the most decorated Marine in history and the only man to receive five Navy Crosses. They sent him on two tours to Korea in the USS Valley Forge and the USS Boxer. Among his other achievements, Stan was also assigned as an honor guard for President Eisenhower, President Kennedy and the Shah of Iran. "Pretty Impressive!" One of his tours, or should I say "duty calls" as a supervisory instructor on the staff of the Marine Corps reserve in Tucson, he decided this was a good place to retire, which he did in 1975. He served three tours as a recruiter in Washington, Oregon and Wisconsin. Even in retirement, Elbie was a true Marine. There was never a dull moment having him around. A simple trip to the store was a salute to the Marines, because he did not leave the house without his red Sgt. Major Semper Fi hat on his head. I am so thankful and amazed at the same time, seeing the respect he received and gave to fellow servicemen. Once a Marine, always a Marine. He was a true inspiration and his humor and knowledge will be missed. He enjoyed reading and one of the fondest memories of Elbie was of the things he knew. He is survived by two sisters, Mary Schnoor of Bellingham, Washington and Carolyn A. Jones of Blaine, Washington; Two sons, Jeffrey L. Elbie (a former Cpl. USMC) Anishia of South Naknek, Alaska and Sam Elbie and Liz of Rio Rico, Arizona; Four grandchildren, Detective Jeffrey L. Elbie, Jr. of Anchorage, Police Department, Alaska, former L.Cpl Austin Stanley Elbie, USMC (Austin is the third generation to serve in the U.S. Marines), Jessica Elbie and Airman Kyle S. Elbie, USAF. He was predeceased by two brothers, Henry and Robert, and one sister, Virginia. He is also survived by lifelong friends, Marilyn Vicars and family of Gresham, Oregon. Per Stan's request, there will not be a funeral or memorial service. He will be laid to rest in the family plot in Kirkland Cemetery (Kirkland, Washington) with full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the Devil Pups America at the Marine Corps League Clubhouse in Tucson, Arizona. "SOME PEOPLE SPEND AN ENTIRE LIFETIME WONDERING IF THEY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD. THE MARINES DON'T HAVE THAT PROBLEM." -Ronald Reagan, President of the United States