Sue Jones holding the scissors during a bench donation in Carson City July 12 in honor of late husband Stan Jones. Donors Jed and Susie Block are pictured to her left, and to the right are Stan Jones’ family members.
Ronni Hannaman/Special to the Appeal
On what would have been the 89th birthday of Stan Jones, his widow Sue and over 75 family, friends, and dignitaries gathered on the corner of King and Curry streets in Carson City on July 12 to dedicate a city bench in his honor.
Stan Jones passed away Dec. 28, 2023, after a long and varied career and made many friends during his lifetime. Friends old and new often stopped by to visit Jones at the Purple Avocado gift shop just to chat and catch up with the local news, thus the bench plaque fittingly reads, “Stan Jones never met a stranger. You made Carson City a better place.”
The gift of the last bench available for the downtown was organized and donated by Jed and Susie Block with a contribution from the Downtown Business Association. Singer Cedric Williams sang a moving rendition of “My Heart Will Go On,” followed by the traditional happy birthday song. Following the moving words from Sue Jones, a reception was hosted by the Blocks outside the offices of State Agent & Transfer.
Before the formal ribbon cutting, Sue Jones told those in attendance, “I can't thank our Downtown Business Association, Jed and Susie Block, Cedric Williams, and the Chamber for such a beautiful and memorable dedication of the downtown bench for Stan. He loved all the beautiful benches downtown, and I'm sure he is smiling and honored, as I am, that one has been dedicated to him. He truly loved everything about Carson City; the people, the culture, the lifestyle, and all the opportunities to be involved and helpful to our community.
“I am sure a lot of people will enjoy having a conversation with Stan on his new bench. I am very thankful for all the support, friendship and love the community has shown for Stan and me.”