Stanley Sim Rath

Stanley Sim Rath died Tuesday morning, July 22, 2014 at the home of his son in Lakeside, Navajo County, Arizona following a lengthy illness. He was 94 years old. Stan, as he was known, was born on a Wednesday, January 28, 1920. His parents, the late August Fredrick and Helen (Smith) Rath moved to Arizona in 1924, while he was yet a small boy. After Stan graduated from High School, he attended a couple of years of college in the valley. Stan then went on to serve in the United States Navy during the height of WWII as well as the Army-Air Corps. Following his honorable discharge from the military, Stan met and married "the apple of his eye", Pauline Hassett in September of 1948. When Pauline died in June of 2013, they had been married for nearly 65 years. They truly lived for each other and wanted nothing more than each other's happiness. Stan was a wonderful father and husband and provided, comfortably, for his family. He taught, by example, the value of hard work and the worth of a dollar; teaching them to be responsible with what they have been given. He worked throughout his long life as a commercial glass contractor. He provided much of the glass that was used in the skyscrapers of Tucson and even provided the glass for the buildings at Ft. Huachuca. There were 2 things in this life that Stan loved: Fishing, and then, fishing! He loved to fish the Little Colorado near Greer, Arizona. He knew all the names of every species of fish found in that river, as he spent countless hours and endless miles walking up and down its banks. While living in Greer, He and Pauline loved to fish with their many friends and always enjoyed everyone's company at the many community parties there. Though he loved his friends dearly, he loved his family even more. Family was paramount to him and the time he spent with them was ALWAYS quality. His genuine goodness and kind ways, truly, will be missed. Stan is survived by his 2 sons: Stanley Roy (Judy) Rath of Tucson, Arizona, Andrew Thomas "Andy" (Peggy) Rath of Lakeside, Arizona; 5 granddaughters: Erica Rath, Megan Rath, Alex Rath, Summer & Gretchen ; 1 grandson, Dustin Rath and is also survived by 4 great-grandchildren. Along with his parents, Stan was preceded in death by a brother, August Fredrick "Rick" Rath, II. A private family service will be held at a later date. Stan's family is thankful for all the the expressions of sympathy they have received during this difficult time and are especially grateful for all of the prayers offered up on their behalf. Memorial contributions, in his name, to The White Mountain Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 1975, Lakeside, Arizona 85929 have been suggested by his family.