Stanley Foreman passed away on Aug. 8, 2021. He was born on Nov. 12, 1941, in San Diego, California. At a very young age, Stan and his mother Helen moved to Hoquiam, Washington, where Helen married Fred Morrill (affectionately called “Papa Fred”), who treated Stan like his own son.
Stan went to Hoquiam High School and, following graduation, went to a vocational school in Tacoma where he obtained a first class radio engineering license. His parents supported his career goals.
His mother taught him to play piano, as she was a gifted musician herself. He started one of the most popular Northwest rock ‘n’ roll bands, the Beachcombers, where he was the keyboard player. He succeeded in his radio career as well, not only becoming a DJ at KGHO but later program director and a station owner. He built, owned and operated a large live music club called The Rocker.
After great success with several of his businesses, combined with natural talent, Stan and his good friend Steve West produced and promoted concerts and dances (S&S Promotions). During this time, Stan married Christine Hall and they had two daughters, Carmen and Terri.
In 1975, Stan moved to Seattle, and Capitol Records hired him to become part of their national promotion team. Each year, Stan won the award for national promotion person of the year. He worked with the biggest stars on the Capitol record label, many of whom credited their success to his efforts. He had years of stories and was proud to share them about the music business and the many artists with whom he worked.
He married Suzanne in 1995. In 1999, they moved from Seattle to the California desert, enjoying a great life in La Quinta. He quickly became a part of the music scene in the Coachella Valley, playing with bands, then starting his own band, The RoadRunners, playing oldies, classic rock and blues. He also performed as a solo artist, Stan the Man. He often said he was a lucky man getting to do what he loved and being paid to do it.
He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years Suzanne and two daughters Carmen Signe (Everett, Washington) and Terri Foreman Jenes (Burien, Washington), as well as countless cherished friends and colleagues.
He will be greatly missed. Imagine the band that is waiting for the rest of us; it will be the best show yet! To honor Stan, please consider making a contribution in Stan’s name to Musicians Assn. of Seattle Emergency Relief Fund (206-441-7600), or to Academy of Musical Performance “AMP” (https://ampcv.org/donate); or to another charitable music organization of your choice.
