Stanley Richard Niman

Stanley Richard Niman (known as Stan to his friends and loved ones) was born on November 2, 1951 in Portland, Oregon to Allen and Lucille Niman. He and his two brothers were raised in Portland; he attended Gregory Heights Elementary for K-8, followed by Madison High School (graduated class of 1969).

Following high school, Stan made a cross-country move and attended Cornell University. He graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor’s of Science, then completed a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1974 . During his time at Cornell he was a member of the Acacia fraternity.

While enrolled at Cornell, Stan was also a member of the Army ROTC. Following graduation, he received his commission as a reserve officer in the Army and joined the Signal Corps. He completed his Signal Officer Basic Camp at Fort Gordon, Georgia in December 1974. After serving in the Army Reserves for 8 years, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.

After college, Stan moved back to his hometown and worked at Pacific Power from 1974-1996. He began his career working with the company’s fossil fuel generating facilities, and subsequently moved into Power Resources where his focus was power system operation and Mid-Columbia River (Mid-C) coordination. Stan became a licensed Mechanical Engineer in 1978 and maintained his licensure throughout the duration of his career. Through his diligence and strong work ethic, he was recognized as one of the regional experts in his field.

Stan met his future wife, Linda, on her first day working at Pacific Power. They were married on July 10, 1982 at Mt Tabor Presbyterian Church. Starting in 1988 they grew their family to include a daughter and two sons.

In 1996 Stan was hired to work for Edison Source, who wanted to leverage his reputation in the region for the purchase and exchange of power. In 1998 he left Edison Source to open his own consulting business, focused on helping investor-owned utility companies, public utility districts (PUDs), and Bonneville Power coordinate the operation of the dams on the mid-Columbia River.

Stan was a devoted husband and father. Family was a priority for him, and he was always focused on making sure those he cared about were safe and secure. In his later years, his biggest joy in life was being a grandfather.

Outside of work and family, astronomy was one of Stan’s biggest passions. He always knew when and where different planets would be visible and the location of many different stars and constellations. He loved viewing the night sky and sharing his knowledge with others. Stan was a life-long Yankees fan, a master at quoting Looney Tunes cartoons, and frequently astounded friends and family with his seemingly unlimited knowledge of random trivia.

He also enjoyed biking and gardening, and would rarely turn down a chance to toss a frisbee or play a game of Hearts or Euchre. Stan and Linda maintained a beautifully landscaped yard while somehow also working full time (often more!) and raising 3 children.

Stan is survived by his wife Linda; his children, Laura, Allen and Paul; his grandchildren, Audrey and Nathan; and his brothers, Dennis and Michael.

As one of those who knew him said: “The world needs more Stans in it, not less”. His friends and family are all better off for having known him.

Remembrances:

Oregon Food Bank

7900 NE 33rd Drive

Portland, OR 97211

503.853.8727

oregonfoodbank.org