Dr. Spangler was my professor at Bentley 25 years ago.  I had a terrible anxiety problem at the time.  We were doing a mock Supreme Court hearing on gun control. The thought of speaking in public had me calling Dr Spangler to tell him I was unable to continue his class.  He was wonderful!  We talked for a while over the phone. He allowed me to do more of the research for my partners.  It ended up I had to speak after all as my co partners needed help because I had done the research.  It all worked out wonderful. 
I have never forgotten this kindness. I am now 59 years old. Still have the memory.  Looking forward to seeing Dr Spangler in heaven. 

My uncle Stan was so very smart and well read.  I was always proud of his professional accomplishments but what I will remember about him will be his kindness, his genuine love for those in his life, and his sense of humor.   He never ceased to make me laugh.   He loved to have a conversation about things he was passionate about.  From the time I was young, I can remember sitting and talking  to him.  Though I didn’t get to see him often, I will cherish the times that I did.  I hope to see your face and laugh again with you in heaven, uncle Stan.  I love you.  

I remember and honor Stan through my great memories of his son John, who was an amazing intellect and noble soul like his father.  Here is his bio from Stan's book 'Force and Accommodation in World Politics' :
"Stanley E. Spangler is a Secretary of the Navy senior fellow and professor of National Security Affairs at the US Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island. He has also served as a senior research fellow at the Air University Center for Aerospace Doctrine, Research, and Education (AUCADRE), Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama; as special assistant to the dean and international program adviser at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University; as executive director of the World Affairs Council of Boston; as director of the Office of Public and International Affairs at the University of North Carolina; as an associate regional director for the Foreign Policy Association; and as a program officer for the Asia Foundation. He is a past president of the National Council of World Affairs Organizations ; a member of the Editorial Advisory Committee of the Foreign Policy Association; and a former commissioner on the US National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). A graduate of the University of Montana, Dr Spangler received his master's degree in political science from Columbia University and his doctorate from the University of North Carolina."

May this great man rest in peace,
CAPT Dan Mackin, USN



Stan Spangler circa 1991

Uncle Stan was hilarious.   He never failed to make me smile or laugh, even in his last years when he was struggling so.  He was kind and gentle, and he would let me talk for hours about Jesus, even when he really wanted to talk about world politics! He'd laugh and say,  "well I guess I'll have to wait for your sister to talk about what's going on in the world."  He was brilliant and stubborn about many opinions, but he loved well!  He loved his family with his whole heart, which is why it broke so deeply when he lost them.  I'm grateful to God that he gave my uncle another daughter in Carrie.  I will be eternally grateful for the way she loved him and cared for him, as he had cared for so many others when he was able.  I loved him, and I will miss his smile.  

One of the most interesting people I have ever had the pleasure to know. Equal parts learned scholar and affectionate family man, he was usually the smartest person in the room, but never let it influence the genuine kindness and respect he showed to all. Extremely well-read, he loved nothing so much as thoughtful conversation, but he always displayed obvious delight with children and animals. His life was full of challenges, especially in the past few years, yet he always retained his fantastic sense of humor. Self-assured, smooth, and confident, he was always charismatic and never stopped charming the ladies. He will be sorely missed...

Stan was a wonderful man who loved his wife , son and daughter very much.  He was proud of his family. He loved to show off the sights when people came to visit. He would take you to all the historic sights around Boston. He was a very educated man and loved to teach.  He got   his doctorate at the University of North Carolina and was there when John, his son, was born. He taught at Berkley College, Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, and was invited to London to speak.  He met his wife in Atlanta, Ga. and they were married there in September of 1968. They were married 45 years.  He was a loving husband , father, relative and friend.  The last few years were hard on him because of bad health and lost of his wife and son. I am glad he is out of pain and at peace. He was a good brother-in-law and took wonderful care of my sister Addie,for which I will be eternally grateful to him.

Stan was kind and gentle.  He had an immense intellect and deserved far happier last days than he got.  I hope he is without pain now and in a better place.

OBITUARY

Stanley E. Spangler

April 7, 1929 – February 13, 2019

Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home

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