William (Bill) Laird Stabler<br/>July 10, 1925 - April 2, 2015
William [Bill] Laird Stabler, 89, of Newport Beach, CA passed away on April 2nd with his family by his side. He was a consummate waterman, one of the first board-surfers in the 1940’s and 50’s. He maintained a lifelong touch with the ocean and as recently as his 89th birthday was body-surfing with his kids and grand-kids at 41st Street beach.
His athletic passions did not stop at the ocean. Bill and his late wife Bobbie were regular patrons of black-diamond ski runs at Taos, Alta, Aspen, Mammoth, and most major western and international ski areas. They were also among the early crowd to pursue the new sport of heli-skiing in British Columbia in the 70’s.
A close friend from Taos recently wrote that Bill “left no stone unturned during his long and productive time on this earth. Bill will be remembered as a gracious, warm, authentic gentleman that was always leading the fun.”
Another family member wrote: “Whenever I hear a ‘schwoosh, schwoosh, schwoosh on the slopes or in the water, I will know his spirit is near and about to take over my tracks. I will look over my shoulder and see his competitive grin. Bill really knew how to enjoy and share life with everyone, in those never-ending games of dominos, backgammon, bocce, boogie boarding, and golf.”
Bill was born on July 10, 1925 and grew up in Venice, CA. He served in the US Navy on a destroyer during WWII, traveling across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans more than 30 times. After returning from the war and marrying his high school sweetheart Barbara (Bobbie) Guth in 1948, Bill graduated from UCSB in 1950 and then resided in Newport Beach for over 50 years. While raising his family there, he found ample time to enjoy other passions beyond the water and mountains, and became a very accomplished golfer and tennis player. He endowed his children with this same “joie de vivre.” His eyes often sparkled as the proud father he was, encouraging all of his family in their education and pursuit of doing their best.
On the professional front, Bill was President of the family-owned company Sta-Lube, founded by his grandfather, an internationally known chemist for whom the School of Pharmacy building is named at USC. Sta-Lube through the years was known as the leading brand of specialty lubricants for home, business, and racing, as well as for its waterless hand-cleaner.
Following the death of his first wife of 58 years, Bill married Barbara Grady in 2007. They moved to Rancho Mirage where they enjoyed an abundant social life, while also traveling with friends all around the world. Bill and Barbara could be found on the golf course frequently, and especially loved attending the world-class tennis tournament at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
Bill was always active in his community, serving on various Boards of Directors while in Newport Beach and he continued that involvement in the desert with his local Home Owners Association. His struggle with lung cancer over the past 5 years never stopped Bill from living a diversified life of fulfillment and gratification with his friends and family.
His homemade waffles, gin fizzes, and “dry martini with an olive and twist of lemon” will not be surpassed. Bill, always a true gentleman, will be sorely missed by Barbara, his 3 children – Linda (Peter), Randy, and Lauren – as well as his 10 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and brother Laird (Tricia).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations to be made in Bill Stabler’s name to The Surfrider Foundation: 949-492-8170 (surfrider.org/memorials).