Stan R. Lasley

Stan R. Lasley, born on August 14th, 1944, in Vancouver, WA, to Gertrude Williams and Sydney Harris. Stan, a gifted piano prodigy, dedicated musician, and entertainer, passed away peacefully on June 1st, 2026, in Vancouver, Washington, at the age of 81 as he was serenaded in his final moments by the hospice harpist. From the age of 3 years old Stan was recognized as a gifted piano prodigy crediting his mother and grandmother for encouraging and fostering his piano playing. Not having a piano at home, a young Stan would regularly walk across the street to the local Methodist church where he was warmly welcomed to play the piano as often as he wished. Stan began formal lessons in his pre-teen years and quickly outpaced his instructors, comprehending music at a level far beyond their guidance. Being a young prodigy also brought unique hardships; he struggled to fit in with peers and faced isolation from boys who claimed the piano was not a proper hobby for boys. Undeterred, Stan poured his heart and soul into playing and composing and proudly graduating from Neah-Kah-Nie High School in 1962. In the early 1970’s, Stan moved to Los Angeles to pursue his musician dreams. The entertainment career was challenging, and he did not give up. Following the unplanned loss of a piano-playing job he was deflated and lost so he set out on a very long unplanned walk on Wilshire Blvd. After walking several miles, feeling tired, hungry, depressed, he stepped into a nondescript bar to cool off. Seeing a piano, he asked the owner for permission to play. After a few cover songs, the proprietor asked for an original piece. Stan’s performance was so impressive that the owner insisted he stay to meet a frequent patron. Moments later, television icon Merv Griffin walked through the door. That fateful encounter launched a long, rewarding career. For years Stan played for numerous Hollywood stars, popular musicians, famous personalities, and at celebrity event gatherings, and he continued recording and composing his own original music. In his retired years, Stan again found rewarding satisfaction by regularly playing piano in assisted living and memory care facilities playing songs from the resident’s generation. He was a favorite and much-loved entertainer by residents and staff alike at every facility. Stan is preceded in death by his partner, Robbie. A special thank you to Peaceful Pines Adult Family Home and staff for keeping Stan safe and comfortable during his final days. A celebration of Stan’s life and music will be held at a later date.

Stan R. Lasley

August 14, 1944 - June 1, 2026