Stanford O. Cazier

LOGAN - After struggling with ill health for many years, Stanford Cazier passed away March 14, 2013. He was born in Nephi, Utah, on June 11th, 1930 to Gerald and Edna Jeanette Cazier. He had fond memories of his youth and learned the value of hard work farming and herding sheep. When his brief naval career was thwarted by the first of many health challenges, Stan turned to academic pursuits. He became a very dedicated student of history, especially military history, and discovered a love of teaching. While at the University of Utah, Stan met Shirley Anderson. They were married on his birthday in 1952. Stan and Shirley were a great love story and worked as a successful team. They were blessed with four sons, David, John, Paul, and Thomas Michael. Thomas died shortly after birth.
Stan earned a master’s degree from the U of U and a History Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin. He was an enthusiastic history professor at USU and was named Teacher of the Year in 1966. In 1967 he was awarded a Ford Foundation Fellowship by New York University’s Academic Administration, and he and Shirley enjoyed returning to NYC where Stan had formerly taught at the Bronx Community College. Stan had the privilege of serving as the president of two universities, first at California State University Chico from 1971-1979 and at Utah State University from 1979-1992. These institutions flourished under his leadership. He loved the associations he gained with the faculty, staff, and students during these years.
Stan had a generous heart. He was a regular contributor to many charities. Two of his favorites were CARE and the LDS Humanitarian fund. He also helped support several LDS missionaries and served as a driver for Meals on Wheels.
Stan was an avid reader. He was always surrounded by books. He highlighted almost every page and made comments in all the margins and then donated them to others. He loved to discuss his latest reading list and never stopped learning. Stan was passionate about books and would be honored by any contribution made to the Merrill-Cazier Library that bears his name.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, his sons Thomas and Paul, his brother Richard and his sister Geraldine Callister. He is survived by his sons, David and John, his daughter-in-law, Leesa Cazier (Dan) Simmons, and his brother Marsden (Phyllis) Cazier. He has four beloved grandchildren, Katherine, Andrew, Miranda, and Daniel.
Stan was adamant about not having a funeral, but there will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate his life on Tuesday, March 19th in the Allen Hall Mortuary at 34 East Center Street in Logan. It will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a short service honoring his life at 12:30 p.m. Condolences and thoughts may be expressed to the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net .