Stanley Estabrook Obituary

Stanley Estabrook

March 8, 1937 - September 15, 2023

Sacramento, California - Stanley Rhea Estabrook passed away peacefully on September 15, 2023 after a brief battle with lung cancer. He was 86 years old. Stan, and his twin brother Roy, were born March 8, 1937 in Berkeley, California, the third and fourth of six sons born to parents, Elizabeth and Stanley. Tragically, Roy died at age 3 in a drowning accident. Stan spent most of his childhood in Sacramento, working summers at Gibbons Dairy. He graduated from El Camino HS in 1956, and then, in the family tradition, enrolled at UC Berkeley where he obtained both his BA and Juris Doctor of Law. Stan was admitted to the California Bar Association in 1963 and began his career in the state Attorney General's office. He went into private practice soon thereafter, practicing family law for 30+ years, finishing his career with a brief stint as in-house counsel for a large insurance provider. Stan met his perfect match, Margaret McAlpine, at the Palomino Room in 1966; it was love at first sight. They married only three months later. They built their life in East Sacramento, in their beloved home of 54 years, where they raised their two children, Paul & Karen. Stan was an avid fisherman, fishing the lakes and streams of NorCal, and on occasion, the great rivers of Alaska, where he would visit his cousin and friend, Bill Crawford. A voracious reader and history buff, Stan became thrilled by a simple stamp collecting project Paul brought home one day from grade school. Before long, Stan was an expert philatelist, with a special focus the WWII-era Philippines. He became one of the pre imminent collectors in this area. A devoted lifetime Cal Bear, Stan and the family spent many summers at the Lair-of-the-Bear in Pinecrest. At the traditional camp bonfires, he could be counted on to deliver the loudest and most passionate rendition of "Hail to California." Our dearest Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, and Friend will be sorely missed. Stan is survived by his son Paul (Terra) Estabrook; daughter Karen (Philip) Brace; grandchildren Cameron Brace, Ryan Brace, Isabelle Estabrook & Sophia Estabrook; and brothers Robert and Clifford Estabrook. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Margaret, and brothers, Richard, Roy and James. A Celebration of Life will be held on November 24th in Sacramento. Those wishing to attend, should inquire at the email address: [email protected] In lieu of flowers, please consider an In Memoriam donation to the University of California, Berkeley (give.berkeley.edu) or to a California Fishing Conservation organization of your choice.