Stanley "Stan" Kalman King

Stanley “Stan” Kalman King built his life on loyalty, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose. Born in Glendale, California, and adopted by Irving and Thema King, he was raised in Beverly Hills alongside his brother, Robert King — a community to which Stan remained deeply connected throughout his life.

Stan attended Hawthorne Elementary School and Beverly Hills High School, where he emerged as one of the nation’s fastest high school sprinters. He went on to UCLA, where he competed on the Men’s Track and Field team as a member of the Class of 1958. Training and competing alongside lifelong friends such as Olympic gold medalist Rafer Johnson, Stan learned that preparation, excellence, and perseverance were not merely athletic principles; they became the values that guided his life.

After graduating from UCLA, Stan served as a Captain in the United States Army. There, discipline and responsibility became more than ideals; they became his operating principles.

Stan’s career in finance spanned more than six decades and included leadership roles at Salomon Smith Barney, UBS, and Oppenheimer & Co., where he served as a Senior Vice President. For Stan, finance was not simply about numbers, but about creating opportunity, stability, and security. His counsel was trusted, and his impact was measured in the lives he guided and supported.

Stan’s Jewish faith shaped his actions and priorities throughout his life. He lived the values of justice, kindness, and community stewardship, leading by example for decades through his service with the Jewish Free Loan Association. Alongside his wife, Dianne, he was recognized for a lifetime commitment to strengthening the Jewish community. His support for Israel and Jewish causes reflected his deep belief in sustaining and protecting the Jewish people for generations to come.

Athletics remained a constant thread in Stan’s life. After building his career and raising a family, he returned to competition as a Masters athlete. Between 1985 and 1995, he competed in five World Masters Championships as a 200- and 400-meter sprinter, earning All-American honors each year and representing the United States on the world stage.

Beyond competition, Stan was a founding member of Track West, helping establish a culture rooted in discipline, respect, and purpose. For over 20 years, he coached track at Beverly Hills High School as a volunteer, shaping not only athletes but also future leaders. As a certified USA Track & Field Master Official and Treasurer of the Southern California Association for USA Track & Field, he officiated meets.

Stan also served for more than three decades as an advisor to the California Special Olympics, where he worked alongside Rafer Johnson and others to support and empower athletes with intellectual disabilities. His belief in dignity, effort, and inclusion extended far beyond the track.

Stan’s commitment to service reached well beyond athletics and faith. He was a proud member of Pi Lambda Pi while at UCLA and kept lifelong friendships with his fraternity brothers. He served as First Vice President of the Friars Club of California, overseeing the club’s operations, and was a longtime board member of UCLA Bruin Hoopsters. He also supported the Arthritis Foundation and numerous other organizations.

Family was Stan’s foundation. His marriage to Dianne King was a source of strength and partnership throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert King (1996), and sister-in-law, Marsha King (2024). He is survived by his daughters, Karen King Pollack (and her husband Stefan Pollack) and Ilene Sturrock; his granddaughters, Sophie and Elyse Pollack; and his niece and nephew, Sari King Altman and Mitch King, who brought him constant pride and joy.

Stan valued travel, particularly the adventures he shared with Dianne and close friends. But Maui held a special place in his heart. Year after year, he returned with his family, finding joy in the sun's warmth and the tradition of being together.

Stan King’s legacy lives on through the lives he shaped, the values he upheld, and the generosity with which he supported others. He lived with integrity and purpose, leaving a lasting impact on his family, his community, and future generations.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to Special Olympics of Southern California.