Stan Miles returned to his Heavenly Father’s loving arms Nov. 14, 2021, after a long and valiant fight which began with a diagnosis of a viral infection of his heart some twenty years ago at about age 45. Stan served a faithful and fruitful mission to Norway in the late 1970s for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints. His dedication to his church service (about which he never boasted) was recognized many times in his life on this earth — by his peers and church leadership.
Stan spent much of his working years as a referee in Utah and Salt Lake County high schools for the Utah High School Activities Association, by which he was recognized for stellar and professional performances over the years.
Stan is survived by his mother, Afton Olson Miles, a former foreign service officer for the U.S. Department of State, and numerous cousins on both sides of his family. Stan’s father, Morris T. Miles, a well-known aspiring professional musician from Tooele, Utah, predeceased Stan by nearly fifteen years.
Final arrangements were handled by Serenity Funeral Home of St. George, Utah, with cremation of the body and interment of ashes Jan. 3, 2022, in the Murray City Cemetery. A dedicatory prayer of the burial site was offered by Afton’s nephew and Stan’s cousin, Gary R. Thorup of Salt Lake City. Sue Thorup, Gary’s wife and a member of the Tabernacle Choir, sang a beautiful soprano rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Final remarks were given by Stan’s lifelong friend, John W. Allan, of Mapleton, Uah. John shared poignant thoughts of Stan’s and John’s growing up years in the Manhattan First Ward of the Church in New York City in the late 1950s, the 1960s and part of the 1970s before both young men left on their missions. Their friendship and association continued over the ensuing years when circumstances in their lives allowed. Stan’s mortal existence ended in November 2021 and was brought to an earthly ending with John’s loving remarks directed to Stan at the burial of his ashes.