Sue Jones holds the scissors during a bank donation drive in Carson City on July 12 in honor of her late husband Stan Jones. Donors Jed and Susie Block are pictured to her left, and family members of Stan Jones are pictured to her right.
Ronni Hannaman/Special to the Appeal

On what would have been Stan Jones’ 89th birthday, his widow Sue and more than 75 family members, friends and dignitaries gathered at the corner of King and Curry Streets in Carson City on July 12 to open a bench in the city in his honor.

Stan Jones passed away on December 28, 2023, after a long and varied career during which he made many friends. Friends old and new would often stop by Jones’ Purple Avocado gift shop to chat and catch up on local news. The plaque on the bench fittingly reads: “Stan Jones never met a stranger. You made Carson City a better place.”

The donation of the last available bench for the downtown area was organized and donated by Jed and Susie Block with a contribution from the Downtown Business Association. Singer Cedric Williams sang a moving rendition of “My Heart Will Go On” followed by the traditional Happy Birthday song. Following the moving words of Sue Jones, a reception was hosted by the Blocks outside the offices of State Agent & Transfer.

Before the official opening, Sue Jones told the crowd, “I can’t thank our Downtown Business Association, Jed and Susie Block, Cedric Williams and the Chamber enough for such a beautiful and memorable dedication of the downtown bank to Stan. He loved all the beautiful banks downtown and I’m sure he, like me, is smiling and honored that one is dedicated to him. He truly loved everything about Carson City; the people, the culture, the lifestyle and all the opportunities to be involved and helpful to our community.

“I am sure many people will enjoy talking to Stan on his new couch. I am very grateful for all the support, friendship and love the community has shown to Stan and me.”