The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity fondly pays tribute to Stanley Bristol, former board chairman, who passed away November 4, 2010 from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
Stanley Bristol was a graduate of Wheaton College and Northern Illinois University. He received his doctorate in education administration and political science from Northwestern University. He began teaching in Wheaton at Washington School and became its principal; later he became superintendent of Schools in Kenilworth and Northern Suburban Special Education District. During this time, Stanley became active in special education and helped to lay the foundation work for the Northern Suburban Special Education District. He served a total of 23 school districts for 19 years.
In 1988 Stanley contacted Trinity International University about becoming an adjunct professor. Within one year he had been appointed as the head of the Education Department on Trinity’s campus and also taught and supervised students in education. He retired from TIU in 2000.
While working at TIU, Stanley became involved in CBHD. He recognized the importance and significance of the young organization and began supporting the Center financially. Shortly after, Stanley transitioned into a member of the board and eventually his strong gifts in administration from his previous work as a superintendent elevated him to Chairman of the Center’s Governing Board.
His remarkable enthusiasm coupled with his passion for education propelled the Center into new areas. Stanley was pivotal in developing regional conferences that became a key aspect of the Center’s event activities for nearly a decade as well as giving attendees the opportunity to receive academic credit for their work and participation. Stanley’s initiative and ingenuity has expanded awareness about bioethical issues and has opened doors to education and academic research.
It was his love of education that drove Stanley to devote his time to promote and develop the Center. He felt strongly that the expanding field of bioethics called for resources and information to be accessible to all people. Stanley clung to the importance of the special value and dignity of every human life and the dignity with which each person is endowed. This commitment flowed into all aspects of his life, from the way he interacted with his personal friends, to the way he helped those at the margins of society.
Stanley Bristol had an intuitive understanding of the importance of bioethics in our society. He viewed education as the medium for teaching medical professionals, legal professionals, clergy, laity, and all people about bioethics. While on the board he focused his attention on engaging all vocations, both Christian and secular, and shaped their thinking on current bioethical issues.
Stanley’s wife, Vernelle, describes him as never shying away from any volunteer opportunity “He would never say no to taking the lead on something.” He was a highly motivated individual whose contributions include: serving on the board of New Trier High School, former president and member of the board of the Irene Josselyn Clinic, member of the Family Services of Winnetka-Northfield, chair of the citizen’s advisory board of Wilmette Rotary, chair of Pace regional bus system, and a member of the Stephen Ministry group at his church, Winnetka Covenant.
He is survived by his wife, Vernelle, sons - Mark (Dianne) Bristol, Kent Bristol, and daughter—Kelley (Timothy) Carlson. He is also survived by his brother, John (Beverly) Bristol, and five grandchildren: Tyler, Natalie, Peter, Andrew and Katie.
Dr. John Kilner who worked closely with Stanley at CBHD remembers Stan as “a visionary with a twinkle in his eye. He saw that education is the key to people recognizing the importance of understanding and engaging bioethical challenges. And he had a delightfully humorous way of encouraging people to participate in the educational process. He was a tremendous inspiration to me personally, and to so many others who worked with him. He is sorely missed.”
Mrs. Bristol has asked that memorial gifts be given to their church, Winnetka Covenant, and/or to The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity
