Gary Stanley, 76, an architect in Sioux Falls for over 50 years, passed away peacefully, with his wife, Myrna, by his side on December 11, 2020, at the Sanford Heart Hospital.

Gary Lee Stanley was born on November 4, 1944, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Roy and Florence (Wicks) Stanley.  He attended elementary school in Baltic and graduated from Brandon High School in 1962.  He then attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1967.

In 1967, Gary began his career at TSP in Sioux Falls and was fortunate to be mentored by Harold Spitznagel.  In 1989, he established his own firm, RSArchitects (RSA), and continued to practice architecture until his retirement in 2019.  Architecture was not only his profession but also his passion.  He always strived to design structures that enhanced the built environment and met the clients' visions.  Gary credited the success of the firm to the personal relationships he formed with his clients, many of whom become lifelong friends, and the loyal, talented, and dedicated staff with whom he worked.

On August 14, 1970, he was united in marriage to Myrna Iverson in Yankton, SD.  At the time of their marriage, Gary had just completed the home he designed and where they lived throughout their marriage.  They were blessed with two children, Audra and John, whom Gary always showered with sage advice and much love.

Gary believed in giving back to and contributing to the community.  He enjoyed his involvement with many organizations and profession-related committees as a Past Member on the Habitat for Humanity Board; Past President of the South Dakota Chapter of the American Institute of Architects; Past Chairman, Minnehaha County Planning Commission; Past Vice President of the Historic South Dakota Foundation; Past National AIA Committee on Historic Resources; Past Exalted Ruler of the Sioux Falls Elks Lodge; and a Past Vestry Member at Calvary Episcopal Cathedral.  On an international level, RSA was also honored to provide design plans for a school, medical center and womens' center in Pajut, South Sudan.

Gary was the happiest at their cabin on Enemy Swim Lake.  He always looked forward to the arrival of his children and grandchildren and the fishing, tubing, skiing, and jet ski and pontoon rides that ensued.  In retirement, he found a new use for his drawing talents and created original birthday/event cards for his loved ones and friends.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Florence Stanley, step-mother, Helen Stanley, and brother, Roger Stanley.

Deeply missed by and blessed to have shared in his life and love, include his wife, Myrna, a daughter, Audra (Jered) Newell, of San Jose, CA, a son, John Stanley, of Hayfork, CA, granddaughters, Berkeley, London, and Aubrey Newell, and Kaelyn Wheeler. Other survivors include a sister-in-law, Leila Stanley, a nephew, Duane (Michelle) Stanley, a niece, Deborah (Todd) Sauder, a brother-in-law, Ross (Deborah) Iverson, a niece, Alicia (Brian) Iverson-Salazar, and 5 great-nieces and great-nephews.  Also blessed to have stood under the family umbrella of love are Mark and Wendy van Stormbroek (Sophie and Finn), of Veenendaal, The Netherlands, and Gabriel Kon Machot Lual (Rebecca, Serena and MJ) of Juba, South Sudan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: Calvary Episcopal Cathedral, 500 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104; Habitat for Humanity, 721 E. Amidon St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104; Rebuilding South Sudan through Education (RSSE), PO Box 847, Sioux Falls, SD 57101.

A private ceremony is planned for the near future, and a larger gathering to celebrate Gary's life will be scheduled for a later date once the community can gather safely.