Obituary: Alexandria Businessman and Philanthropist Stanley L. Krejci, 78
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Stanley (Stan) Krejci, 78, died unexpectedly at his home on October 28. His life was shorter than we had hoped, but it was very full and he touched so many. He was an eternal optimist and true artist of life, with a smile and enthusiastic greeting for everyone.
He was born in Hammond, IN on June 27, 1942 and summered in Grand Beach, MI with his siblings Shirley Boden, Emil Krejci (deceased), and Lainey Patterson. He graduated from Northwestern University in 1964 with a major in Political Science. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and President of the Interfraternity Council.
He met his wife Gail while stationed in Montreal, Quebec with the United States Navy. Stan earned his M.B.A from George Washington University in 1970. Stan served in the Supply Corps and did a tour of duty in Saigon. After the war, he co-founded Indoor Gardens, an office landscaping company, with his Navy friend, Harry Belin. When the business sold, he became CFO at Metrocall and later Landmark Systems Corporation. In 2000, he entered the field of Executive Search, spending nine years at the McCormick Group and later starting his own firm, The SK Group, where he worked up to his death helping build corporate boards and advising individuals on career transitions. He loved discussing people’s aspirations during meals at his beloved Tower Club.
He was always active in his community, having served on multiple boards, including the Association for Corporate Growth, Paul Public Charter School, the Campagna Center, the Alexandria Symphony, and Belle Haven Country Club. He was an active member of the Alexandria Businessmen’s Club, where he loved to spend time with the next generation of community and business leaders. He attended St. Paul’s Church, where he had been on the vestry and actively served as a chalicist, a role he loved deeply.
He was a great friend, both to those whom he just met and to his dearest friends with whom he played cards multiple times a week, went on walks to explore new developments and bistros in the metro area, and basked in the sun at the pool or the beach. He loved hosting dinners and parties, creating elaborate tablescapes, requiring everyone to sign the guestbook, spending time talking with everyone and letting them know how thrilled he was to see them.
Most importantly, Stosh, as he was known to his five grandkids, was an extraordinary family man. He was deeply in love with his wife Gail, with whom he recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. He was a proud father, who epitomized unconditional love for his kids. He loved to share stories about his daughter Stacey and her husband Niko and his son Drew and his wife Kate with his clients and friends. He was a devoted and playful grandfather, spending hours with his grandchildren Eliot, Iris, Axel, Izzy, and Charlie on crafts, puzzles, and telling stories about the British monarchy. We will miss him profoundly.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the St. Paul’s Foundation in Alexandria, VA, which helps support the church’s mission. We will hold a memorial service and celebration of his amazing life when it’s safe to gather.
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