Resident of Lafayette

Stan passed away peacefully at his home of 52 years on January 7, 2025, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Stan and his family give special thanks to his wonderful caregivers Elsie and Nellie, and his wonderful doctor, Chris Simmons and his team led by Allison Bacchus.

Stan was proceeded in death by Diane Pedder, his loving wife of 63 years. He is survived by his son Brooks and daughter Leslie Lightfoot and blessed with seven grandchildren and great grandchildren, (Marshall Pedder, Eliza Pedder, Lexi Lightfoot DesGeorges, Natalia Pedder, Grant Pedder, Brooks Lightfoot, and Levi DesGeorges (great grandson).

Stan spent close to 85 of his almost 90 years in Lafayette where he participated in the fullest life imaginable.

After Orinda Union Elementary and Acalanes High School, Stan attended University of Pacific (then COP) from 1953-1957, where he dated and married Diane, was president of his Rhizomia Fraternity and became an All-American water polo player. He must have had time to study, as his next stop was law school at Boalt Hall at UC Berkeley where he finished up in 1960 and had to study for the California Bar Exam with baby Brooks causing plenty of distraction. The same year he passed the Bar Exam, he began his distinguished career with the firm that would become Pedder, Hesseltine, Walker & Toth, LLP, currently the oldest law firm in Contra Costa County. Stan practiced law with the same firm for 62years. His clients not only continued to use Stan as their attorney, but two and three generations later, members of the same families would call on Stan when they needed help. In his later years, Stan dedicated thousands of hours volunteering his skills for those in need that could not afford an attorney. This was perhaps his most satisfying time practicing law.

When not at his law practice, Stan was always busy. For at least 35-40 years, he was active with the Walnut Creek Master’s Swim program. He absolutely loved his time at Heather Farms followed by a seat on the deck with his daily tuna fish sandwich in hand. He always knew if he stayed with the master’s long enough, his competition would age out and retire. Sure enough, his national rankings kept going up year after year until he was atop 10 swimmer in several events.

Early in his law career he taught speech classes and started a debate team at Saint Mary’s college in Moraga.

He stayed at Saint Mary’s for over 20 years. Many of his students followed in their professor’s footsteps and became attorneys. His Saint Mary’s debate team regularly humbled Cal and Stanford.

In 1972, Stan and Diane built their beloved horse ranch “Rancho Del Sol” in the hills above Burton Valley. All of Stan’s extra time was spent here caring for what was often more than eight horses, heading off to horse shows and generally working hard until dinner time seven days aweek. Working at the ranch made Stan truly happy and kept him in shape.

Stan sends his best wishes and love to all his family, buddies, partners, animal friends and everyone that has helped make this community of Lafayette special.

Big Stan, we send our eternal love right back at you!