STANLEY WAYNE EKSTROM

AN ELECTRIFYING INDIVIDUAL

The late Stanley Ekstrom’s success as president of Cardinal was much more than his extraordinary financial acumen.

An authentic love for people inspired Stan to nurture his employees as though they were family. In turn, the “family” at Cardinal responded to his altruistic kindness with trust, loyalty and productivity. That same, deep belief in investment in humanity colored everything he did.

Stan has been described as brilliant, insightful and ethical. He also was known to be charismatic, mercurial and delightfully eccentric. Active and intensely interested in the world, he pursued everything from coins and vintage cars to boating and guitar. But most of all, Stan’s busy and inquisitive mind remained focused on aiding the unprotected.

A man who felt life very profoundly, Stan made philanthropy a driving force throughout his life. It began with a powerful respect for his father’s service in WWII, spurring him to donate generously to organizations and associations that provided service or aid to veterans. His extreme dedication to improving the lives of the unprotected flourished throughout his life.

The Stanley Ekstrom Foundation continues to support:

  • Wounded soldiers, their families and the families of deceased soldiers.
  • Academically gifted students from financially challenged families.
  • At-risk women and children.
  • Abandoned, neglected, abused or endangered animals.
  • Senior citizens in need.
  • Amateur athletics.
  • Maritime endeavors for those who normally would be unable to participate.
“He filled the rooms of so many lives.”

SOCIAL WELFARE

Following The Example Of His Parents, Stan Was A Major Contributor To A Number Of Organizations That Promote Social Welfare. He Cofounded The Family Violence Project Of Orange County That Protects At-Risk-Children. He Also Funded A Number Of Organizations That Provide Services For The Elderly.

EDUCATION

Stan Was A Great Believer In Improving the Influence Of Education. He Sponsored Deserving Candidates In Their Pursuit Of Higher Education. For Over 20 Years He Funded The Science, Technology, Engineering And Math (STEM) Programs In Local High Schools.

ANIMAL WELFARE

Throughout His Life Stan Was A Great Lover Of Animals. Cardinal’s Corporate Headquarters Is Adjacent To A Recreational Area And He Made Sure That He Found Homes For The Many Animals Abandoned There. He Was An Advocate For The Humane And Ethical Treatment Of Animals.

MILITARY SERVICE

Stan’s Respect For Veteran Affairs Stemmed From The Fact That His Father, Marvin, Had Served In The U.S. Army During World War II. Many Of The Men Who Worked For Marvin And Established Cardinal Were Fellow Veterans. Stan Was Deeply Committed To Supporting The Veterans Of The Local VFW, VFW Post 10218.

The Stanley Ekstrom Foundation continues to support:

  • Active duty and retired military and their families.
  • Academically gifted students from financially challenged families.
  • At-risk women and children.
  • Abandoned, neglected, abused or endangered animals.
  • Senior citizens in need.
  • Amateur athletics.
  • Maritime endeavors for those who normally would be unable to participate, and many other worthy causes.