Stanley Green calls himself a “junker.”
His home is packed with paintings, instruments and stories — a cello in one corner, embassy flags in another — each object is tied to his life, which has moved from Air Force missile silos to hospital delivery rooms and royal dinners in Morocco.
“Out of everyone I can think of, Stan has gotten the most out of this life,” said Lexi Stowell, a BYU student and friend of Green’s. “He takes advantage of opportunities and doesn’t hesitate to create a moment and then live in it.”
Green’s stories unfold like chapters from books of many genres. He served as a missile launch officer during the Cold War, taught radiology in China and traveled across Europe and the Middle East inspecting medical care for U.S. embassies.
“Never be afraid of a closed door,” Green said. “Be whatever you want to be, and pray about it and know that’s what the Lord would have you do.”
In addition to balancing military service, medicine and faith, Green is a trained cellist whose love for music and art shaped the atmosphere of his home. He and his late wife, Diane, raised 13 children and filled their home with violins, cellos and rehearsals that eventually grew into a family orchestra.
“We wanted our kids to be able to do all the things that really are beautiful in life,” Green said, gesturing to the instruments and handmade artwork around him.
Green first met Diane while serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Austria, but reconnected with her years later when she was engaged to someone else.
One afternoon, he spotted her near an elevator and, without thinking, blurted out, “Don’t marry him! You’re supposed to marry me.”
What started as an impulsive moment grew into a marriage that Green describes as the foundation of everything he built — a partnership rooted in faith, music and a shared belief in living life without fear.
“No matter what, Diane would always look for ways to help me in everything I did,” Green said. “She loved and supported me, and she was an amazing mother.”
While driving to the airport on Oct. 7, 1978, Green and his wife noticed flashing police lights and a body on the side of the freeway. The couple pulled over to help, and Green realized an unconscious police officer had been shot in the neck.
Drawing on his medical training, he pressed his hand into the wound to slow the bleeding until a rescue helicopter arrived, saving the man’s life.
Green explained that earlier that day, he and Diane felt impressed to leave for the airport four hours earlier than planned, although it made little logistical sense at the time.
“It really matters to listen to the Spirit, no matter what it says, and be obedient,” Green said.
Those who know Green best say his legacy is defined by how he makes others feel.
“Stan always leaves me feeling inspired and like I’m on the right track,” said Sterling Stowell, one of Green’s institute students. “He is the most Christlike man.”
Green’s grandchildren said if they had to describe their grandfather in one word, it would be “kind.” They emphasized he has always been selfless, putting others first and creating a home where his grandkids and their friends enjoy spending time.
While Green’s experiences span decades and continents, friends and family say his true impact is his ability to make people feel seen, valued and capable of more.