Stanley Golub, 85; Jeweler Was Part-Owner Of Mariners

Stanley Golub, a jewelry wholesaler who was active in Democratic politics and was one of the original owners of the Seattle Mariners, once made a local newspaper's list of Seattle's 10 most powerful people.

"Key fund-raiser and idea-man for Senator (Henry) Jackson, Golub has immense respect as a behind-the-scenes resolver of ticklish community problems," read the 1974 story, in explaining its selection.

Other stories in other decades note his World War II service medals (Purple Heart, Silver Star), and his leadership on boards ranging from Seattle Symphony and Rainier Bank to the Seattle chapter of the American Jewish Committee.

"He was my husband's best friend," said Helen Jackson, wife of the late Sen. Jackson. "We admired his loyalty to his friends and his unbridled generosity. He was always willing to help people."

The Golubs and the Jacksons took many trips together and had met heads of state, from Anwar Sadat and Golda Meir to Deng Xiaoping.

Mr. Golub died of pneumonia Wednesday. He was 85.

Born in St. Louis, he grew up in Seattle and graduated in 1930 from Franklin High School. He earned a law degree in 1936 from the University of Washington, where he was a classmate of Jackson.

Mr. Golub practiced law, then went to work in the Seattle-based wholesale jewelry firm founded by his father, Simon Golub. He served as an infantry captain in Europe, then returned to Seattle. He became president of the jewelry firm after his father died in 1947.

"He and his mother built it up from a small watchmaking company to a national business," said his son, Stanley Golub Jr. of Berkeley, Calif.

In 1976, when an American League franchise became available, Mr. Golub and other investors, including entertainer Danny Kaye, landed the franchise, which began play in 1977.

"He got into it because my mom was a baseball nut," said his son. "So that, too, was an act of generosity. Owning the Mariners was a blast for the family . . . even though it only lasted four or five years."

The initial owners eventually sold the financially troubled team to George Argyros, but Mr. Golub remained upbeat.

While accepting a 1981 award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews, he quipped, "When Danny Kaye and Lester Smith came to ask me to become involved in the Mariners, they said it would be a new chapter in my life. Little did I know it would be Chapter 11."

Mr. Golub kept busy, worked out at a gym, and laughed at the antics of his four grandchildren.

Other survivors include his wife of 49 years, Adele Golub of Seattle; his children Carol Harris and Susan Golub, both of Seattle; and his brother, Orville Golub of Los Angeles. Services have been held.