PORTLAND, Oregon - May 8, 2017 - Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) today reported that Benjamin R. Whiteley, former president of the company (1983 - 1994) passed away at his Portland home on May 4, 2017, at 87. The Standard extends its condolences to his family, particularly his wife Elaine.

Ben Whiteley began his career with The Standard in 1956 as an actuarial clerk, launching a professional trajectory that carried him into increasingly influential roles that shaped the company and left a lasting legacy. He retired as president 1994 and remained Chairman until 1998. In addition, he served as a board member at many other companies headquartered in Oregon, including Northwest Natural Gas Co., Willamette Industries, Inc., and The Greenbrier Companies where he served as Chairman from 2004 to 2014.

'StanCorp has lost a great friend and leader, and we are deeply saddened by the loss of Ben Whiteley,' said J. Greg Ness, chairman, president and CEO of StanCorp. 'Ben was a tremendous force for good - both at The Standard and in his community. He certainly left his mark on this company and it was an honor working with him and calling him a friend. On behalf of our employees and the board of directors, I extend my condolences to Ben's family and especially his wife, Elaine. Ben will be missed by many.'

During his impressive career at The Standard, Ben also served on the boards of various nonprofits, earning him a reputation as a tireless philanthropist and community supporter. Starting in 1976, some of the boards and organizations to which Ben dedicated his time and resources included:

  • Cascade Pacific Council of the Boy Scouts
  • Portland Opera
  • Oregon Community Foundation
  • Pacific University
  • Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation
  • Oregon Health & Science University Foundation
  • United Way of the Columbia-Willamette

Ben and Elaine Whiteley were honored in November 2016 with the Vollum Award for Lifetime Philanthropic Achievement. The award was made in recognition of their 40 years of philanthropic leadership, including generous gifts to and volunteerism for Oregon charities and institutions.

About The Standard

The Standard is a leading provider of financial products and services, including group and individual disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, group dental and vision insurance, absence management services, retirement plans products and services and individual annuities. For more information about The Standard, visit www.standard.com.

The Standard is the marketing name for StanCorp Financial Group, Inc., and its subsidiaries: Standard Insurance Company, The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York, Standard Retirement Services, Inc., StanCorp Mortgage Investors, Inc., StanCorp Investment Advisers, Inc., StanCorp Real Estate, LLC, and StanCorp Equities, Inc.

Contact

Bob Speltz, Senior Director, Public Affairs
971.321.3162

StanCorp Financial Group Inc. published this content on 08 May 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 09 May 2017 00:42:07 UTC.

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