Stan and Kristine Gonzales embody the very best of Canyon Lake, community, generosity, and a deep-rooted love for life and the people around them. Kristine grew up in Greeley, Colorado, near the Rocky Mountains, where she developed a passion for outdoor living and fishing alongside her two sisters and brother. Stan, also raised in Colorado with two brothers and a sister, found his passion early, learning the game of golf at just eight years old, with his backyard sitting along the 15th hole of a golf course, guided by his father from the very beginning.

Their story together began long before adulthood. With their families connected, they recall crossing paths as early as age 12 at a local roller skating rink. By 17, they began dating, and as they say, the rest is history.

Kristine attended the University of Northern Colorado, before relocating to Southern California. She continued her education at Orange Coast College where she obtained her associates degree while working at South Coast Plaza. Over the years, she built a successful career that included owning a scrapbook store in Canyon Lake’s Town Center for nearly eight years before transitioning into real estate, where she has now been licensed for over 20 years. Kristine also has a keen eye for style and detail and is known among friends as a connoisseur of luxury accessories, with a beautifully curated collection of handbags that reflects her appreciation for quality and design.

Stan attended the University of Colorado, where he was on a golf scholarship and developed both his competitive edge and lifelong love for the game. A proud Colorado Buffalo fan, he still closely follows the program to this day. After moving west in 1988 in search of opportunity, Stan quickly built an impressive career in the golf industry. He spent 18 years at Menifee Lakes Country Club, including 15 years as Head Golf Professional. He later served as Regional Manager overseeing eight golf courses across Southern California. After years of extensive travel, he decided to step away from that role and now focuses on what he enjoys most, supporting and organizing fundraising golf tournaments. Most recently, he was involved with the Carlos Santana Charity Golf Tournament, helping support youth programs and introduce kids to the game of golf. You can often find Stan at Dos Lagos Golf Course, still very much connected to the game he loves.

Outside of golf, Stan is a dedicated Raiders fan and season ticket holder, often traveling to see them play in Las Vegas and stadiums across the country, combining his love of sports with his passion for travel. If you have spent any time around Stan, you have likely experienced his signature dry sense of humor, quick, subtle, and always perfectly timed. He has a way of making everyone around him laugh, always inclusive, never at anyone’s expense, and always adding to the enjoyment of the moment.

Stan and Kristine eventually found what they had always been looking for, a unique lifestyle here in Canyon Lake. Over the years, they have moved nine times within the community, building multiple homes, each one bringing them closer to their dream. Today, they enjoy their beautiful single-story modern lakefront home, which they proudly call their forever home.

Both Stan and Kristine have been active members of the Canyon Lake community for many years. Stan has been involved with both the CLAMS and the Canyon Lake Yacht Club, where he enjoys spending time with friends and supporting club events.

What truly sets Stan and Kristine apart is the depth and consistency of their generosity. They are quiet but powerful contributors to this community, supporting nearly every major club, event, and cause throughout Canyon Lake. From meaningful donations to countless fundraisers, including the Canyon Lake Yacht Club’s silent auction, they give freely of their time and resources without ever seeking recognition or notoriety. Their impact reaches far beyond any single event. They have helped shape the spirit of giving that defines this community. Simply put, they show up again and again because they genuinely care.

They are also avid travelers, having experienced incredible destinations around the world, including safaris in South Africa, golfing at St. Andrews in Scotland, and trips to Greece, China, Tokyo, London, and Paris. Their love for both adventure and culture reflects their outlook on life. Their next adventure will take them to Egypt with friends, continuing their passion for exploring new places and cultures.

Stan and Kristine are proud parents of two sons, Jeremy and Shane, who have successfully made their mark in the clothing industry and now live in Hollywood.

They live by a simple but powerful philosophy: “You don’t know what tomorrow brings, live life to the fullest and always remember where you came from.”

Their motto says it best: Do as much as possible.

The Canyon Lake Yacht Club is proud to recognize Stan and Kristine Gonzales as this month’s Deckhands of the Month. Their generosity, humility, and unwavering commitment to this community exemplify the very spirit of Canyon Lake. They are not only valued members of the Yacht Club, but truly among the individuals who make this community such a special place to call home.

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Sailor Six Questions:           

1. How long have you lived in Canyon Lake?  33 years

2. How long have you been a member of the CL Yacht Club?  3 Years

3. If you were stranded on an island, where would you want to be?  Kona – Big Island Hawaii

4. What YC event do you look forward to the most?   Commodore’s Ball

5. Favorite water activity?  Floating & Hanging with Friends

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6. Does your boat have a name? If not what would you call it?   Stay Toon’d