Born in Callander, Ontario, he moved to Burk’s Falls and was elected to the Burk’s Falls Town Council in 1942. He was a councilor for 4 years and reeve for 26 years.

In the 1953 federal election, he ran unsuccessfully as the Progressive Conservative candidate for the House of Commons in the riding of Parry Sound – Muskoka. He tried again successfully in the 1972 federal election and won re-elections five more times in 1974, 1979, 1980, 1984 and 1988. He did not seek re-election in the 1993 campaign, retiring at the age of 82.

Stan was father to Peter and John who operated the insurance and real estate offices after his move to Ottawa as the Parry Sound / Muskoka Member of Parliament. He has four grandchildren; Patrick, Stephen, Jason and Victoria. Stephen and Jason are the current owners of Stan Darling Insurance Inc.